In 2015, the United Nations (UN) established a series of global objectives that aim to lay the foundations for "achieving a better and more sustainable future for all", and which refer to different socioeconomic areas, including the construction sector.
The main tool to achieve these objectives lies in the application of sustainability principles in constructionTherefore, the environmental management has become a key factor to take into account in engineering projects related both to new construction and to the renovation and improvement of buildings that do not apply these principles, but want to advocate a sustainable construction.
Although progress is not being made as quickly and efficiently as would be desirable, there are more and more initiatives aimed at establishing sustainability in construction through various tools that offer great results in terms of both ecology and economy. With these actions, the following are achieved more environmentally and economically sustainable buildings.
What is considered sustainable construction?
The concept of sustainability applied to the construction sector does not only refer to minimizing the environmental impact of buildings (while they are being built and throughout their useful life). Sustainable construction, in addition to being respectful of the environment and adapting to italso takes into account the user welfare of the buildings, always seeking to ensure their maximum comfort and safety.
In sustainable construction, environmental, economic and social aspects are taken into account. The aim is to save energy and resources, for example, through the use of low environmental impact materials and social (that are safe) or the incorporation of the use of renewable energies during the useful life of the building.
UN guidelines on sustainability in construction
Since the UN proposed the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", which aims, among other objectives, to protect the planet and its natural resources, the construction sector has been in the spotlight.
According to the Organization's own data, this sector is responsible for 37% of industry-related CO₂ emissions, and buildings account for more than 34% of total energy demand. The UN considers that, if effectively and realistically implemented. sustainability policies in constructionemissions could be reduced by 90% in developed countries and up to 80% in developing countries.
It is estimated that half of the buildings that will be in place in 2050 will be in are still to be builtIt is therefore essential to adopt sustainable construction that takes care of the environment and people to ensure their survival in the future.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to construction and engineering.
The UN established a total of 17 SDGs, at least 11 of which are directly related to the sustainable development in construction:
- SDG No. 3 - Health and wellness: sustainable buildings promote healthy lifestyles and protect us from unhealthy and polluting environments.
- SDG No. 6 - Clean water and sanitation: reuses natural resources, facilitates access to clean and safe water consumption and enhances efficiency.
- SDG No. 7 - Affordable and non-polluting energy: sustainability in construction prioritizes energy efficiency, which translates into savings on electricity bills.
- SDG No. 8 - Decent work and economic growth: the need to transform existing buildings into more sustainable constructions, as well as the transition to a decarbonized economy, generate new jobs.
- SDG No. 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure: sustainability in construction is integrated into the aspiration to have green cities where technological solutions are implemented in mobility, logistics or waste management that, in turn, contribute to having more sustainable buildings.
- SDG No. 10 - Reducing inequalities: the construction of sustainable environments aims to establish a good standard of living for everyone, eliminating energy poverty and ensuring the well-being of the entire population, among others.
- SDG No. 11 - Sustainable cities and communities: one of the objectives of sustainable buildings is to facilitate access to decent housing and its integration into inclusive, safe and resilient urban environments.
- SDG No. 12 - Responsible production and consumption: sustainable construction puts into practice the principles of the circular economy, in which the optimization of resources and zero waste is a priority.
- SDG No. 13 - Climate action: one of the fundamental goals of sustainability in construction is to reduce the polluting emissions produced in the sector; this actively contributes to the fight against climate change.
- SDG No. 15 - Life of terrestrial ecosystems: respecting and adapting buildings to their environment safeguards and promotes biodiversity and the regeneration of natural resources.
- SDG No. 17 - Alliances to achieve objectives: the construction sector involves multiple agents that, in turn, are related to other sectors; sharing knowledge and collaborating through different alliances is crucial to be sustainable in all dimensions: ecological, social and economic.
Buildings and Climate Global Forum: world forum on construction and sustainability
In March 2024, the UN Environment Program and the French government organized the first global forum on building and climate, which was attended by more than 1,400 people and mainly discussed the decarbonization and climate resilience of buildings. This meeting concluded with the adoption by the representatives of 70 countries of the "Declaration of Chaillot", which aims to to promote an effective transition of the sector towards sustainability in construction through international collaboration.
At this statementIn order to achieve these objectives, several objectives were established, mainly related to:
- Planning - develop urban planning policies aimed at achieving greater efficiency, self-sufficiency and resilience for buildings, common spaces, neighborhoods and users at all territorial levels.
- Construction/rehabilitation - planning, designing, constructing, using and managing buildings that are sustainable, efficient, zero-emission, healthy, safe, resilient and flexible, and that adapt to the climate/environment culturally, economically, functionally and socially.
TALAT projects to boost sustainability in construction
At TALATWe have developed multiple engineering and construction projects aimed at improving the sustainability of buildings. A special challenge is posed by large-scale works or constructions that, due to their nature, such as hotel complexes, require high energy consumption to be fully functional.
In these cases where it is crucial to minimize the environmental impact of buildings and optimize natural resources to the maximum, we are committed to innovative solutions such as the spectacular hypogeum of the new Santiago Bernabeu stadiumThe project includes a subway greenhouse that allows, on the one hand, to diversify the uses of the stadium and, on the other hand, to provide a system that provides a sustainable care of the turf;
or the various interventions that converted the Hipotels Playa de Palma in a benchmark 5-star hotel and nZEB (near-zero emission building). Sustainability can be promoted in all types of construction, for example, the new building of the Alcudia Nautical Training Center (Mallorca) that has, among others, solar thermal, photovoltaic and aerothermal energy to have energy rating A.
If you want to go for sustainability in construction, tell us about your project and we will find solutions to make it as efficient and sustainable as possible.