What is sustainable construction and why it’s the future of building

Gone are the days when “going green” was just buzz-speak in the building industry. Embracing sustainable practices is now essential for smart businesses looking to lead and grow.

Climate change is here and the way we use resources has changed. Builders and developers are embracing a clear reality: it’s time to build smarter.

More and more local businesses are embracing building methods that tread lighter on our planet without compromising on strength or quality. It’s no longer about choosing between doing the right thing and doing the profitable thing. Sustainable construction is increasingly becoming both.

What is Sustainable Building?

Sustainable building is the practice of creating structures using environmentally responsible and resource-efficient processes throughout a building’s lifecycle. This covers everything from design and construction to operation, maintenance, renovation, and even demolition.

The aim is to limit the eco impact of building while also developing healthy, durable structures that use resources in a smart way. Sustainable construction minimises waste, reduces carbon emissions, conserves energy and water, and uses materials that cause minimal environmental harm.

Characteristics of Sustainable Construction

What sets sustainable construction apart from conventional building methods? Several key characteristics: 

• Resource efficiency. Using materials more effectively while generating less waste via careful planning and precise ordering.
• Energy conservation. Designing buildings that require less energy to operate thanks to proper insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and smart technology integration.
• Water conservation. Implementing water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and drought-resistant landscaping.
• Lowered carbon footprint. Selecting low-carbon materials and incorporating renewable energy solutions to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.
• Waste reduction. Adopting practices that minimise construction waste through recycling and repurposing materials.
• Improved indoor environmental quality. Creating healthier spaces with better air quality, natural lighting, and non-toxic materials.
• Durability and longevity. Building structures designed to last longer, requiring fewer resources for repairs and replacements over time.

Why Sustainable Buildings Are the Future

Eco friendly is no longer enough when it comes to sustainable construction. It’s a smart business decision that makes economic sense. Buildings designed with sustainability in mind typically cost less to run day-to-day because they use less energy and water. Plus, there’s often money on the table in the form of government incentives for green projects, and these buildings tend to sail through compliance with those increasingly tough building codes.

There’s another compelling reason to embrace sustainable building practices. With bushfires, floods, and heatwaves becoming more common, sustainable buildings offer better protection against extreme environmental events. They’re built tougher to handle intense conditions while keeping everyone inside comfortable – whether it’s scorching hot or freezing cold outside.

Neumann Steel: Leading the Way in Sustainability

We’ve positioned ourselves as leaders in sustainable construction in the reinforcing steel sector. Our commitment to sustainability isn’t just talk; it’s backed by achievements and innovative products:

• Our headquarters became the first manufacturing facility in Australia to receive Level 3 certification under the SSA Sustainability Steel Australia program. 

• Our Currumbin headquarters also completed the installation of its solar panels, marking a significant milestone as the third-largest solar installation in South East Queensland. Additionally, we are installing solar panel systems at our Thornton, Capalaba, Caloundra and Hervey Bay facilities.

• The NuPod plastic void former system is a groundbreaking product made from up to 100% recycled plastic that provides an alternative to traditional polystyrene waffle pods. It reduces plastic waste while remaining practical. It was recognised when it won the 2021 HIA Australian GreenSmart Product of the Year title and the award for Innovation in Materials & Products at the 2021 Gold Coast/Northern Rivers Housing Awards.

Our Sustainability Journey

Neumann Steel’s commitment to sustainability dates back to the early 2000s when we recognised the growing importance of reducing our environmental footprint. Our sustainability initiatives include:

• Achieving ISO 14001 certification to formalise our environmental objectives
• Implementing comprehensive waste reduction initiatives focused on minimising landfill waste
• Upgrading machinery and optimising production processes for greater energy efficiency
• Adopting sustainable procurement practises that prioritise local suppliers with strong sustainability credentials

You can read more about our earth-friendly approaches at Sustainable Gold Coast, where we were featured in a four-part series on sustainability success. 

Focusing on a Sustainable Future

As the construction industry continues to evolve, sustainable buildings and construction will become not just preferred – but expected, for clients of all sizes.

We’re committed to reducing our own environmental footprint while also supporting Australia’s construction industry with high-quality, eco-friendly steel and plastic products. Sustainability is not just an occasional business strategy, we actively promote a lasting culture of environmental and social responsibility ensuring our actions today sustain a thriving community for future generations. For a technical or design discussion about how our sustainable steel and plastic solutions can benefit your next project, please submit an enquiry via our contact page.