LoumainSustainabilityEnvironmental Impact

Sustainability and Environmental Impact in Australian Commercial Construction

The Australian commercial construction industry has a significant impact on the environment, accounting for almost a quarter of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, the industry has a significant impact on the environment, but there is a growing trend towards more sustainable practices. As the industry continues to evolve, it is expected to adopt more eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and green building designs to reduce its environmental footprint.

Hard Facts

0
The industry's environmental footprint account for 25% of greenhouse gas all emissions. This is primarily due to the use of energy-intensive materials, such as steel and concrete
0
48% of Australian respondents believe that the construction industry should adopt more environmentally friendly and sustainable building practices.
0
Despite the ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, buildings are yet to be designed and delivered according to project-level carbon budgets.

Environmental Impact Factors

Carbon Footprint

The construction industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Efforts to reduce the carbon footprint include using low-carbon materials, optimizing building designs for energy efficiency, and incorporating renewable energy sources.

Biodiversity

Construction projects can impact local ecosystems and biodiversity. Sustainable site management practices, such as protecting existing vegetation and creating green spaces, are important for mitigating these impacts.

Pollution and Air Quality

Construction activities can generate dust, noise, and emissions that affect air quality. Implementing best practices for dust control, noise reduction, and emissions management is essential for minimizing these impacts.

Resource Depletion

The construction industry consumes significant natural resources. Sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials and promoting resource-efficient designs, help reduce resource depletion.

Common sustainability practices in Australian commercial construction

  • Energy-efficient building designs
  • Eco-friendly materials
  • Water conservation measures
  • Waste reduction and recycling
  • Green certifications and standards
  • Sustainable materials and resources
  • Renewable energy integration
  • Efficient waste management
  • Reducing pollution

Assessing Environmental Impact in Australian Commercial Construction

Commercial construction projects in Australia assess environmental impact through various frameworks and tools, including:

  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
  • Sustainable Development Assessment frameworks
  • Green Star rating system
  • Building Sustainability Index (BASIX)
  • Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR)
  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • State and territory-specific guidelines

Loumain's Sustainability Policy & Environmental Impact Reduction Strategies

Here are some key initiatives Loumain is undertaking that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility:

Whenever possible and where we have the ability to impact the design, Loumain is Implementing energy-efficient systems and technologies, such as LED lighting, high-performance HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources (e.g., solar panels), which are crucial for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

We also maintain an energy efficiency policy during construction activities.

Energy Efficiency

Water Conservation

Whenever possible and where we have the ability to impact the design, Loumain is using strategies which include using water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and grey water recycling to minimise water usage and promote conservation.

We also maintain a water management policy during construction activities

Whenever possible and where we have the ability to impact the design and material selection, Loumain is selecting materials with lower environmental impacts, such as recycled content, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) products, and sustainably sourced timber. This helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of construction projects.

Sustainable Materials

Waste Management

We maintain effective waste management practices and policies, including recycling and reusing construction materials. These are essential for minimising landfill waste and promoting a circular economy.

Raising awareness about sustainability and environmental impact in the construction industry is crucial. Loumain conducts training programs, workshops, and educational initiatives organised to educate our staff. architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners about sustainable practices and technologies.

Education and Awareness

Resources

Latest news & case studies: Sustainability in construction. Environmental Impact of Construction Activities

Select a service to learn more

Planning & Development

Development Management

Early stage involvement designed to reduce client/ developer risk. Focus on budget, feasibility and constructibility.

Design & Documentation

Design Management

Collaborative, efficient coordination of design, documentation and specifications.

Project Management

Project Management

Professional management of construction projects. Focus on accountability, efficiency and risk mitigation.

Construction Services

General Contracting

Flexible project delivery models including construct only (GC), design & construct, construction management or cost-plus

Asset Management

Asset Protection

Asset management, planned and unplanned maintenance, abortive and remedial works, audits and inspections.

HSEQ Management

HSEQ Services

Health, Safety, Environment and Quality system management, auditing and risk analysis

Select your sector of interest to learn more

Aged Care

Aged Care

Aged Care construction and fitout

Childcare

Childcare & ELC

Turnkey Childcare planning, design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Civil & Environmental

Civil & Environmental

Civil, infrastructure & environmental planning, design and project management, construction and lifecycle maintenance.

Commercial & Mixed-use

Commercial Construction

Commercial building project planning, design management, construction and lifecycle maintenance.

Community & Public

Public Spaces

Community centre & public venues planning, design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Cultural & Worship

Cultural & Worship

Place of worship & cultural centre design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Education & Training

Schools & Training Facilities

General & specialist training facility planning, design and project management, construction and lifecycle maintenance.

Hospitality & Restaurants

Hospitality & Restaurants

Restaurant building project planning, design management, construction, fitout, refurbishment and lifecycle maintenance.

Healthcare

Healthcare

Public & private healthcare facility planning, design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

General Practices

GP Clinics

Turnkey medical centre design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Diagnostic Imaging

Radiology Centres

Radiology clinic, imaging department planning, design and project management, construction and lifecycle maintenance.

Labs & Cleanrooms

ISO & TGA Cleanrooms

Lab & sensitive environment project planning, design management, construction, fitout, refurbishment and lifecycle maintenance.

Industrial & Logistics

Manufacturing & Warehousing

Factories, industrial project planning, design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Data Centre & Energy Storage

Data Centres, Energy Storage

Data centre, battery research and production design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Retail & Shopping Centres

Retail & Shopping

Turnkey retail design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Office Buildings

Office fitout

Office space project planning, design management, construction, fitout, refurbishment and lifecycle maintenance.