Reducing the Environmental Impact by Using Proper Construction Materials and Techniques

Throughout the world, building is one of the largest industrial sectors, and a significant part of the resource consumption is used by the construction industry. Furthermore, it generates waste at all levels of production, use and disposal, which can pollute air, soil and in some cases contaminate the water supplies. Until recently the main criteria for selecting building materials have been their structural suitability, costs, and aesthetics. Now the challenge is to create healthy building environments. Therefore the impact of the building process and the building itself on the environment, during the whole service life should be taken into account. The design process and execution has to be carefully controlled and efficient technologies have to be properly applied. In this paper, some of the main aspects in reducing the environmental impact of construction by using appropriate materials and techniques will be highlighted.