Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change in the Construction Industry

This dissertation investigates how the construction industry can mitigate the effects of climate change. It explores the impact of climate change on buildings and constructions, ways to reduce the industry's contribution to climate change, strategies to reduce costs of going green, and the use of renewable materials in construction. The study aims to provide deep insights and knowledge on the topic and serve as a basis for future research.

ABSTRACT
Climate change can be defined as a long-term change within the condition of weather
that represents Earth's global, regional, and local climates. These changes are broad in nature
and may impact the construction of a project. Changes in climate virtually impact the overall
economic and natural system. It represents the interaction between land degradation, forests,
chemicals, water points which directly or indirectly affects construction project organisations.
In this construction project refers to a process of renovating, constructing, refurbishing and
many more are included that are useful to the structure or infrastructure of a building. This
investigates how a construction project can mitigate the effect of climate change.
This dissertation was completed using a variety of resources, including books, journals,
articles, and questionnaires. This study reflects detailed knowledge and information about the
specific topics of climate change and the Construction Industry. It also forms the basis and
starting point for future research in related topic areas.

Table of Contents
Research Topic: “Climate emergency: A critical view on how the construction industry can
mitigate the effects of climate change”............................................................................................
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................................................
1.1. Background to the study..................................................................................................1
1.2. Rationale for selection of topic........................................................................................2
1.3. Research aim and objectives...........................................................................................2
1.4. Research questions.........................................................................................................3
1.5. Scope and limitation......................................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Literature Review...........................................................................................................
Impact of climate change on buildings and constructions......................................................4
Ways to reduce the contribution to climate change in the Construction industry..................7
Strategies that the industry can adopt to reduce the costs of going green – make it more
attractive to go green............................................................................................................10
Analysis of the way renewable materials used in construction can help in reducing
the environmental impact of construction.......................................................................13
Chapter 3: Research Methodology.................................................................................................
Chapter 4: Data analysis and interpretation...................................................................................
Data analysis.........................................................................................................................21
Interpretation of collected data.........................................................................................24
Chapter 5: Communication and discussion of research findings...................................................
Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendation................................................................................
Conclusion...........................................................................................................................43
Recommendation................................................................................................................45
Chapter 7: Reflection.....................................................................................................................
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................

Research Topic: “Climate emergency: A critical view on how the construction
industry can mitigate the effects of climate change”
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1. Background to the study
Climate change is referred to as a long-term change in an average pattern of weather that
has come to define the global, regional, and local climate of Earth (Ghosh, 2018). These
alterations in climate have a wide range of observed effects which are synonymous with the
term. The change in climate maximizes the risk related to the initiation of the construction
project cycle and can affect the construction sector directly by climate and weather, but can also
impact indirectly like side programming, extra expense, material cost, delivery, labourers’ safety,
delay, etc. In this humans are the major part that will influence climate and overall earth
temperature by cutting down the farming livestock, rainforests, and burning fossil fuels. This
situation requires action aiming to reduce the damage that impacts the environment. Climate
emergencies occur due to human activities such as high usage of fossil fuel, coal, gas, etc. that
result in affecting the climate. These activities may cause pollution in the air and seas and rapid
changes are required for this to be avoided. Due to the changes that occur in the climate several
types of risks are associated with operating a construction project cycle. Changes in climate such
as increased rainfall, rise in temperature directly impact construction projects.
A construction project has a significant influence on the environment all over the world.
Every aspect of the sector has some measurable influence - from mining processes utilised for
materials to the waste developed through the project and the way it is disposed of. There is
sufficient evidence showing that there are significant changes in weather patterns and
temperatures around the world that is posing serious threats to the built environment and other
aspects of our planet. Gunningham, 2019).
To conduct this research, researcher focused on several aspects like literature review,
research methodology, and collecting data by using questionnaires Conclusions are drawn at the
end of the dissertation aiming to enhance the knowledge and skills related to climate change and
their effect on a construction project.
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1.2. Rationale for selection of topic
The rationale of research refers to reflecting a reason to conduct particular research. This
study will critically investigate and analyse how the construction industry can mitigate the
effects of climate change and will assist in providing deep insights and knowledge on the topic.
This makes the researcher able to study the overview of the construction of buildings and
infrastructure and investigate different ways the Construction Industry can minimise and mitigate
Climate Change (Tong and Ebi, 2019). Additionally, strategies for decreasing the costs of going
green in the Construction Industry will be investigated. Moreover, this project also determines
different construction methods, services, and materials that will reduce the impact of buildings
on the environment. Through this investigation, it will be possible to perform further studies on
the topic effectively and systematically. This study will also assess the way in which renewable
materials are utilized in construction and how these can assist in reducing the negative impact of
construction on the environment. and thus provide a deeper understanding of the links between
climate change and the construction industry.
1.3. Research aims and objectives
Research aim
Research aim refers to the intention of conducting particular research by summarising in
a sentence. It helps the researcher to conduct research effectively and on time. The research aim
is to be written in wide terms and shows what was achieved at the end of the dissertations. The
main aim of the current investigation is “To critically investigate and analyse how the
construction industry can mitigate the effects of climate change”.
Research objectives
Objectives of research are defined as the purpose of conducting particular research. It
helps the researcher to attain their targets effectively and efficiently. These objectives are the
essential part of conducting research and attaining the aim of the study that offers a pathway to
investigators related to perform a task in a systematic manner (Salimi and Al-Ghamdi, 2020).
The main objectives which are reviewed and analysed through the current investigation are listed
below:
 To study the impact of climate change on buildings and structures
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 To assess the ways to reduce the Construction Industry’s contribution to climate change.
 To identify the strategies that the industry can adopt to reduce the costs of going green –
making this option more attractive.
 To assess the way renewable materials are used in construction and how these can help in
reducing the environmental impact of construction.
1.4. Research questions
Research question defines those questions that are set by an investigator on a specific project
to present an answer. It is a very crucial element for conducting the whole research proficiently.
For conducting this particular research several questions are to be reflected below as per the aim
of the project.
 How may climate change influence buildings and construction?
 How can we reduce the contribution to climate change in the Construction industry?
 What can the industry do to reduce the costs of going green – making this option more
attractive?
 How the environmental impact of construction can be reduced by using renewable
materials?
1.5. Scope and limitation
The scope of the project is wider as it provides various advantages to the organisations
operating in the construction sector. It also helps in gaining the knowledge about climate change
that affects the construction project. It is highly useful in future professional careers. The
findings from this work will be able to be used in the future by construction professionals to
minimise the effect of the construction industry on climate change. At the time of conducting this
research, several activities are to be included in which the investigator faces several issues and
limitations. These limitations may impact negatively on the end results of the whole dissertation.
All these issues impact negatively on research activities (Yigitcanlar and et. al., 2019). At this
time the researcher plays an important role in managing all these limitations by using ethical
practices and preparing a Gantt chart, work break down structure, etc. so that time would be
managed to do several activities in the entire research. In this investigator also support and
listens to respondent views related to a particular topic so that reliable and viable outcomes are
presented at the end of the research.
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Significance of research- It refers to a written statement that is useful to present the
benefits of conducting a particular study. It elaborates the justification of implementing this
study and its impact on the research field. It also reflects a contribution to new knowledge and in
what manner it is beneficial for others. To conduct this particular research on a specific topic that
is ‘how the construction industry can mitigate the effect of climate change’ helps in gaining
knowledge related to climate and weather change and how it impacts on the construction
industry. This also helps in presenting the strategies related to mitigating the risk of climate
change that is beneficial for all construction companies.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
1. Impact of climate change on buildings and constructions
As presented by Ahmed, (2020), Climate is a complex phenomenon which is continuously
affected through the amount of radiation emitted by the sun reflected back to space, the amount
reaches to ground, and the amount stays in the atmosphere. A prominent role is played by these
climatic agents in the deterioration of the building fabric. Any change in climatic conditions is
expected to have a critical effect on the deterioration rate. When the greenhouse gases increase
the temperature on our planet, this causes ice and snow to melt. This leads to less sunlight that is
being reflected back to space, thus warming up the atmosphere (Crate and Nuttall, 2016). Fossil
fuels like natural gas, petroleum, and coal originate from dead vegetation, which over millions of
years, become fossilised containing a high percentage of carbon. In order to warm houses, power
factories, and move vehicles, fossil fuels are burnt. By doing so carbon dioxide as well as other
gases, which have been known to have an influence on global warming, are released into the
atmosphere (Tol, 2018)
As mentioned by Skullestad, Bohne, and Lohne, (2016), Construction and buildings are
responsible for around 39 % of carbon emissions all over the world, out of this 11 percent from
manufacturing construction materials and 28% from energy consumption, also called embodied
carbon. The energy consumption of buildings comes from its requirement to warm up as well as
cool down the structure when a building has not been developed to be efficient in terms of
ventilation and insulation. The embodied carbon of building comes from manufacturing as well
as supplying of construction materials and products along with the construction process itself.
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The choice of water usage, construction materials, and transportation are some of the elements
which must be taken into consideration when aiming for sustainable building practices.
Buildings can become more vulnerable as the effects of climate change worsen. In the
future, there might be more buildings collapsing, significant loss of value as an outcome of more
snow or subsidence damage, storms, deteriorating indoor climate, water encroachment, reduced
building lifetime and even aggravating health problems. One of the greatest challenges in short
term is stronger storms and rising sea levels (How Changing Climate is Changing the
Construction Industry, 2019)
According to Harrison, Gallantree & Smith (2019), extreme weather conditions, Global
temperature, and increase in greenhouse gases have had a huge impact on the construction sector
at two levels. Firstly, there is increasing pressure from environmental agencies for the
construction sector to design greener technologies, aiming to reduce CO2 footprint. One of the
greener technologies includes geopolymer concrete which is made by using construction waste
materials such as blast furnace slag and fly ash. This reduces Portland cement demand; whose
manufacture has high carbon dioxide release. Using fly ash and blast furnace slag concrete has
advantages like chemical resistance, temperature durability, and high strength. However, there
are also some disadvantages to producing this concrete such as the utilisation of sodium
hydroxide that is harmful to humans. The process of geopolymerization to produce concrete is
very inconsistent and volatile (Grönman and et. al., 2019). Secondly, buildings are required to
withstand extreme weather conditions maximizing the requirements of durability for construction
materials used. For instance: the rise of temperatures at the global level and the extreme weather
situations lead to problems with existing buildings, externally and internally. The buildings have
to be adapted to be more resilient to prolonged and hotter weather conditions that can have an
effect on the integrity and concrete setting strength.
As presented by Pravin, Murali, and Shanmugapriyan (2017), climate change is having a
large impact on the construction sector. Change in climate is on the leading edge of the
construction sector due to consequences that affect the project life cycle. It maximizes the risks
related to the start of a construction project’s life cycle and can affect the construction industry
directly through changes in climate and weather. For example, it may lead to delay in completion
of the project, may rise the material cost which ultimately impacts on the cost of the overall
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project, etc. Climate change also makes indirect influences like extra expense, material cost, site
programming, labourers’ safety, delay, and delivery. A shred of devastating evidence is there
that climate change has developed threats. While performing civil activities, building
construction, and building designs, different climatic factors are required to be studied. It is
required by the project management practitioners to suit their experience as well as expertise in
order to understand the impact that changes in climate could have on the manner they secure the
projects in the future in a better way. They must know about the way they lessen the influence of
climate variation on their profession and endure to grow as well as develop as successful
businesses and thus far constantly mitigate the needs and requirements of their clients.
Buildings are vulnerable to progressive alterations in climate as well as extreme events.
The impacts of climate change include thawing permafrost (any ground which remains fully
frozen — 0°C (32°F) or colder — for at least 2 years straight), severe storms and floods,
increased precipitation, and more frequent wildfires. Without investment in enhanced resilience,
these vulnerabilities are destined to rise. The construction industry faces direct influences.
Precipitation extremes could maximize construction delays and therefore costs. Change in
climate also risks transforming the length of the building season (Skullestad, Bohne, and Lohne,
2016). The increased severity and incidence of heatwaves have implications in the designs of
buildings, potentially implying the requirement to move away from current building designs
towards distinct approaches for new builds. High temperatures also demand alterations in the use
and demand for energy. In countries with warmer climates, wealth is directly linked with the
increased demand for energy, principally used for transport and air conditioning. The hazards
related to climate affect poor individuals more directly by often resulting in the destruction of
homes due to flood or high winds, that tend to be relatively vulnerable (Shen, and Lior, 2016).
As per the opinion of Augiseau, and Barles, (2017), Change in climate is driving
significant alteration in the composition of construction material and manufacturing. Increasingly
lighter, stronger, and durable materials are needed that may drive the material costs up. Those
costs are eventually required to be borne through construction organisations. A specific change
in climatic conditions that have an impact on the construction industry has to do with climate
amplitude as well as duration. The extreme cold or hot conditions may need additional
specialised equipment that is resistant to such conditions. However, these normally increase the
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cost of construction. In addition to this, the impacts of climate change may be felt in reducing the
number of days when construction is feasible altogether. It is usually the case when the
construction projects are conducted in difficult to reach areas like often the cases during pipeline
construction and oil and gas exploration. These construction projects are relying on construction
materials and equipment to be delivered over unpaved or permafrost roads. An unseasonably
warm situation can make the roads built over permafrost or the unpaved roads impassable
(Climate Change: Implications for Buildings, 2014).
2. Ways to reduce the contribution to climate change in the Construction industry
As per the viewpoint of Diana Budds, 2019, global warming is caused due to fossil fuel
combustion that leads to high carbon dioxide levels - a greenhouse gas - collecting in the
atmosphere. The carbon dioxide emission is more complex than sector by sector breakdown. As
per the United Nations Environment Programme, buildings, as well as construction, collectively
account for around 36% of global energy utilisation and around 39% of energy-related CO2
emissions yearly. Commercial and residential buildings account for around 40% of energy
consumption (How do buildings contribute to climate change? 2019). Incremental approaches to
decarbonisation would not be enough. As per the opinions presented by Brent Trenga (2018), the
building and construction industry can continue to be a part of the issue and do its part to assist
in mitigating the effects of global warming. In order to reduce the contribution of climate change
in the construction industry, there are some changes to adopt including-
1. Selecting materials with low embodied carbon as well as sourcing materials from the
suppliers which are transparent in regard to the makeup of goods.
2. Utilising the waste and recycled materials.
3. Maximise use of prefabricated components as well as off-site manufacturing.
4. Better design. The 2030 challenge of architecture urges Global architecture as well as
building communities to mitigate several targets relating to the environment, fossil fuels,
and energy consumption performance standard which is 70% below the local average of
that building type, and GHG emitting. That 70 % rises to 80% by 2020, 90% by the year
2025 as well as becomes the carbon-neutral year 2030 (How to Mitigate the Construction
Industry’s Effects on Climate Change, 2018).
5. Extending the life of the building; a long span of life delays and declines the embodied
carbon related to deconstruction, waste processing, demolition, and rebuilding.
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As argued by Musulin (2019), in order to accomplish a climate-friendly future, practical
steps are required to be taken in development as well as construction. Implementing efficiency in
the material design helps in reducing the emissions by 18% by the year 2050. Material efficiency
is seen as one of the effective means to decline the emission. It has been noted that eliminating
the waste of material at the design stage can lead to around 18% of reduction in emission of
greenhouse gas between the year 2017 and year 2050. The targets of reducing cement and steel
used in construction, noting that minerals in cement account for around 32% of emissions from
consumption of materials, whereas steel accounts for approx. 15%. In order to elevate the
influence, numerous eco-friendly building materials have emerged in the sector. Apart from this,
reusing the components and materials of the building reduces the potential emissions by the year
2050 by 3%. The long-term climate benefits of reducing and recycling the building elements like
virgin steel can lead to around a 3% of reduction in greenhouse gas emission between the year
2017 and year 2050 (5 keyways to reduce GHG emissions in building construction, 2019).
The progressive target of around 11 % decline of virgin metal, as well as petrochemical-
based materials, is suggested in order to reach such an emission decline, although it has been
noted that reusable materials of building are unlikely to mitigate the demand of new construction
in short tenure. However, reusing a fraction of structural steel in the phases of construction can
advance this goal.
In addition to this, improving existing building utilisation can help in reducing the emission
by 11%. The building is often discarded and underutilized prior to that they have reached at end
of their useful life. This can outcomes in an avoidable level of greenhouse gas emission.
Executing the strategic utilisation of existing space as well as infrastructure can lead to around
11 % of greenhouse gas emission decline by the year 2050 and a 10% to 20% decline in new
building demand. As brick and mortar concept, the retail sector faces a demise, and the vacancies
of building rise. Some of the areas or cities are becoming much aware of the way to reuse the
buildings. The benefits of using existing infrastructure can be mirrored in utilisation of lots for
construction in development, as opposed to tearing down existing or forestry buildings for such
development.
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As mentioned by Jones (2020), climate change is an issue currently in the construction
industry that plays a pivotal role in the leading community all over the world towards reduction
in carbon emissions. It is very necessary to comprehensively recognise the influence that humans
have on change in the climate. A completely decarbonised sector could decline almost half of
carbon emissions in the atmosphere. there are 2 carbon emission categories including operational
carbon and embodied carbon. The operational carbon is the emission which outcomes from
keeping a building operational and it accounts for around 28 % of emission (5 Ways to Reduce
Embodied Carbon, 2020). On the other side, 11 percent of emissions account for the construction
life cycle. The embodied carbon is the total of all the greenhouse emissions outcomes from the
construction life cycle of a building. It involves emission from transportation and extraction of
materials, construction phase, keeping the operational activities of building and the end of life
stage by material disposal and demolition. Switching from High emission materials, i.e. steel and
concrete, to sustainable Timber could reduce emissions by 6% by 2050. It has been gaining
popularity as this is the way to decrease the material emissions as well as use sustainable and
locally managed forest. It has been suggested that switching to Timber utilisation in construction
could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6%, urging a progressive target of 50% commercial
buildings and 75% residential buildings being constructed with sustainable Timber. In addition
to this, the use of low carbon cement in the construction also helps in reducing carbon emissions,
and thus, declines the environmental impact. Concrete is a carbon-intensive construction material
as its cement component production needs extreme heat as well as release a great deal of carbon
dioxide. It is noted that utilised low carbon alternatives could reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by 6% between the years 2017 and 2050.
3. Strategies that the industry can adopt to reduce the costs of going green – make it more
attractive to go green
According to Swenson (2020), Going green is considered as pursuing knowledge as well
as practices which may drive towards much environmentally friendly and eco-logical
accountable decision as well as lifestyles that may aid to safeguarding the environment and
sustain their natural resources for the present as well as upcoming generations. In addition to
this, the concern about global warming has produced a new green awareness within customers
across the world. Additionally, green products or services have moved towards the forefront of
hot seller lists as individuals become much aware about environmental concerns as well as more
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firms seek for riding the trends towards environmentally friendly goods. Along with this, few
construction entities have executed some programs that devotes towards green products.
Additionally, the sales of their ‘Ecomagination’ brand products have developed in around four
percentages quicker than the whole of their other goods combine. Moreover, the terms ‘organic’
as well as ‘natural’ have become buzzwords as many customers are health conscious. Producers
may capitalise upon these trends through executing a supply chain management session that
enhances profitability through going green.
Some strategies that the construction industry may adopt for reducing the cost of going green are
discussed below:
Adopt sustainable business strategy: This strategy should begin through developing a
green supply chain management which is effective sustainability within the construction firm's
core business strategy. Moreover, sustainability is undertaken as a development that meets the
requirements of current without compromising the capability of upcoming generations for
accomplishing their desires. Also, this highlights states through which its business may attain
minimised costs as well as enhanced profitability. Along with this, committing to developing the
construction business green from the inside out through re-describing its objectives so that they
include sustainable thinking within each aspect of the firm supply chain from buying to
production.
reduce electricity intake and prices: by way of enforcing a strength-saving program, you can
probably reduce your electric consumption via half. some other technique for lowering power
intake and fees is with the aid of the use of renewable electricity sources. as an example, carpet
manufacturer Tandus makes use of 100 percent biodiesel, a renewable energy source. It changed
diesel gasoline in its industrial boilers and therefore reduced air pollution via 60 percent to ninety
percentage, particulates by 48 percentage and carbon dioxide by 78 percent (Tol, 2018).
Purchase energy-Saving equipment: facilities and gadget control is an area in which
producers can enhance their sustainability. The latest improvements have increased the
performance of machines whilst decreasing their impact on the environment. New equipment
with strength-saving and eco-friendly capabilities can reduce costs through working greater
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correctly, using substances to their fullest, and generating a higher product at a faster fee with
little or no environmental effect (Skullestad, Bohne, and Lohne, 2016).
Produce products that are Recyclable or Biodegradable: layout and manufacture
products which are natural and fitness-aware as opposed to poisonous to your customers.
customers are beginning to call for that the goods they purchase to be both recyclable or
biodegradable. Your organisation should devise a sustainability assurance that guarantees that
the waste out of your merchandise will not land up in landfills or be incinerated into the air. This
offers your customers proof which you do what you are saying (Yigitcanlar, and et. al., 2019).
Reduce and Recycle Waste: lessen waste and create a closed-loop application. This
indicates recycling a product again into itself, essentially growing little or no environmental
waste. this is a key element in natural useful resource upkeep and sustainability (Borras Jr, and
Franco, 2018).
Become knowledgeable in experienced production Practices: Environmental literacy,
research, and non-stop mastering are important on your system of turning into green and creating
more secure work surroundings. educate your workforce. Require all of us to participate within
the motion to inexperienced production (10 Steps to Reducing Costs While Saving the
Environment, 2021).
As per David Cartwright, within the world of construction, various trends come and go.
Few fall through the wayside into shorter time duration, but others for growing to become an
integral portion of a particular sector as a whole. Also, sustainable construction would definitely
fall within the latter. In addition to this, the Green building techniques are reshaping the
construction sector as well as becoming a fundamental part of developing new building designs.
in addition to this, construction professionals are utilising several eco-friendly design principles
for constructing a new building as well as for renovating the old ones. Some more strategies are:
Use of green building material: As one of the most essential and well-known sustainable
construction strategies is the utilisation of green building material. Moreover, these are materials
which are sourced from the sources of renewable as well as also recyclable when buildings have
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reached their lifespan. Along with this, the green building materials are mainly sourced from
sustainable forests. Additionally, it may also manufacture from innovative production procedures
which minimises harmful emission to surroundings. Also, steel, as well as concrete, are two
illustrations of material which are presently being produced via eco- friendly procedures of
manufacturing. Furthermore, by utilisation of sustainable building material, the new structure
would have a lower carbon footprint as well as effective energy effectiveness. Also, the amount
of waste which ends up in landfills is minimised in case the building is required to be renovated
at present and also in the future period (Panteli, and Mancarella, 2015).
Zero Energy Construction: Zero energy construction is considered as an emerging strategy
in various buildings. Moreover, the aim of a zero-energy structure is to develop as much energy
as they consume with having a zero net effect upon the environment. In addition to this,
constructors are including zero energy techniques for designing many effective, durable as well
as sustainable structures at a competitive cost. Furthermore, the zero-energy construction
strategies incorporate a combination of some steps such as utilising sources of renewable energy
to power the building, effective system of air ventilation which obviate pollutant from
atmospheric air, effective insulation material which reduces noise pollution as well as leaking air
and utilisation of energy-efficient inside appliances. Therefore, the zero-energy construction also
enables buildings for putting back as much energy in a grid as they utilise during the period
(Wilson, 2006).
Resilience and durability: Sustainable construction also incorporates developing the
resiliency as well as durability of buildings. Moreover, climate change has essential concerns of
many inclement events of weather like cyclones, flooding, and bushfires with structures that
required to be developed with resiliency at the fore. Also, various constructors are trending
towards incorporating risk mitigation stages like construction technology as well as renewable
building materials. Within this manner, structures may recover faster after any kind of disaster
strikes. Along with this, the eco-friendly design strategy representing above not only contributes
towards much sustainable structure, it also enables constructors for saving costs, enhance quality
as well as develop the effectiveness of eth construction procedures (Salimi, and Al-Ghamdi,
2020).
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Besides this, the embodied carbon strategy which is known as the sum of all the
greenhouse emissions outcomes from the construction life cycle of a building. It involves
emission from transportation and extraction of materials, construction phase, keeping the
operational activities of building and the end of life stage by material disposal and demolition.
Switching to High emission materials to the sustainable Timber will reduce emissions by 6% by
2050. It has been gaining popularity as this is the way to decline the material emissions as well
as use sustainable and locally managed forest. it has been suggested that switching to Timber
utilisation in construction could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6%, urging a progressive
target of 50% commercial buildings and 75% residential buildings being constructed with
sustainable Timber. In addition to this, the use of low carbon cement in the construction also
helps in reducing carbon emissions, and thus, declines the environmental impact (Wilson, 2006).
4. Analysis of the way renewable materials used in construction can help in reducing the
environmental impact of construction
As per the viewpoint of Shen (2020), There are various renewable materials used in
construction and are also gained from finite resources that once exploited as far as economically
feasible and may never be replaced. Moreover, they are not renewable. While firms have a great
number of such resources at moment, extraction costs are enhancing as well as availability is
minimising. Moreover at least for few commodities into few countries. In addition to this, into a
longer period, they would be maximising reliance upon a closed industrial recycling loop, mainly
for effective sourcing of these non-renewable. Along with this, the demand for construction
material would enhance as world population that explores as well as developed countries for
becoming wealthier with raised anticipations for lifestyle as well as affluence. Also, the
enhancing demand for non-renewable resources can be partially offset through much effective
utilisation of those materials through discovering of new sources as well as by the development
of much effective extraction procedures. However, this stands to reason that finite non-renewable
resources have to be carefully handled so that it harms upcoming generations. It is undertaken to
be the essence of sustainability. Furthermore, one way of considering the pressure off non-
renewable is to utilised renewable material for construction as far as possible. Moreover, the
utilisation of renewable material also brings various advantages and disadvantages (Salimi, and
Al-Ghamdi, 2020).
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The construction industry tends to consider timber as a renewable building material. But
there are various others. Also, the host of renewable materials have been still in common usage,
such as bamboo, straw, seagrass, peanut hulls, resin, rubber, Tung oil, and many others. All these
materials are renewable as they are basically sourced from living plants, not from mineral or
fossil deposits like gas, coal, oil, peat, and many more. Such as the production of Brazilian
biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) has an unfavourable impact on society and the environment.
Furthermore, a ‘green’ building material is considered as an ecological recycled or higher
performance material which can reduce their effects upon environmental as well as human health
across their life cycle (incorporating the utilisation of resources, manufacturing, disposal and
many more). Additionally, this is essentially developed from non-toxic, natural as well as
organic substances that may minimise Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) ontminants. Along with this,
utilising polymeric products like CBMs (Carbohydrate Binding Modules) derived from non-
renewable resources is a vital reason for VOC emission indoors. Apart from this, Construction
and buildings are responsible for around 39 % of carbon emissions all over the world, out of this
11 percent from manufacturing construction materials and 28% from energy consumption, also
called embodied carbon. The energy consumption of buildings comes from its requirement to
warm up as well as cool down the structure when a building has not been developed to be
efficient in terms of ventilation and insulation. The embodied carbon of building comes from
manufacturing as well as supplying of construction materials and products along with the
construction process itself. The choice of water usage, construction materials, and transportation
are some of the elements which must be taken into consideration when aiming for sustainable
building practices. Buildings can become more vulnerable as the effects of climate change
worsen. In the future, there might be more buildings collapsing, significant loss of value as an
outcome of more snow or subsidence damage, storms, deteriorating indoor climate, water
encroachment, reduced building lifetime and even aggravating health problems (Reducing the
Environmental Impact of Construction by Using Renewable Materials, 2015).
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
This section forms a vital part of every dissertation and research that facilitates and provides
all required information about the proposed forms and types of research methods and approaches
that are applied by a researcher to investigate in a more efficient and viable manner. With respect
to this dissertation, implications, and use of research methods have been made to have a better
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and appropriate selection of research methods along with providing proper justification for their
selection. As the research study is based on critically investigating and analysing how the
construction industry can mitigate the effects of climate change, the research methodology
section helps in carrying out the study systematically. A proper understanding of the topic and
use of different research methods make the researcher able to collect data related to the study
area and draw valid and reliable outcomes of research. A description of the various methods is
provided below along with valid justification for the selection of suitable research methodology.
Research philosophy - The research philosophy reflects the significant assumptions of
the author and these serve as a basis for the strategy of research. There are four types of research
philosophies utilised by the researcher in research including pragmatism, interpretivism, realism,
and positivism. The philosophy choice is influenced through practical implications. The popular
data collection method in relation to pragmatism research philosophy is mixed or multiple and
can be used in both qualitative and quantitative research studies. In positivism research
philosophy, the data collection method is highly structured and uses large samples for collecting
the data. The data collection method chosen for realism research philosophy should fit the
subject matter and it can be quantitative or qualitative. In the interpretivism research philosophy,
the data is collected by using small sample sizes, and in-depth research is performed and mainly
used in the qualitative research study (Panteli, and Mancarella, 2015).
Justification – For performing a study on how the construction industry can mitigate the
effects of climate change, the selection of positivism research philosophy is appropriate for this
study as it facilitates a more systematic and practical form of investigation. Apart from this, as
the study is based on a critical view on how the construction industry can mitigate the effects of
climate change, positivism philosophy will be used as it adheres to the opinion that only
“factual” knowledge added through observation. However, some researchers believe that since
positivism philosophy is a belief that everything can be measured as well as calculated, it tends
to be inflexible.
Research approach - This is the plan for a research study that spans the phases from broad
assumptions to descriptive methods of collecting data and interpreting it. This involves some
decisions and these must be philosophical assumptions the investigator brings to study and
15

specific methods of analysing and interpreting data. Abduction, deduction, and induction are the
three main types of research approaches that can be utilised in a research study. The deductive
approach is based on the logic that when premises are right, the conclusion should also be right
and the data collection is utilised to evaluate hypothesis or prepositions associated with existing
theory. The logic behind the inductive research approach is that known premises are utilised in
the study to develop untested conclusions and the data collection method is utilised to explore a
particular phenomenon, determine themes, and develop a conceptual framework. On the other
hand, the abductive research approach is based on the logic that known premises are utilised to
develop testable conclusions, and the data is used to explore themes and phenomena, locate these
in the conceptual framework as well as test it by subsequent collection of data or information and
so forth (Tol, 2018).
Justification - The application of the deductive approach is justifiable for the current
research work as it is in line with positivist philosophy and ensures better testing and scanning of
numerical data. This helps in analysing the way the construction industry mitigates the effects of
climate change. Apart from this, the use of the deductive research approach makes it possible for
the investigator to describe the causal relationship among variables and concepts and measure
them quantitatively. Moreover, if the original premises of the study are true in all the situations
as well as the reasoning of a researcher is correct, then the conclusion is also guaranteed to be
true.
Research strategy - The strategy of the research study is referred to as the plan of performing
research. It guides the investigator in planning, implementing, and effectively monitoring the
study. With the help of a research strategy, the researcher able to gather information and analyse
it. Different types of research strategy include case studies, action research, systematic literature
review, experimental research, etc. Among all those strategies, the adoption of a survey strategy
is made which leads to easy data collection with the help of a questionnaire. With the assistance
of this strategy, the researcher enables to gather an adequate amount of information that is
numerical in nature and is more appropriate and reliable (Skullestad, Bohne, and Lohne, 2016).
Research method - Qualitative and quantitative are the two main methods which can be utilised
to carry out research. In quantitative research, numerical information is gathered which is more
objective in comparison to other methods. This method enables researchers to test the hypothesis
16

through collecting and analysing information and data systematically. On the other hand, the
qualitative method of research is based on a collection of non-numerical information which is
subjective in nature. This method enables researchers to explore experiences and ideas in a much
more detailed manner. This assists in gaining detailed information on the study area (Yigitcanlar,
and et. al., 2019).
Quantitative research methods will be applied for current investigation as these ensure
data collection in numeric forms which ensure more efficient presentation and analysis of
research findings. The quantitative data will be collected by using questionnaires which is a tool
that contains questions in the context of the study area. These questionnaires will be provided to
a sample of respondents to fill in and give their responses on each question included in the
questionnaire.
Data collection - Data collection methods are referred to as the way through which the
researcher gathers data and information related to the topic of research. There are two methods or
ways by which data can be gathered including the primary method and secondary method. The
primary type of research data is collected from the first-hand experience that has not been used in
past. Information gathered from this method is specific to the motive of research and is highly
accurate. Primary data can be collected by using different methods like qualitative and
quantitative methods. On the other hand, secondary sources' information can be obtained from
the data which were published earlier and is second-hand information. The sources of secondary
data collection involve books and journals, articles, previously published records, newspapers,
etc. (Borras Jr, and Franco, 2018).
Justification - Collection of data would be made from both primary and secondary sources
to ensure a sufficient and authentic set of information. The main reason for choosing both
methods is that these help in gathering the relevant information so that valid research outcome
can be drawn. This assists researchers in providing more valid and accurate outcomes of the
study in an effective way.
Sample method - Through making use of the random sampling method, a sample size of 40
participants were selected from construction industry professionals.
Use of the following questionnaire is made for the collection of primary data from selected
participants:
17

Questionnaire
Q1) Do you understand the climate emergency which is related with long term changes
and irreversible environmental damage?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Neutral implication
Q2) Do you agree with the fact that there is a significant impact of climate change on the
buildings and construction activities?
a) Strongly agree
b) Agree
c) Disagree
d) Strongly disagree
e) Neither agree nor disagree
Q3) What are the main changes that are seen in the climate and long-term weather
which are leading challenges and issues for buildings and the construction industry?
a) Increasing temperature of planet
b) Issue of Global warming
c) Ozone layer Depletion
d) Excessive emission of Chlorofluorocarbon
e) Flooding and erosion in coastal areas
Q4) What is the main impact of climate change on buildings and construction?
a) Deterioration of the building fabric
b) Delay in completion of project
c) Extra expenses for protection
d) Use of Expansive material
e) Depletion of material used
Q5) Do you agree with the fact that the construction industry is also leading negative
consequences on the environment which are causing adverse climate change?
a) Strongly agree
b) Agree
c) Disagree
18

d) Strongly disagree
e) Neither agree nor disagree
Q6) Which are the main forms of pollution and environmental degradation that are
caused and lead by the construction industry?
a) Air pollution
b) Climate change through carbon emission
c) Water pollution
d) Landfill waste
e) Noise Pollution
Q7) What are the possible ways to reduce the contribution to climate change in the
Construction industry?
a) Choosing materials with lower embodied carbon
b) Better design of building
c) Recycling of waste material
d) Increased use of prefabricated elements
e) All of the above
Q8) How can the construction industry can decrease the environmental consequences
and negative impact of building?
a) Limit Fuel Usage
b) Reducing noise of machine
c) Properly disposing of waste
d) Making use of reusable technology
e) Use of carbon intensive construction material
Q9) Do you agree with the fact that going green provides a most suitable way for the
construction industry to mitigate the effects of climate change?
a) Strongly agree
b) Agree
c) Disagree
d) Strongly disagree
e) Neither agree nor disagree
19

Q10) What can the construction industry do to reduce the costs of going green in order to
make this option more attractive?
a) Taking an intelligent approach to energy
b) Minimising waste and maximising reuse
c) Environmentally Preferable Building Materials
d) Design in airtightness
e) Install Water Dispensing Systems.
Q11) What are the possible benefits which are availed by construction industry through
adopting and making use of environmentally friendly building?
a) Low Maintenance and Operation Cost
b) Energy Efficiency
c) Tax relief
d) Reduction in carbon Emission
e) All of the above
Q12) Which is the most preferred renewable materials that can be used for reducing the
environmental impact of construction?
a) Recyclable concrete
b) Lime mortars
c) Natural fibre composites
d) Timber concrete composites
e) Low carbon materials
Q13) What overall impact would be led by using renewable materials and green
resources aiming to mitigate the negative effects of construction on climate change?
a) Positive
b) Negative
c) No impact
14) Any further recommendation for the construction industry to effectively overcome
the climate emergency and mitigate the effects of climate change?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
20

Chapter 4: Data analysis and interpretation
4.1 Data analysis
The raw data collected with the help of questionnaire have been analysed through making
use of following frequency table which provided a clearer and systematic presentation of
information collected from of 40 participants selected from the employees of construction
company.
Q1) Do you understand the climate emergency which is related with
long term changes and irreversible environmental damage?
Frequency
a) Yes 38
b) No 1
c) Neutral implication 1
Q2) Do you agree with the fact that there is a significant impact of
climate change on the buildings and construction activities?
Frequency
a) Strongly agree 6
b) Agree 22
c) Disagree 4
d) Strongly disagree 3
e) Neither agree nor disagree 5
Q3) What are the main changes that are seen in climate and long
term weather which are leading challenges and issues for buildings
and construction industry?
Frequency
a) Increasing temperature of planet 7
b) Issue of Global warming 10
c) Ozone layer Depletion 13
d) Excessive emission of Chlorofluorocarbon 6
e) Flooding and erosion in coastal areas 4
Q4) What is the main impact of climate change on the buildings and
construction?
Frequency
a) Deterioration of the building fabric 11
b) Delay in completion of project 8
21

c) Extra expenses for protection 5
d) Use of Expansive material 7
e) Depletion of material used 9
Q5) Do you agreed with the fact that construction industry is also
leading negative consequences on environment which are causing
adverse climate change?
Frequency
a) Strongly agree 15
b) Agree 20
c) Disagree 2
d) Strongly disagree 1
e) Neither agree nor disagree 2
Q6) Which are the main forms of pollution and environmental
degradation that are caused and led by construction industry?
Frequency
a) Air pollution 8
b) Climate change through carbon emission 12
c) Water pollution 7
d) Landfill waste 10
e) Noise Pollution 3
Q7) What are the possible ways to reduce the contribution to climate
change in the Construction industry?
Frequency
a) Choosing materials with lower embodied carbon 8
b) Better design of building 5
c) Recycling of waste material 12
d) Increased use of prefabricated elements 9
e) All of the above 6
Q8) How can the construction industry decrease the environmental
consequences and negative impact of building?
Frequency
a) Limit Fuel Usage 8
b) Reducing noise of machine 4
c) Properly disposing of waste 10
d) Making use of reusable technology 12
22

e) Use of carbon intensive construction material 6
Q9) Do you agree with the fact that going green provides a most
suitable way for construction industry to mitigate the effects of
climate change?
Frequency
a) Strongly agree 10
b) Agree 21
c) Disagree 2
d) Strongly disagree 1
e) Neither agree nor disagree 6
Q10) What can the construction industry do to reduce the costs of
going green in order to making this option more attractive?
Frequency
a) Taking an intelligent approach to energy 6
b) Minimising waste and maximising reuse 7
c) Environmentally Preferable Building Materials 10
d) Design in airtightness 8
e) Install Water Dispensing Systems. 9
Q11) What are the possible benefits which are availed by
construction industry through allying and making use of
environmentally friendly building?
Frequency
a) Low Maintenance and Operation Cost 5
b) Energy Efficiency 15
c) Tax Relief 10
d) Reduction in carbon Emission 8
e) All of the above 2
Q12) Which is the most preferred renewable materials that can be
used for reducing the environmental impact of construction?
Frequency
a) Recyclable concrete 8
b) Lime mortars 6
c) Natural fibre composites 7
d) Timber concrete composites 10
23

e) Low carbon materials 9
Q13) What overall impact would be led by using renewable materials
and green resources in mitigating the negative effects of construction
on climate change?
Frequency
a) Positive 36
b) Negative 1
c) No impact 3
Interpretation of collected data
Theme 1: Climate emergency is related with long term changes and irreversible
environmental damage
Q1) Do you understand the climate emergency which is related with
long term changes and irreversible environmental damage?
Frequency
a) Yes 38
b) No 1
c) Neutral implication 1
38
1 1
Frequency
a) Yes b) No c) Neutral implication
24

Interpretation
With respect to the above-drawn pie chart, an interpretation can be made that from a total
of 40 participants, 38 were having an understanding about the climate emergency which is
related to long term changes and irreversible environmental damage whereas only 1 respondent
was unaware of this along with 1 other individual who seemed to have neutral implication about
the above-stated topic. Thus, on the basis of this finding, an analysis can be made that the
concept of climate emergency has become vital and important as the maximum number of
participants were seemed to have knowledge about this.
Theme 2: Significant impact is led by climate change on the buildings and constructions
activities
Q2) Do you agree with the fact that significant impact is led out by
climate change on the buildings and constructions activities?
Frequency
a) Strongly agree 6
b) Agree 22
c) Disagree 4
d) Strongly disagree 3
e) Neither agree nor disagree 5
6
22
4
3 5
Frequency
a) Strongly agree b) Agree
c) Disagree d) Strongly disagree
e) Neither agree nor disagree
Interpretation
25

The above-stated diagram is reflecting about that 6 participants were strongly agreed with
the fact that significant impact is lead out by climate change on the buildings and construction
activities whereas 22 respondents seemed to be agreed. Further, 4 participants tend to seem to
disagree on the fact that significant impact is lead out by climate change on the buildings and
constructions activities whereas 3 were strongly agreed along with other 5 participants who were
opted for fact that significant impact is lead out by climate change on the buildings and
constructions activities. Thus, an implication can be made out based on current findings that a
considerable impact and change is lead out by climate emergency and change on the construction
industry.
Theme 3: Main changes that are seen in climate and long term weather which are leading
challenges and issues for buildings and construction industry
Q3) What are the main changes that are seen in climate and long
term weather which are leading challenges and issues for buildings
and construction industry?
Frequency
a) Increasing temperature of planet 7
b) Issue of Global warming 10
c) Ozone layer Depletion 13
d) Excessive emission of Chlorofluorocarbon 6
e) Flooding and erosion in coastal areas 4
7
10
13
6 4
Frequency
a) Increasing temperature of planet b) Issue of Global warming
c) Ozone layer Depletion d) Excessive emission of Chlorofluorocarbon
e) Flooding and erosion in coastal areas
Interpretation
26

A finding of the main changes that are seen in climate and long term weather which are
leading challenges and issues for buildings and construction industry is provided by an above-
drawn pie chart that reflects those 7 participants favoured Increasing temperature of planet
whereas 10 respondents have seemed in support of Issue of Global warming along with 13 other
individuals who opted for Ozone Layer Depletion. Apart from this, 6 other respondents thought
that Excessive emission of Chlorofluorocarbon is the main change that is seen in climate and
long-term weather which are leading challenges and issues for buildings and the construction
industry along with 4 other respondents who supported Flooding and erosion in coastal areas.
Thus, based on the above finding it can be concluded that the recent changes like global warming
and increasing temperature of the planet have an adverse effect on construction and buildings.
Theme 4: The main impact of climate change on the buildings and construction
Q4) What is the main impact of climate change on the buildings and
construction?
Frequency
a) Deterioration of the building fabric 11
b) Delay in completion of project 8
c) Extra expenses for protection 5
d) Use of expansive material 7
e) Depletion of material used 9
11
8
5
7
9
Frequency
a) Deterioration of the building fabric b) Delay in completion of project
c) Extra expenses for protection d) Use of Expansive material
e) Depletion of material used
27

Interpretation
The pie chart above reflects and depicts the main impact of climate change on the
buildings and construction as it has been found out that 11 participants were having a view point
that Deterioration of the building fabric is the main impact of climate change which reduce the
strength of the building and may affect its design and appearance. Besides this, it has been also
observed that 8 participants also supported that delays in the completion of a project might occur
as climatic changes have increased the chances of natural calamities which directly impact the
speed and efficiency of project completion. Further, 5 participants also supported those extra
expenses can be required for protection of building from climatic change whereas 7 have seemed
in favour of the use of expensive materials along with remaining 9 individuals who thought that
the depletion of materials used was the main impact of climate change on buildings.
Theme 5: Construction industry is also leading negative consequences on environment
which are causing adverse climate change
Q5) Are you agreed with the fact that construction industry is also
leading negative consequences on environment which are causing
adverse climate change?
Frequency
a) Strongly agree 15
b) Agree 20
c) Disagree 2
d) Strongly disagree 1
e) Neither agree nor disagree 2
28

15
20
2
1
2
Frequency
a) Strongly agree b) Agree
c) Disagree d) Strongly disagree
e) Neither agree nor disagree
Interpretation
Based on the findings of the current investigation, it has been seen that from a total of 40
participants, 15 strongly agreed with the fact that the construction industry is also leading
negative consequences on the environment which are causing adverse climate change whereas 20
agreed. Besides this, it has been also interpreted that only 2 participants were disagreeing with
this statement whereas only 1 strongly disagreed with the fact that the construction industry is
also leading negative consequences on the environment which are causing adverse climate
change while 2 remaining respondents had opted for neither agreed nor disagreed.
Theme 6: The main forms of pollution and environmental degradation that are caused and
lead out by construction industry
Q6) Which are the main forms of pollution and environmental
degradation that are caused and lead out by construction industry?
Frequency
a) Air pollution 8
b) Climate change through carbon emission 12
c) Water pollution 7
d) Landfill waste 10
e) Noise Pollution 3
29

8
12
7
10
3
Frequency
a) Air pollution b) Climate change through carbon emission
c) Water pollution d) Landfill waste
e) Noise Pollution
Interpretation
During the current research project, it has been found out that many forms of pollution
and environmental degradation are led by the construction industry as it involves the use of many
types of machinery which creates notice as well as pollution. The above pie chart reflects that 8
respondents were having a feeling that air pollution is the main form of pollution and
environmental degradation that are caused and lead out by the construction industry where 12
were in support of Climate change through carbon emission along with 7 other who opted for
water pollution. Besides this, 10 participants believed that landfill waste is the main form of
pollution and environmental degradation that are caused and led by the construction industry
while the remaining 3 individuals tended to be in support of noise pollution.
Theme 7: The possible ways to reduce the contribution to climate change in the
Construction industry
Q7) What are the possible ways to reduce the contribution of the
Construction Industry to climate change?
Frequency
a) Choosing materials with lower embodied carbon 8
b) Better design of building 5
c) Recycling of waste material 12
30

d) Increased use of prefabricated elements 9
e) All of the above 6
8
5
12
9
6
Frequency
a) Choosing materials with lower embodied carbon
b) Better design of building
c) Recycling of waste material
d) Increased use of prefabricated elements
e) All of the above
Interpretation
An interpretation can be made based on the pie chart above that Choosing materials with
lower embodied carbon is the best possible way to reduce the contribution to climate change in
the Construction industry as per the opinion of 8 participants whereas 5 other participants
seemed in favour of Better design of the building. Further, it has been also observed during the
current investigation that 12 participants were having a viewpoint that recycling of waste
material is also a vital possible way to reduce the contribution to climate change in the
Construction industry where 9 were in favour of increased use of prefabricated elements as it
ensures a more renewable and eco-friendly construction of building while the remaining 6
participants tended to be in support of all of the options above.
Theme 8: The construction industry can decrease the environmental consequences and
negative impact of building
Q8) How can the construction industry decrease the environmental
consequences and negative impact of buildings?
Frequency
a) Limit Fuel Usage 8
b) Reducing noise of machine 4
31

c) Properly disposing of waste 10
d) Making use of renewable technology 12
e) Use of carbon intensive construction material 6
8
4
10
12
6
Frequency
a) Limit Fuel Usage
b) Reducing noise of machine
c) Properly disposing of waste
d) Making use of reusable technology
e) Use of carbon intensive construction material
Interpretation
The pie chart above reflects that the construction industry can decrease the environmental
consequences and negative impact of building through limiting the use of fuel as per the
viewpoint of 8 participants whereas 4 seemed in favour of reducing the noise of machinery used
during construction. Besides this, 10 respondents were also there who seemed to have the
opinion that properly disposing of the waste is also the way through which the construction
industry can decrease the environmental consequences and negative impact of building while 12
participants were opted for Making use of reusable technology while other 6 were having
thinking that Use of carbon-intensive construction material is more helpful for the construction
industry to decrease the environmental consequences and negative impact of building as it limits
the emission of carbon in the atmosphere.
Theme 9: Going green provides a most suitable way for construction industry to mitigate
the effects of climate change
Q9) Are you agreed with the fact that going green provides a most
suitable way for construction industry to mitigate the effects of
Frequency
32

climate change?
a) Strongly agree 10
b) Agree 21
c) Disagree 2
d) Strongly disagree 1
e) Neither agree nor disagree 6
10
21
2
1 6
Frequency
a) Strongly agree b) Agree
c) Disagree d) Strongly disagree
e) Neither agree nor disagree
Interpretation
It has been analysed through the finding of the current investigation that going green
provides a most suitable way for the construction industry to mitigate the effects of climate
change as 10 participants from a total of 40 seemed to strongly agree with this fact whereas 21
tended to agree. Besides this, 2 respondents were also there who disagreed while the other 1
strongly disagreed on the fact that going green provides a most suitable way for the construction
industry to mitigate the effects of climate change whereas 6 other remaining participants seemed
to opt for neither agreed nor disagreed.
Theme 10: The construction industry can do to reduce the costs of going green in order to
making this option more attractive
Q10) What can the construction industry do to reduce the costs of
going green in order to making this option more attractive?
Frequency
33

a) Taking an intelligent approach to energy 6
b) Minimising waste and maximising reuse 7
c) Environmentally Preferable Building Materials 10
d) Design in airtightness 8
e) Install Water Dispensing Systems. 9
6
7
10
8
9
Frequency
a) Taking an intelligent approach to energy
b) Minimising waste and maximising reuse
c) Environmentally Preferable Building Materials
d) Design in airtightness
e) Install Water Dispensing Systems.
Interpretation
The pie chart above reflects on the ways through which going green can be made more
cost-effective which consist of taking an intelligent approach to energy as per the opinion of 6
participants whereas 7 participants were having the view that Minimising waste and maximising
reuse can be done by the construction industry to reduce the costs of going green in order to
make this option more attractive. Further, it has been also observed that 10 respondents thought
that Environmentally Preferable Building Materials can also be used by the construction industry
to reduce the costs of going green in order to make this option more attractive whereas 8 were in
favour of Design in airtightness along with 9 other remaining selected participant who tends to
be in support of Install Water Dispensing Systems for ensuring more cost-effective going green
of construction industry.
34

Theme 11: The possible benefits which are available by construction industry through
adopting and making use of environmentally friendly building
Q11) What are the possible benefits which are available by the
construction industry through adopting and making use of
environmental friendly building?
Frequency
a) Low Maintenance and Operation Cost 5
b) Energy Efficiency 15
c) Tax Credits 10
d) Reduction in carbon Emission 8
e) All of the above 2
5
15
10
8 2
Frequency
a) Low Maintenance and Operation Cost b) Energy Efficiency
c) Tax Credits d) Reduction in carbon Emission
e) All of the above
Interpretation
It has been found out with current investigation that many possible benefits are there
which are availed by construction industry through allying and making use of the
environmentally friendly building that comprises of Low Maintenance and Operation Cost as per
the view of 5 participants whereas 15 respondents were in support of energy efficiency. Besides
this, it has been also analysed that tax relief are also offered by the government for supporting
and constructing environmentally friendly buildings which is also a possible benefit which is
availed by the construction industry as per the viewpoint of 10 participants. Finally, 8
participants felt that Reduction in carbon Emissions for leading a healthy environment is possible
35

benefits which are availed by construction industry through adopting and making use of the
environmentally friendly building whereas 2 other respondents seemed to be in support of all the
above options.
Theme 12: The most preferred renewable materials that can be used in construction for
reducing the environmental impact of construction
Q12) Which is the most preferred renewable materials that can be
used in construction for reducing the environmental impact of
construction?
Frequency
a) Recyclable concrete 8
b) Lime mortars 6
c) Natural fibre composites 7
d) Timber concrete composites 10
e) Low carbon materials 9
8
6
7
10
9
Frequency
a) Recyclable concrete b) Lime mortars
c) Natural fiber composites d) Timber concrete composites
e) Low carbon materials
Interpretation
An analysis can be made based on the above-stated diagram that recyclable concrete
seemed like the most preferred renewable material that can be used in construction for reducing
the environmental impact of construction as per the viewpoint of 8 participants whereas 6
respondents had favoured lime mortars. Along with this, 7 participants believed that natural fibre
36

composite is also preferred renewable materials that can be used in construction for reducing the
environmental impact of construction whereas 10 were in favour of timber / concrete composites
along with 9 other remaining respondents who favoured for use of Low carbon materials like
Green concrete, Low-carbon bricks etc. for reducing the environmental impact of construction.
Theme 13: Overall impact of renewable materials and green resources in mitigate the
negative effects of construction on climate change
Q13) What overall impact would be led by using renewable materials
and green resources in mitigate the negative effects of construction on
climate change?
Frequency
a) Positive 36
b) Negative 1
c) No impact 3
36
1 3
Frequency
a) Positive b) Negative c) No impact
Interpretation
One of the most vital and main findings of the current investigation consists of the fact
that from a total of 40 participants, 36 respondents favoured the overall positive impact would be
led out by the use of renewable materials and green resources in mitigating the negative effects
of construction on climate change whereas only one supported for negative impact while
37

remaining 3 participants believed that no impact would be led out by use of renewable materials
and green resources in mitigating the negative effects of construction on climate change.
Chapter 5: Communication and discussion of research findings
5.1 Communication
Research communication refers to a process of informing complex findings of research to
the number of people involved in the whole dissertations. It is mainly essential to fulfil
opportunities related to completing the research by communicating it to several people so that the
objectives of conducting this research are successfully completed. There was several people who
were involved in conducting this research such as investigator, stakeholders like owner,
employees, suppliers etc. respondents who offered primary data (Baer and Singer, 2018).
Communication among all the involving parties is important because of getting proficient results
at the end.
Stakeholders- Once the whole research is completed it is highly essential for the
investigator to communicate and discuss all the related outcomes or findings with their
stakeholders who are affected with and hold high interest and power within the affairs of the
construction business. These stakeholders are managers, the government, customers, and
employees. Among all these stakeholders’ employees and government are the major stakeholders
in conducting research on climate change who mainly support the investigator to perform and
complete their study prominently by filling in the questionnaire as per their knowledge and
overall experience. It presents the quality of work that helps the researcher to enhance their
growth in future perspectives while involved in the same topic.
Sources of communicating outcomes- There are several sources which the investigator
adopts to communicate their finding and discussion to stakeholders so that they understand it
appropriately. In these, researchers communicate by using online reporting, emails, cell phones,
written presentations, etc. that support investigators in representing their information in an
effective and proficient manner.
Convincing arguments- This whole dissertation is based on how the construction
industry can mitigate the effects of climate change. Conducting this research is highly prominent
for all construction companies who are present within the construction industry because this
dissertation offers several mitigation strategies that are useful for the construction industry to
overcome the changes that occur in the climate (Borras Jr and Franco, 2018). Due to this their
38

profit earning are also enhanced and also reflects the positive environment atmosphere for all the
people who live in the society.
5.2 Discussion of primary and secondary research findings
From the secondary information that is collected by doing a literature review, several
objectives were discussed that include the impact of climate change on buildings and
construction. On these objectives, it is discussed that climate is very dynamic in nature that
changes very frequently due to the radiation from the sun that reaches the ground of the earth and
also sustain in the atmosphere. If any changes occur within the climate then this has a direct
impact on the deterioration rate. the construction of a building is highly responsible for creating
carbon footprints which impacts the atmosphere. At the time of the construction process, several
aspects can be taken into considerations such as choice of water, materials, transportation, etc.
aiming to reduce their negative impact.
Constructing a building is susceptible because of the bad impact of changes that occur in climate.
In terms of the future, due to the effects of climate change such as increased occurrence of
storms, water encroachment, etc. more buildings are destroyed or collapse and people face a
major loss of value, reducing the life of the building, health problems and many more associated
effects Buildings are mainly impacted by stronger storms and rising the level of sea waves, or
higher global temperature, and greenhouse effect.
These climatic changes increase pressure for environmental agencies within the construction
sector. To overcome these impacts, industries keep adjusting the ways they operate for example,
reduce the usage of Portland cement that is prepared with the high release of carbon dioxide gas.
Major changes in climate change create negative consequences for the construction sector that
also negatively impact the project life cycle. Climate change also impacts in an indirect way to
the construction sector by enhancing the operational cost, material cost, delays in completing the
assignment, site programming, etc. Due to high temperatures, major alterations are done in use
and demand of energy that impacted delays in the construction of a building (Borras Jr and
Franco, 2018).
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Another discussion is based on ways to reduce the contribution to climate change within the
construction industry by using the above secondary research through literature review. In this, it
is to be discussed that climate change impacts negatively because due to changes in climate
global warming occurs that leads to higher carbon dioxide levels.
Construction companies can highly emphasise on mitigating the effects of global warming and
for this several changes are accepted by them that demonstrate:
Choose construction materials that have low embodied carbon and sourcing materials
whose suppliers are transparent and can demonstrate the materials’ origin. Construction company
adopts the use of innovation so that carbon gases are reduced that reflects the high sustainability
of the existing building. To mitigate the risk of climate change, construction companies should
focus on utilising recycled materials along with enhancing the usage of prefabricated factors so
that best results are presented in construction a building because it maximises the value of
building sustainability. Efficiency in material designing helps in reducing the impact of climate
change by reducing emissions. This industry can focus on eliminating or reducing waste at the
designing stage so that the impact of greenhouse gas is also reduced in the future. Reusing the
waste material deducts the harmful effect on building construction and also the project life cycle.
Construction companies also focus on using low carbon cement so that it reduces the impact on
the environment.
Another discussion is based on strategies that are adopted by constriction industries to
reduce the cost of going green and it is discussed with the use of the above secondary research
using a literature review. As per the above research based on the author point of view, it is being
discussed that going green is containing high advantage for the environment. It also creates a
healthy atmosphere that helps in safeguarding the environment and natural resources which are
crucial for living creatures to survive for a longer period. Currently, general public are getting
more focused on reducing the impact of global emissions and there is growing awareness
regarding ‘green’ products which are getting more popular around the globe. To reduce the
impact of climate change construction companies are highly focused on using more natural
resources that do not harm the health people and create better buildings.
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It includes several strategies that are adopted by the construction industry to go green that are
presented below:
 Firstly, companies will focus on implementing sustainable business strategies so that
climate change cannot affect building construction.
 Reduction in the consumption of energy helps reduce the cost related to go green so that
companies promote the usage of more environmentally friendly materials. It helps in
mitigating the risk related to climate change.
 Create awareness and provide education related to green construction activities to
employees and workers are the best strategies for reducing the impact of construction
activities and mitigating the effects of climate change.
It is discussed that there are several ways of using renewable materials that are used by
construction companies to eliminate the impact of the environment by using the above secondary
research. The secondary research is discussed that several renewable materials are used that
provide finite resources to the industry. Renewable materials include peanuts hulls, bamboo
straw, tung oil, etc. all these are sourced from living plants that do not impact of global warming.
Using renewable building materials develops more sustainable solutions that reduce the pressure
of environmental negative impact.
Following the discussion from the primary data collected for the current study using a
questionnaire, it can be said that could also be made the concept of climate emergency has
become vital and important for the construction industry as it leads to a significant impact on its
practices and efficiency. A discussion can also be made about the significant impact of climate
change on the buildings and construction activities which include deterioration of the building
fabric, delay in completion of a project, extra expenses for protection, use of more expensive
materials and depletion of material used.
Further, it has been found that many changes are seen in climate and long-term weather
which are leading to challenges and issues for buildings and construction industry which
comprises of the increasing temperature of the planet, issue of global warming, ozone layer
depletion, excessive emission of chlorofluorocarbon, flooding and erosion in coastal areas.
Besides this, based on the current study a discussion can be made out that main forms of
41

pollution and environmental degradation that are caused and lead out by the construction
industry include Air pollution, Climate change through carbon emission, Water pollution,
Landfill waste, and noise pollution.
Apart from this, it has been also observed during the current investigation, that possible
ways to reduce the Construction Industry’s contribution to climate change include optimising the
design of a building, choosing materials with lower embodied carbon, recycling of waste
material, and increased use of prefabricated elements. Along with this, a discussion could also be
made about how the construction industry can decrease the environmental impact of a building
by the way of limiting fuel usage, reducing the noise of the machine, properly disposing of
waste, making use of reusable technology and limit the use of carbon-intensive construction
materials.
The main findings and discussion based on the current investigation consist of the fact that
going green provides a most suitable way for the construction industry to mitigate the effects of
climate change along with a discussion about what can be done to reduce the cost of using
‘green’ practices. It has been found out from the analysis of primary data that the ways that the
construction industry could apply to reduce the costs of going green consist of taking an
intelligent approach to energy, minimising waste and maximising reuse, designing in
airtightness, and installing Water Dispensing Systems.
Further, one of the main discussions and findings of the current investigation consists of the
analysis of the most preferred renewable materials that can be used in construction aiming to
reduce the environmental impact of construction which includes the use of recyclable concrete,
lime mortars, natural fibre composites, timber / concrete composites, and low carbon materials.
Finally, the main discussion of this study consists of the fact that overall positive impact is
led using renewable materials and green resources aiming to mitigate the negative effects of
construction on climate change. This approach will lead to low maintenance and operation cost,
energy efficiency, tax relief and reduction in carbon emissions which ensures a healthier and
positive environment and also mitigates the issue of climate change.
42

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendation
Conclusion
Based on the current study, a conclusion can be made that change in climate leads to a
significant impact on construction and building practises along with the fact that the construction
industry is also responsible for a significant part of climate emergency. It has been noted that the
embodied carbon of buildings comes from manufacturing as well as supplying of construction
materials and products. The construction process has a great impact on climate change.
Thus, the vital steps and ways required by the construction industry to mitigate and
overcome the risk of climate change comprise of choosing materials with lower embodied
carbon, better design of a building, recycling of waste material, and increased use of
prefabricated elements. Further, it has been also concluded based on current investigation that
many forms of environmental issues and consequence like air pollution, through carbon
emission, water pollution, landfill waste, and noise pollution is caused by inefficient construction
practises that form major reason for leading climate emergency and sudden climatic change.
Therefore, the adoption of some more effective ways has become more vital and important
within the construction industry aiming to decrease the environmental consequences and
negative impact of a building which consists of limit Fuel Usage, reducing the noise of the
machine, properly disposing of waste, making use of reusable technology and use of carbon-
intensive construction materials. Additionally, going green has become an attractive option to
overcome the issue of climate change as it ensures many high advantages for the protection of
the environment. The ways that can be adopted to reduce the cost of going ‘green’ can also be
made which consist of focusing on implementing sustainable business strategy. Reducing the
consumption of energy helps in minimising the cost of running a building in the future. related to
go green, create awareness related to green construction activities along with following the rules
and regulations that are imposed by the government for the improvement of the environment
which leads to mitigate the risk of climate change. The use of various renewable materials within
the construction industry that provides infinite resources to the industry which are also feasible in
an economic manner which consists of the use of peanuts hulls, bamboo straw, tung oil, etc.
which sustainability within the construction industry and also reducing the pressure of
environmental consequence.
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Recommendation
Based on the current investigation, it has been seen that the rapid climatic changes have to
lead to a situation of climate emergency especially in the sector of construction industry there for
some more effective ways and strategies are needed within the construction industry in order to
mitigate the effects of climate change. It has been analysed that from the current study that there
are many options like going green and making use of renewable materials that can be applied in
construction for reducing the environmental impact of construction. It has been further observed
that many forms of pollution and negative consequences in form of air pollution, noise pollution
together with water pollution and emission of carbon is also lead out by construction industry
there some check and control over the content and material used by the construction industry is
also recommended and needed. Therefore, choosing materials with lower embodied carbon and
Better design of a building is also recommended for the construction industry to mitigate the
effects of climate change. An analysis can be made out that use of materials with the lowest
embodied energy like concrete, bricks, and timber, are usually consumed in large quantities, and
materials with high energy content such as stainless steel are often used in much smaller amounts
which are recommended in the construction industry to control and keep a check on carbon
emission to have more health environment. Further, the embodied form of carbon that include all
the emissions from the construction materials, the building process, all the fixtures and fittings
inside as well as from deconstructing and disposing of it at the end of its lifetime thus, choosing
materials with lower embodied carbon would play a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate
change within the construction company.
Further, the main recommendations that can be made for the construction industry consist of
making use of Recyclable concrete, Lime mortars, Natural fiber composites, and Timber
concrete composites along with Low carbon materials to mitigate the risk of climate change. Use
of lime mortars which consists of lime putty and aggregate (usually sand) is recommended
within the construction industry as it ensures low air content of cement-lime mortar which is
helpful in increasing the bond strength thus ensure improved building to bear and mitigate the
negative impacts of climate change. Besides this, the use of Natural fiber composites is also
suggested and recommended within the construction industry as it provides a composite of
significant materials consisting of the polymer matrix that is embedded with high-strength
44

natural fibers, like jute, oil palm, sisal, kenaf, and flax which provide improved strength to
building to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Apart from this, making use of prefabricated elements is also highly recommended within
the construction industry to mitigate the effects of climate change as prefabrication of modular
wall and use of other prefabricated elements allows building with more complex thermal
insulation along with window frame components and more efficiently in construction based on a
significant assembly line, which tends to improve the quality over on-site construction. Further,
wood construction and going green are also vital recommendations that can be made on the basis
of current investigation that have particular benefits in leading the improved quality and
mitigating the effects of climate change. The main reason behind recommending the use of going
green within the construction industry is based on the fact that green construction provided a
better method of using resources to create extraordinary, wholesome, and energy-efficient
buildings. Apart from this, going green is also recommended as it comprises of many healthy
habits such as rainwater harvesting, use of automated sensors help to light along with the edifices
which are more sustainable and also ensure mitigating of risk of climate change through ensuring
a more environmentally responsible and resource-efficient construction and building.
Chapter 7: Reflection
This study on “Climate emergency: A critical view on how the construction industry can
mitigate the effects of climate change”, proved very significant for providing deep insights and
knowledge on the topic. It enabled the overview of the construction of buildings and
infrastructure and analysed various ways to reduce the contribution of the Construction industry
to climate change. It also investigated ways of assessing the strategies that the construction
sector can adopt to decrease the costs ‘green’ practices. Additionally, this study determined
different construction methods, services, and materials that can reduce the impact of buildings on
the environment. Through this investigation, it will be possible to perform further studies on the
topic effectively and systematically. This study was highly effective in assessing the way in
which renewable materials are utilized in construction and how these can assist in reducing the
negative impact of construction on the environment.
This study, provides knowledge about the specific topic and other areas associated and
assisted in improving my research skills along with time management and communication skills,
etc. Before conducting the study, my research skills were very weak due to which I faced
45

difficulties in communicating information effectively thus often causing misunderstandings.
After some time, I was able to improve my communication skills which not only helped me in
performing this study more effectively but will also assist in my future. My newly acquired
research skills helped me in gathering relevant information in an effective way which assisted me
in drawing valid and reliable outcomes of the study. To sum up, it can be said that my overall
experience of performing the study was good and I learnt many new skills by performing this
investigation which will further help me in my future career. Apart from this, this study enables
me to perform further research effectively on a similar topic or other topics.
46

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49

APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Q1) Are you having any understanding about the climate emergency which is related
with long term changes and irreversible environmental damage?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Neutral implication
Q2) Do you agree with the fact that significant impact is lead out by climate change on
the buildings and constructions activities?
a) Strongly agree
b) Agree
c) Disagree
d) Strongly disagree
e) Neither agree nor disagree
Q3) What are the main changes that are seen in climate and long term weather which are
leading challenges and issues for buildings and construction industry?
a) Increasing temperature of planet
b) Issue of Global warming
c) Ozone layer Depletion
d) Excessive emission of Chlorofluorocarbon
e) Flooding and erosion in coastal areas
Q4) What are the main impact of climate change on the buildings and construction?
a) Deterioration of the building fabric
b) Delay in completion of project
c) Extra expenses for protection
d) Use of Expansive material
e) Depletion of material used
Q5) Are you agreed with the fact that construction industry is also leading negative
consequences on environment which are causing adverse climate change?
a) Strongly agree
50

b) Agree
c) Disagree
d) Strongly disagree
e) Neither agree nor disagree
Q6) Which are the main forms of pollution and environmental degradation that are
caused and lead out by construction industry?
a) Air pollution
b) Climate change through carbon emission
c) Water pollution
d) Landfill waste
e) Noise Pollution
Q7) What are the possible ways to reduce the contribution to climate change in the
Construction industry?
a) Choosing materials with lower embodied carbon
b) Better design of building
c) Recycling of waste material
d) Increased use of prefabricated elements
e) All of the above
Q8) How the construction industry can decrease the environmental consequences and
negative impact of building?
a) Limit Fuel Usage
b) Reducing noise of machine
c) Properly disposing of waste
d) Making use of reusable technology
e) Use of carbon intensive construction material
Q9) Are you agreed with the fact that going green provides a most suitable way for
construction industry to mitigate the effects of climate change?
a) Strongly agree
b) Agree
c) Disagree
d) Strongly disagree
51

e) Neither agree nor disagree
Q10) What can the construction industry do to reduce the costs of going green in order to
making this option more attractive?
a) Taking an intelligent approach to energy
b) Minimising waste and maximising reuse
c) Environmentally Preferable Building Materials
d) Design in airtightness
e) Install Water Dispensing Systems.
Q11) What are the possible benefits which are availed by construction industry through
allying and making use of environmental friendly building?
a) Low Maintenance and Operation Cost
b) Energy Efficiency
c) Tax Credits
d) reduction in carbon Emission
e) All of the above
Q12) Which is the most preferred renewable materials that can be used in construction
for reducing the environmental impact of construction?
a) Recyclable concrete
b) Lime mortars
c) Natural fibre composites
d) Timber concrete composites
e) Low carbon materials
Q13) What overall impact would be lead out by use of renewable materials and green
resources in mitigate the negative effects of construction on climate change?
a) Positive
b) Negative
c) No impact
14) Any further recommendation for construction industry to effectively overcome the
climate emergency and mitigate the effects of climate change?
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
53