Civil engineering works are constantly carried out all over the world, with the aim of improving people's quality of life and the way they inhabit cities. In addition to historical examples, such as the Great Wall of China, the Panama Canal, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Eurotunnel, there are many other works that exemplify the human capacity to build with transformative potential.
These major works are mainly aimed at increasing urban mobility, improving the quality of life and promoting urban practices. However, it is important to keep in mind the environmental impact of these constructions. Civil construction is one of the main consumers of energy in many countries, due to the energy intensity of various processes and activities involved in the construction of buildings and infrastructure. In addition, the operational phase of buildings also represents a significant consumption of energy over time.
Civil construction is a sector of the economy responsible for creating infrastructure, buildings and works in general. It plays a key role in the urban and socio-economic development of a country, encompassing a wide range of activities and services. Civil construction encompasses several segments, such as:
- Residential buildings: Includes the construction of houses, apartments, residential condominiums and housing in general.
- Commercial and industrial buildings: Includes the construction of commercial buildings, offices, malls, shopping centers, factories, warehouses and industrial units.
- Infrastructure: It involves the construction of infrastructure works, such as roads, bridges, tunnels, viaducts, railways, ports, airports, water supply and sewage networks, drainage systems, among others.
- Civil engineering works: Includes special projects and constructions, such as dams, hydroelectric power plants, nuclear power plants, waste treatment systems, slope containment works, among others.
Civil construction also involves a series of professionals and specialties, such as civil engineers, architects, foremen, masons, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, among others. Each plays a specific role in the different phases of construction. Civil construction, therefore, is subject to regulations and technical standards, in order to guarantee the quality, safety and sustainability of constructions. These regulations range from the preparation of projects to the execution of works and maintenance of buildings.
Civil Construction and the Emission of Greenhouse Gases
The construction industry plays a significant role in global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing approximately 23% of total emissions. These emissions are present throughout the supply chain, from the creation of building materials to transport and activities on construction sites.
One of the main sources of emissions in civil construction is related to the creation of construction materials, especially concrete and steel. The production of these materials requires energy-intensive processes and releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) during their manufacture. CO2 is generated from the calcination of limestone, used in the production of cement, and from the emission of gases in the production of steel. These steps in the construction supply chain contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Transporting construction materials also generates a considerable amount of emissions. The logistics involved in transporting these materials, often over long distances, consume fossil fuels and emit polluting gases. The need to move large amounts of materials to construction sites further increases transport-related emissions. Concrete production accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the global iron and steel industry accounts for another 5%.
It is important to highlight that direct emissions from construction sites also contribute to the environmental impact of civil construction. About 5.5% of total emissions are generated at the construction sites, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels used to power machines and generators. These emissions are a result of using diesel, gasoline and other fossil fuels to power construction equipment such as excavators, cranes, compressors and generators.
Use of Electric Energy in Civil Construction
The use of electricity in civil construction is essential to power the various equipment, tools and systems present in the works. However, the consumption of electricity in civil construction can be significant and represent a high operating cost. Some of the main uses of electrical energy in civil construction may include, among other things, the use of a variety of electrical equipment and tools, such as cranes, concrete mixers, air compressors, drills, electric saws, among others. These equipment consume electricity for their proper functioning during the different stages of the work.
Another highlight is the issue of lighting, which becomes essential in a construction site, allowing workers to carry out their tasks safely. The use of electrical lighting, such as lamps and reflectors, requires electrical energy to provide adequate light, especially in places with low light or during night activities.
Air conditioning systems work in some works, it is necessary to provide thermal comfort to workers and maintain adequate conditions for certain construction processes. These systems, such as air conditioning and ventilation, require electrical power to operate.
In multi-story buildings, elevators and lift platforms are used to facilitate the vertical transport of materials, equipment and workers. These devices require electrical power for their operation.
Civil construction makes use of pumps for water drainage, supply and sewage systems, irrigation, among others. These pumps and hydraulic systems are powered by electrical energy.
The use of electrical energy is associated with the need to reduce costs and the growing demand to think about the relationship between the process and the impacts of the greenhouse effect. In order to reduce costs and consumption of electricity in civil construction, it is necessary to think about issues such as the use of more energy efficient equipment and tools that can result in energy savings. Opting for models with energy certification, such as the Procel Seal, can be a good option.
Using LED lamps instead of incandescent or fluorescent lamps can provide significant energy savings. In addition, it is important to make proper use of lighting by turning off lights in unoccupied areas and making the most of natural light.
Implementing an energy management system to monitor and control electrical energy consumption can help identify areas of waste and take corrective action.
In some cases, it is possible to consider the use of renewable energies, such as photovoltaic solar energy, to supply part of the energy demand of the work. A highlight for this issue is the use of adequate thermal insulation that can reduce the need to use air conditioning systems, minimizing the consumption of electricity.
It is also necessary to carry out a careful planning of the stages of the work in order to optimize the use of electric energy. For example, grouping activities that demand high energy consumption at specific times of the day, making the most of natural light while working, and avoiding the unnecessary use of electrical equipment.
It is necessary to carry out regular maintenance of electrical equipment and lighting systems to ensure their proper functioning and energy efficiency. Checking and correcting any problems, such as compressed air leaks, motor malfunctions, and energy waste, helps to reduce electrical consumption.
Another point to be worked on is the promotion of awareness and training of workers on the importance of conscious use of electricity, which can encourage more efficient practices. Guidance on turning off equipment when not in use, correct adjustment of lighting systems, and the importance of energy savings can make a difference.
The key to this process is to regularly monitor the consumption of electricity throughout the work, allowing the identification of consumption patterns, waste and savings opportunities. Using measurement and monitoring systems can help identify areas of highest consumption and implement specific measures to reduce consumption.
The adoption of these measures can contribute to the reduction of costs and consumption of electricity in civil construction, resulting in economic and environmental benefits. Furthermore, promoting energy efficiency in civil construction is an important step towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Urban Infrastructure: The Growth of Cities and the Need to Rethink Civil Construction
Civil construction is an industry that consumes a significant amount of electricity due to the various stages involved in the construction process of buildings and infrastructure. The high costs of electricity consumption in civil construction can be attributed to several factors.
To deal with the high costs of electricity in civil construction, there are several measures that can be adopted. Among them, investment in more efficient equipment and systems in terms of energy consumption can significantly reduce costs. For example, replacing obsolete equipment with more modern and efficient models can result in energy savings.
The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind or biomass energy, can help reduce dependence on conventional electrical energy and, consequently, the associated costs.
Implementing energy monitoring and management systems can help identify high consumption points and find ways to optimize energy use Thermal insulation: Investing in proper thermal insulation can reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling, which can result in savings of electrical energy.
It is also possible to evaluate the use of efficient lamps and lighting, such as LED lamps, can reduce the consumption of electricity related to lighting. In addition, automation systems and presence sensors can be installed to ensure the efficient use of lighting in spaces.
Another point to be highlighted is the building projects. In them, it is possible to consider adequate solar orientation, the use of sustainable materials and the implementation of passive air conditioning systems, such as natural ventilation, to reduce the need for electricity.
It is necessary to promote training for civil construction workers on good practices in the use of electricity and awareness of the importance of energy efficiency, which can lead to a change in behavior and more sustainable actions at the construction site.
It is also worth looking at some energy companies as they offer programs and partnerships to help reduce consumption and costs with electricity in civil construction. These partnerships can provide expert advice, access to more efficient technologies, and financial incentives for implementing energy-saving measures.
The adoption of energy efficiency measures in civil construction not only reduces electricity costs, but also contributes to environmental sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of natural resources. In addition, energy efficiency can improve the company's image, promoting corporate social responsibility and differentiation in the market.
Civil Construction Faces Challenges and Presents Opportunities
The demand for more sustainable construction practices has increased, with the search for materials and construction techniques that reduce the environmental impact and improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
- Technological innovation: New technologies, such as modular construction, 3D printing, virtual and augmented reality, are being incorporated into civil construction, improving processes, reducing costs and increasing productivity.
- Scarcity of resources: Civil construction consumes a significant amount of natural resources, such as water, energy and building materials. The search for more efficient and sustainable solutions is necessary to mitigate environmental impacts and face the scarcity of resources.
- Waste management: The generation of construction and demolition waste is a challenge to be faced. Proper management of this waste, through recycling and reuse, contributes to reducing the environmental impact and making better use of resources.
- Urban infrastructure: The growth of cities and the need to improve urban infrastructure are challenges faced by civil construction. This includes modernizing transport systems, expanding power grids, improving water supply and sanitation, among others.
- Safety and quality: Civil construction must guarantee the safety of workers and users of buildings. In addition, the quality of constructions is essential to avoid structural problems and ensure the durability and functionality of buildings.
- Costs and deadlines: The efficient management of costs and deadlines is a constant challenge in civil construction. Managing the work budget, avoiding delays in execution and dealing with unforeseen events are critical aspects for the success of projects.
- Land regularization: The regularization of irregularly occupied areas is a challenge present in many regions. Civil construction plays an important role in regularizing these areas, providing better housing conditions and access to basic services.
It is important to highlight that civil construction is constantly evolving, seeking new solutions and technologies to face these challenges. The implementation of sustainable practices, the use of more efficient materials, the adoption of innovative construction methodologies and investment in professional qualification are some of the strategies adopted to boost civil construction towards a more efficient, safe and sustainable sector.
