Investing in sustainable practices in the industrial segment basically consists of balancingfinancial viability e responsible use of natural resources, prioritizing respect for the environment.
This type of business model tends to be highly scalable, especially because consumers have also become aware of the practice of conscious consumption. In this sense, the importance ofsustainability in constructionIt is related to valuing a positive image of the company in the market, characterized by disruptive and innovative thinking in the way it operates.
In this article we will talk more about this and show6 sustainable practicesthat you can adopt in your company, in order to minimize environmental impacts and guarantee the renewal of our planet's natural and finite resources for future generations. Check it out!
Why we should talk about sustainability in construction
The importance of sustainable practices in construction goes beyond positioning the company as a brand that cares about the planet and the quality of life in the workplace. Working sustainably in the industry also meanspreserve institutional coffers e boost revenue. This is because, in a more sustainable corporate environment, productivity tends to be much higher.
As for saving financial resources, this is due to several factors, such as the reuse of materials and installations inretrofit projectsand investment in high-performance solutions at zero energy costs. A good example are thenatural lighting and ventilation systems, which we will talk more about in the next topics.
Initially, consider that the first step for the industry to become sustainable is to base strategic planning on the following tripod: people, planet and profits. It is no wonder that this triad became known asTriple Bottom Line, that is,the tripod of sustainability. The term was created in the 1990s by environmental consultant John Elkington, for whom environmental preservation can indeed be linked to revenue.
- Insocial sphere, which the author calls people, the intention is to offer a healthier and more humanized workplace for employees;
- Already inenvironmental sphere, which he calls the planet, the objective is to prioritize the use of renewable resources and reduce damage to the environment as much as possible;
- Ineconomic sphereIn turn, there is operational savings through the use of sustainable solutions and the provision of more favorable working conditions for team performance.
Therefore, with productivity rising, the company's profitability will also be greater, which makes it more competitive in the market. In other words, investing in sustainable practices means feeding back into a scalable growth cycle, especially since nowadays consumers tend to prioritize companies that work in an environmentally friendly way.
What is a sustainable industry
We can call any industry that prioritizes preservation and environmental care in its production chain a sustainable enterprise. For this to be possible, it is necessary to focus industrial investments on intelligent solutions,that operate at maximum performance without consuming excessive resources.
Natural lighting and ventilation systems illustrate this scenario well, as they are high-performance solutions that do not consume electricity to operate. This way, it is possible to guarantee thermal comfort andproductivity in industrywithout burdening the company's coffers and without harming the environment.
It is also worth remembering that the adoption of sustainable practices in industrial warehouses is no longer a mere option, but an urgent need in the global panorama. After all, as we know, production lines in industry are extensive and tend to consume a lot of resources to remain in constant operation. Therefore, balancing the use of resources and worrying about the generation of impacts is of great relevance in the sector.
How to become a sustainable industry
As we saw, theinvestments in smart technologiesare one of the most important steps in the search for sustainability in the industry. THEinnovationis a key concept in this process, demanding attention from managers with regard to frequent updates in the production chain.
The replacement of old equipment with more modern and economical versions is a good example of this dynamic. In more practical terms, we can mention the“5Rs policy”as an effective starting point for working in an environmentally friendly way in the industry. The concepts behind the 5Rs are established as follows:
- Rethink:it is up to managers to rethink the way in which the production chain develops and, then, plan what can be done regarding environmental responsibility, considering raw material choices and waste disposal practices, for example;
- Refuse:managers must stop entering into partnerships that generate negative impacts on the environment, giving up agreements with companies that do not have environmental certificates, for example;
- Reduce:it is the responsibility of managers to reduce surpluses in the production line, avoiding waste, properly disposing of waste, replacing raw materials with biodegradable materials, among other sustainable practices;
- Reuse:ecologically correct management optimizes the industry's financial resources to the maximum, reusing inputs and favoring thecircular economyto generate as little surplus material as possible;
Recycle:it is the duty of managers to recycle liquid and solid waste without causing environmental liabilities; even organic waste recycling practices can be incorporated into the industry's daily routine.
6 practices to make your industry more sustainable
Now that you have a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability in construction, check out what you can do in practice to implement more sustainable actions and policies in your company.
1. Use water consciously
A survey carried out bySebrae Sustainability Centerpoints out that 60% of small businesses (micro and small businesses) in Brazil invest in some method toreduce water consumption.
Possible paths include the installation of automatic taps, reuse of water for non-potable purposes, rainwater harvesting, installation of dual flush toilets, among other actions.
2. Properly manage waste
An efficient waste management policy is fundamental to sustainable practices in construction. Because this is one of the sectors that generates the most waste of materials in its processes and works,not to mention the emission of polluting gases and unnecessary consumption of electricity.
In this sense, practices such as selective collection, composting of organic waste, reuse of materials andwaste recyclingThese are some alternatives to properly dispose of waste from the beginning until the end of manufacturing activities.
3. Optimize the electrical power system
Spending on electricity represents one of the main expenses on the industrial payroll. One of the most effective measures to reduce energy consumption is the replacement of incandescent lamps withLED models. Furthermore, investment in natural lighting systems, such aslinear domus, has grown a lot in recent years.
The use ofdomus, for example, eliminates the need to turn on artificial lamps in the factory for around 8 working hours. Another difference is that the solution can be used in conjunction withDimmable LEDsto control the brightness levels of the lamps according to external lighting, thus consuming as little energy as possible.
LED lighting really suits the industryDiscover the advantages of LED lampsand understand why this is a sustainable resource!
4. Make the most of natural ventilation
Natural ventilation solutions, such aslanterns e shutters, are also highlights when we talk about the importance of sustainability in industrial construction.
The objective is to provide thermal comfort and improve air quality inside the warehouse, which makes the workplace healthier, more pleasant and more economical, as there will be no need to have air conditioning units on all day.
In addition to being a great ally in saving energy, natural ventilation helps to reduce the emission of toxic gases into the environment. This is because the exhaust process that occurs inside the lanterns guarantees theconstant air renewaland thefiltering pollutants such as CO², dust and other gases.
5. Involve the entire company in sustainable practices
Implementing the culture of industrial sustainability is also a very important step to maintain team alignment. Make sure you make all your employees aware of the efficient use of resources, that is, using less to do more and better. This movement will bring good results not only for the environment itself, but also for your company's coffers.
As previously stated, thesustainable lookIt involves seeking innovation in different sectors of your business. In this sense, understand which aspects – energy expenditure, waste management, pollutant emissions, etc. – are affected. – your company can improve is a decisive factor when it comes to industrial sustainability.
6. Get green certified
Green seals certify the social responsibility of companies, attesting that the institution has an ethical commitment to working in an ecologically correct way. As we have seen, this is positive not only for the environment, but also for the growth of the company itself,given that consumers are increasingly focused on conscious consumption.
One of the best-known certifications in this scenario is theLEED seal(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), used to certify sustainable practices in industries throughout the world.
An excellent way to claim green seals is by investing in the smart solutions we talked about in previous topics, such as linear domes, shutters and industrial lanterns.
In addition to the benefits brought by these systems from the point of view ofelectricity savingand fromquality of life in the workplace, sustainable solutions help the industry achieveenergy efficiency– a factor that is decisive for obtaining environmental certifications.
Therefore, if you are looking to increase the value of your industry in the market, know that natural lighting and ventilation systems have a guaranteed return, allowing you to adopt sustainable practices quickly, effectively and without burdening the company's coffers.
Are you up to date on this subject?Take our quizand test your knowledge about the benefits of natural ventilation for sustainability in the industry!
