In this content, we will discuss the sustainable construction trends in 2024.
As environmental awareness grows and the demand for more eco-friendly practices becomes a global priority, sustainable construction continues to gain momentum.
In 2024, we will see significant advancements in sustainable construction trends, driven by new technologies, innovative materials, and a holistic approach that aims to reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
This article explores the key trends shaping the future of sustainable construction and how they can benefit residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Innovative and Sustainable Building Materials
Sustainable materials are one of the pillars of green construction among sustainable construction trends. Some of the innovative materials that will be in high demand include:
- Green Concrete: Produced with lower CO2 emissions, green concrete uses industrial by-products like fly ash and blast furnace slag, reducing the amount of traditional cement needed.
- Engineered Wood: Products like CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) are gaining popularity for being renewable, lightweight, and having excellent structural performance.
- Sustainable Insulation: Materials like sheep wool, hemp, and cellulose fiber are being used as more eco-friendly alternatives to conventional insulation.
In 2024, we will see an increase in the use of materials with lower environmental impacts that promote energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency and Net Zero Buildings
The pursuit of energy efficiency will remain a priority and is also part of the sustainable construction trends in 2024, capable of even developing Net Zero buildings.
These buildings produce as much energy as they consume.Key trends in this area include:
- Integrated Solar Panels: The integration of solar panels into roofs and facades is becoming common, with advances that make panels more efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
- Energy Storage Technologies: Battery systems and other storage technologies store energy generated during the day for nighttime use, boosting buildings’ energy self-sufficiency.
- Smart Automation and Control: Automation systems that adjust energy consumption based on occupancy and weather conditions are becoming more common, optimizing resource use.
Note that a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources achieves all of this.
Water and Water Resources: Reuse and Efficiency
In 2024, water reuse and resource efficiency will be in the spotlight, with solutions that include efficient water management:
- Rainwater Harvesting and Reuse Systems: These systems collect rainwater for use in irrigation, toilets, and other non-potable needs, reducing the demand for treated water.
- Gray Water Technology: Reusing gray water from showers, sinks, and washing machines for uses like irrigation and toilet flushing is a practice that is becoming popular.
- Water-Saving Devices: Faucets and showers with aerators, dual-flush toilet systems, and smart irrigation help significantly reduce water consumption.
This is an increasing concern among sustainable construction trends in 2024, especially in regions prone to water scarcity.
Biophilic Design: Connecting Buildings to Nature
Biophilic design is an approach that integrates natural elements into built spaces. Sustainable construction trends in 2024 include:
- Green Walls and Living Roofs: These elements not only improve aesthetics but also contribute to thermal insulation, air quality, and urban biodiversity.
- Natural Light and Cross Ventilation: Maximizing the use of natural light and cross ventilation is key to reducing dependence on artificial lighting and air conditioning systems.
- Outdoor Living Areas: Projects that incorporate outdoor spaces, such as patios, terraces, and gardens, are increasingly valued for providing direct contact with nature.
Thus, it promotes the well-being of occupants and creates a deeper connection with the natural environment.
Technology and Digital Innovation in Construction
Technology plays a crucial role in transforming sustainable construction trends in 2024. Highlights include:
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM allows for more efficient management of the entire building lifecycle, from planning to maintenance, facilitating more sustainable decisions.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Connected sensors and devices monitor building performance in real-time, automatically adjusting lighting, climate control, and security systems to optimize resource use.
- 3D Printing and Prefabrication: 3D printing and prefabrication of construction components reduce material waste and allow for faster, more precise construction.
In other words, the digitization of the sector will continue to advance, with the use of tools and platforms that improve building planning, execution, and maintenance.
Sustainability Certifications and Standards
Certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and WELL will continue to be important indicators of sustainability in 2024, but we will see an increasing effort to make these standards more accessible and adaptable.
- WELL Certification: Focused on occupant well-being, this certification stands out by including criteria that go beyond energy efficiency, addressing air quality, water, light, food, and more.
- Regional Certifications: The increase of certifications adapted to local conditions, such as AQUA-HQE in Brazil, allows projects to better suit regional realities.
This will expand the scope to include social and governance aspects, alongside environmental ones, for a holistic sustainability approach.
Circular Economy and Waste Reduction
Sustainable construction trends in 2024 go beyond operational efficiency to adopt a circular economy approach:
- Use of Recycled and Recyclable Materials: The preference for materials that can be reused or recycled at the end of their lifecycle is a growing trend;
- Construction Waste Reduction: Practices such as rubble recycling, reducing material waste, and using construction techniques that generate less waste are becoming increasingly common.
This means minimizing the use of resources and maximizing material reuse during and after construction.
Modular and Off-Site Construction
Modular and off-site construction is emerging as a trend that combines sustainability and efficiency.
- Waste Reduction: Factory construction minimizes material waste and improves quality since components are produced precisely under controlled conditions;
- Greater Quality Control: Off-site production allows for stricter quality control, resulting in more durable and sustainable structures.
These methods enable construction of components in controlled settings, then assembly on-site, cutting down environmental impact and time.
Conclusion
As we have seen, sustainable construction trends in 2024 reflect a continuous commitment to innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Keeping up with these trends and integrating them into projects helps preserve the environment while creating healthier, cost-effective spaces.
Keeping up with these trends and integrating them into projects helps preserve the environment while creating healthier, cost-effective spaces.
