How do you minimize the impact of construction on the environment and society?

To assess environmental and social impacts before construction commences, engaging with stakeholders is paramount. Actively involve local communities, NGOs, and experts to gather diverse perspectives. Incorporating innovative technologies for predictive impact modeling enhances the accuracy of assessments. Effective communication of findings is crucial to build trust and gain support. Pre-project pilot studies and continuous monitoring further ensure that the project aligns with sustainability goals.

Stakeholder engagement is important ensuring the community and society is engaged to proceed with suitable solutions . Conducting an environmental impact assessment, ensuring regulatory requirements are identified. This together with the aspect and impact assessment of the construction activity will help prevent and manage environmental risk to the community.

Carrying out risk assessment to ascertain what can harm the environment in the construction process is key. Thereafter, an adequate control measure can be put in place to ensure the risk is mitigated. This will help reduce construction impact on the environment.

- One thing I have found hopefully:- Linking Climate Change and EIA for sustainable development by inputting climate change factors within EIA steps in two ways scenario which are Green House Gas (GHG) consideration - (whereby a proposed Plan/Project can contribute to GHG emissions) and Impact Consideration - (Whereby Climate Change may adversely affect the proposed plan/project)

One thing I must stress here that all the prepratory safe-guards need to be taken before hand in accordance with the local building rules. In this regard assessments especially Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Natural-resource Impact Assessment (NIA) take the front seat which are crucially important to be undertaken prior to start of any sort of construction.

Think green for going green all the way by considering each step of the project in ways that you may not normally. In this regard Reduce material waste by using sustainable materials and reduce water and environmental waste by using sustainable practices, besides, expediting your project to reduce the amount of time spent on construction.

Choose materials with lower environmental impact, such as recycled or locally sourced materials. Prioritize materials that are durable, low in embodied energy, and have minimal negative effects on indoor air quality.

In this regard ensure application of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Also here one can consult an attorney to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Construction activities such as excavation, transport, resource use and many others have significant impact on environment and society. To minimize these impacts there is the need for an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) at the project feasibility stage. The result of the assessment will help the project to: - adopting environmentally friendly technology, - doing due diligence with project affected persons, - meeting stakeholders needs, and - knowing where to invest as the project environmental and social responsibility. The above listed will minimize project negative impacts and enhance positive impacts to ensure a sustainable project.

Generally, construction contributes significantly to environmental impact, accounting for approximately 39% of carbon dioxide emissions globally, according to some estimates. Going local, local and local with equivalent standards for materials sourcing is one strategy. Researching for circular economy and efficient site practices to reduce energy use, waste and water use reduces negative environmental impact. Green procurement for low embodied carbon materials sourced locally adds to the emissions reduction many fold. Reduce fossil fuels and choose cleaner options and alternatives. Include green spaces in temporary works where possible and protect biodiversity. Relocate any trees instead of cutting and clearing for construction.