What are the emerging sustainable construction practices for Facilities Engineering?

3 Passive design strategies

Passive design strategies are another way to achieve sustainability in construction, by using natural elements and processes to regulate the indoor environment and reduce the need for mechanical systems. Passive design strategies include orientation, insulation, shading, ventilation, daylighting, and thermal mass. By applying these strategies, facilities engineers can improve the comfort, health, and well-being of the occupants, as well as reduce the energy consumption and maintenance costs of the building.

4 Circular economy principles

The circular economy is a concept that aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, by designing products and systems that can be reused, repaired, refurbished, or recycled. The circular economy principles can also be applied to construction, by using materials that have a low environmental impact, a long lifespan, and a high potential for recovery. Facilities engineers can adopt circular economy principles by choosing materials that are renewable, biodegradable, or recycled, by designing for disassembly and modularity, and by implementing waste management and recovery systems.

6 Collaborative approaches

Finally, one of the most important sustainable construction practices is the adoption of collaborative approaches among the stakeholders involved in the project, such as owners, designers, contractors, suppliers, regulators, and users. Collaborative approaches can foster innovation, communication, and coordination, as well as reduce conflicts, risks, and errors. Facilities engineers can use collaborative approaches by engaging in early and frequent consultation, by sharing information and knowledge, and by participating in integrated project delivery methods.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?