New Construction Methods Materials and Research Proposal

• Length: 8 pages
• Sources: 6
• Subject: Architecture
• Type: Research Proposal
• Paper: #1015748
• Related Topic: Building Construction, Recycling, Costing Methods

Excerpt from Research Proposal :

A second major facto in the growing trend for a new greener industry is that these measures also represent a more efficient operation from a financial perspective as well. For instance, recycling aluminum cans on the job is an example of a sustainable practice that contributes in a positive way to the bottom line (Shepherd, 2009). Recycling aluminum cans on the jobsite help to feed the local economy as well. These new cost-cutting measures are necessary, as green construction typically drives up the price of a new home by 10% (Shepherd, 2009). Companies must take measures to reduce costs in as many areas as possible.

How Can These New Innovations Affect a Career in the Construction Industry?

Changes within the construction industry will have an impact on those involved in the industry of the future. These new innovations represent changes in attitude toward the job site, project flow and project planning. Those pursuing a job in the construction trades could expect these trends to become the norm, as more pressure is placed on the industry to reform its practices for a greener tomorrow.

The second impact that these new innovations will have on the construction industry is that it will open up new job opportunities within the industry for those that wish to specialize in the new "green industry." The area of green consulting is just beginning to emerge. Traditional construction managers will turn to this new group of professionals more and more for advice and input into project planning.

Green engineers will lead the way in new, more energy efficient products. The need for green will be a key driver of research and development in the manufacturing and construction sectors. They will take old ideas and rework them to fit into the new greener way of building things. Increasing the energy efficiency of appliances is the first step to independence from fossil fuels. Before one can think about running the building with new alternative energy sources, it must as efficient as possible. Reducing waste and excess is the first step in the ability to do this.

The green movement will change the way traditional engineers and project mangers will think about their work. It will also present many new opportunities to introduce new niches into the market. Green engineers can easily invent their own niche within this new emerging market.

Conclusions/Recommendations

The green movement represents the latest trend to sweep the construction industry. It began slowly and has been picking up speed. At this point, it appears that it is here to stay. The construction industry will continue to develop new methods, materials and equipment to help meet the demand of the consumer and government agencies. Many of the concepts and new ideas that are icons of the green movement are not new, but represent a redesign of something old to make it more energy efficient and reflective of the new paradigm.

The well-informed engineer would be wise to stay on top of new innovations in the industry. The construction industry will change rapidly in the near future. Many new materials and techniques will be developed and become available for use. These new materials and methods are necessary to meet the social demands being placed on the industry by consumers and government agencies alike.

There are thousands of new products currently under development. The need to create these new products is spurred by necessity. The world must find a way to cut back usage of fossil fuels and to reduce energy consumption. New innovations will continue to be developed for both structural components and details inside of the building. Consumer demand for these products is expected to skyrocket over the next several years and continue to grow for the long-term.

The new color of the construction industry is green mixed with a few earth tones. Consumer demand and government regulations will continue to be the key drivers in this trend. The construction industry is working hard to shake its old reputation of waste and environmental destruction. However, it will take a cooperative effort for all members of the project team to make this vision a reality for the betterment of everyone's future.

References

AGC (2009). National Construction Group calls for New Federal Incentives to Encourage

Recycling of construction Materials, Purchase of More Efficient Construction

Equipment.Concrete Producer Online. March 23, 2009. Retrieved April 14, 2009 from http://www.theconcreteproducer.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1419&articleID=916304

Baccinelli, M. (2008). New Features and Technologies Boost Refrigerator Efficiency. Building Products. March/April 2008. Retrieved April 14, 2009 from http://www.ecohomemagazine.com/green-products/new-features-and-technologies-boost-refrigerator-efficiency.aspx

Nasvik, J. (2008). Vapor Membranes. Concrete Construction Online. December 1, 2008.

Retrieved April 14m 2009 from http://www.concreteconstruction.net/industry-news.asp?sectionID=986&articleID=818172

Palmer, W. (2007). Sustainable Construction with Concrete. Residential Concrete. March 2007.

Retrieved April 14, 2009 from http://www.ecohomemagazine.com/design/sustainable-construction-with-concrete.aspx

Shepherd, D. (2009). Foundation for the Future. Concrete Construction Magazine. January 15,

2009. Retrieved April 13, 2009 from http://www.concreteconstructiononline.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=985&articleID=853242

Sustainable Construction. (n.d.). History. Retrieved April 14, 2009 from http://www.sustainableconstruction.co.uk/history.htm

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