The sustainable economy drives the industries transformation and Construction must adapt quickly. ANICON. is all about change; in the process, the mindset, and the future-looking delivery of your construction project.
Our industry must Change.
ANICON. belongs to the construction and project management industry. But we are not the same with the industry. This is not a statement of arrogance, but an insight that hurts us to reflect upon, since the construction industry is making a profound negative impact on the environment and it costs immensely to each owner.
They say, do not be romantic! They say, project management is about delivering on cost, time, and quality. They say, the quicker you build, the quicker you grow your business. Sorry, we are not the same!
Our firm belief is that Sustainability is not a ‘nice to have’ principle, but the only way out for positive ‘green’ impact and the only way to satisfy any man’s need to reconvene with nature and lead a better life.
How come the world is making a transition to circular economy, except Construction?
Construction is a massive industry who costs three-times to the world. While it accounts for 6-8% of the global GDP, its financials go way bigger, and it contributes by 11% to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions!
In urban metropolitan areas, in rural escapes and at touristic destinations more housing and infrastructure are needed all the time. Unfortunately, the construction sector generates approximately 923 million tons of construction and demolition waste (CDW), and until today is one of the largest waste streams in the EU, which in turn urges the 27 members to follow the construction & demolition waste management Protocol and Handbook (2019 release). Has your Construction partner ever talked about it?
How come all becomes digital, except Construction?
Do you still think how to lower construction costs, now that real estate, destination tourism, renovations and Airbnb are on the rise (the pandemic is just an intermission)? Have you thought of employing drones instead of human and transportation costs? What would you think if 3D printing could save you millions? The first 3D printed social housing in France was inaugurated in 2019.
European Commission has published in 2019 a Trend report that shows exactly how digital innovations are integrated in the Construction industry. Can you imagine a drone identifying, diagnosing, and repairing your mansion? So, will you still be paying transportation expenses for your construction partners?
Sustainable development requires human ingenuity. People are the most important resource. – Dan Shechtman
What is Sustainable construction?
The above few examples reveal a brutal truth: Construction is still thinking, designing, and delivering projects with a 90’s mindset.
Few realize that designing and constructing with the circular economy mindset, not only saves money and resources, but also sets higher standards for the longevity and robustness of the building itself while the world starts becoming a better place.
According to Professor Charles J. Kibert, sustainable construction should focus on the “conserve, reuse, recycle/renew, protect nature, create non-toxic and high quality” principles.
Long-lasting materials. Recycling. Digital and technology innovations. Wiser energy use. Automations that improve life. Lowering costs through-the-line. Project management of triple effect. Building as part of a healthy environment. These are all sustainable!
Build with Sustainability at the core
Any Entrepreneur, Manager, Private Owner who is about to invest thousands of hours, resources, and millions of euros at a new building project should think twice before engagement and choosing a construction partner. Designing sustainable buildings is not enough. In ANICON. we always consider:
No1. Sustainability mindset during construction
It can be different materials; remodeling a building; or creating green natura constructions that integrate smoothly with the neighboring environment. Furthermore, the way we use materials, and how we plan and use energy (for heating, consumption, etc.) can all have positive environmental footprint. In ANICON. we even go further to avoid heavy machinery that can destroy the land and its capacity to capture and absorb natural water.
No2. Design constructions for re-purposing
Architects are already challenged to avoid designs for a single purpose and hence, create buildings that can be reconfigured to meet changing needs. This is the basic principle to avoid demolitions and reduce the amount of waste. We strive to create regenerating “natural” construction systems.
The first circular housing project in Denmark (2019) is convincing! Beautiful, practical, innovative, fully green, offering the ability to reuse 90% of the materials.
No3. Consider the materials used.
When we are assigned to new construction projects, or renovation ones, we consider the use of materials that can be source sustainable and can be recycled after use while being close to the natural surroundings. The true essence of the circular economy is to build with relevance: stone on an island, or with wood on the mountain.
No4. Implement strict and ‘smart’ guidelines.
- Use enough natural insulation.
- Design in airtightness.
- Use innovative heating and thermal systems.
- Make the best use of the natural light.
- Choose green and sustainable materials.
- Wise plan of all structural systems, decreasing costs and increasing durability.
- Support natural environments and habitats.
Whoever follows this path of logic realizes that, not only buildings are appropriately planned and designed, but the cost is no more expensive than standard builds.
Our sustainable mindset should encourage prosperity through better living and working conditions. We should all think the social benefits to wider audiences from the sustainable construction, a knock-out effect on health and wellbeing.
The story we aim to pitch is very simple: the construction industry needs Change.
