The construction industry has a responsibility to be an environmental steward and Duluth’s unique landscape requires special care. Are you planning a construction or renovation project? Are you keeping an eye on local projects? Here are five considerations top of mind for local contractors, engineers and architects in Duluth—from home building to commercial construction.
Protecting Lake Superior’s Water
Water is everywhere in Duluth—lakes, creeks, rivers, and precipitation. Contractors, architects, engineers, and owners must partner early to survey the location and draft a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The contractor and civil engineers then work with the state to ensure the plan meets stormwater guidance and stormwater pollution prevention.
The SWPPP is implemented through best management practices (BMPs) to prevent or reduce source pollution help achieve water quality goals. Don’t worry—this isn’t a one-and-done effort. The plan is consistently evaluated throughout the project, evolving to ensure BMPs are in place, especially after significant rainfall or weather.
Creeks in Duluth can carry sedimentation to Lake Superior. Per the SWPPP, the runoff is filtered, cleaned and discharged away from the site to protect local water resources.
Probing the Rocky Soil & Sediment
Duluth boasts especially rocky terrain, so it is important to investigate the ground at the beginning of any project. A ground investigation assesses ground conditions including geology, soil and contaminated land issues. Conducting a ground investigation is crucial to ensure the project accounts for the local terrain and potential hazards.
Because of Duluth’s rocky terrain and abundance of water, ground investigations can identify potential issues before breaking ground. There are several types of ground investigations available, but it is important to choose the right option for the location and project, not just the price.
Planning for the Highs and Lows of Local Weather
We’ve all experienced the wide range of temperatures and weather in Duluth! That’s why skilled contractors consider both extreme cold and heat during projects. It is important to strategically choose materials, locations and plans to account for all weather. Partnering with local experts will ensure you are considering Duluth’s unique climate during and after the project.
Accounting for extreme weather is vital as we navigate climate change. Project resilience, “designing adaptable structures that can ‘learn’ from their environments and sustain life, even in the face of disaster,” is a rising trend in construction (Architect Magazine). Resilience and adaptation strategies account for past, present and future situations and ensure buildings are created to withstand natural forces.
Prioritizing Sustainable Materials
Sustainable building is crucial to reduce the carbon impact during and after projects. Contractors should prioritize eco-friendly and regenerative materials, such as brick, bamboo and reclaimed or recycled materials. Examples of sustainable building include producing less waste, leveraging prefabricated projects or improving building practices.
Reclaimed materials not only provide character but also decrease the demand for newly sourced lumber and help curb deforestation. If you are interested in leveraging reclaimed wood or materials, find a local expert comfortable working with salvaged materials to provide sources and recommendations.
Promoting Local Biodiversity
The construction industry has a responsibility to maintain and enhance the quality of life in the communities in which they build. We want our local projects to promote and protect biodiversity during and after the building process by minimizing its impact on natural habitats, wildlife, and plants. Green spaces, increased wildlife and sustainable development add value to projects and support social, economic and environmental growth.
Supporting Duluth’s environment is a good business and building practice. With an early and consistent partnership, contractors, developers and owners can minimize the impact of construction projects. Thinking ahead and planning for a biodiverse project can also cut costs, proactively rebuild environments and support conservation.
Duluth has an abundance of natural wealth from its water to its vibrant nature. Therefore, it is our responsibility to identify alternatives in construction to positively impact and protect the environment today, tomorrow and into the future.
Standard building practices use and waste significant materials and can negatively impact the environment. Sustainable building uses less resources and minimizes carbon, water, energy and waste. Partnering with the right local experts early and often can educate and empower everyone to prioritize and plan for environmental stewardship.
To view the full article, please visit: http://duluthianmagazine.com/julyaugust22/index.html?r=32
