Sustainability in construction is often thought of in terms of embodied carbon and carbon emissions. While these are obviously critical for sustainability, our belief at KITE Projects is that we need to go further in considering the many other factors, such as construction efficiency and planning, site logistics requirements, and products and systems engineered for the longer-term.
At KITE Projects, we believe in designing and building responsibly. Our modular products and components are made from steel, an inherently recycled material with 87% of constructional steel being recycled, a further 10% reused, and 100% being recyclable (galvanizing.org).
Increasingly, clients are looking beyond traditional building practices and material specification. As a result, KITE Projects are seeing an increased demand for our range of modular environmental control products such as Headwalls, Retaining walls, and cascades, as well as Screw pile foundations. These all provide an alternative option on schemes that can often be designed as concrete by default. Yet KITE solutions can result in less requirements for extensive excavations, land disruption and spoil removal, as well as helping to improve construction efficiency by cutting concrete curing times.
Sustainability also refers to efficient construction. A modular approach leads naturally to the integration of design, manufacturing and assembly processes, streamlining overall construction programs for clients, and reducing expensive design cycle iterations.
Engineering for the long-term is a favourite phrase of ours. KITE was delighted to work with the Environment Agency, their designer Jacobs and our direct client, the contractor BAM Nuttall, to gain approval for the balustrade pedestrian protection around the Cockett Wick seawall to be delivered in stainless steel instead of the initially specified galvanised steel. This meant that the ~300m of guardrail could achieve a 100-year design life, along with increased tensile strength, corrosion resistance and a more aesthetically pleasing finish to stand the test of time.
As Rob Harvey, Project Manager from BAM, stated, “KITE’s full integration of survey, design, fabrication and delivery provided comfort that the package would be developed and produced in a collaborative manner, addressing the project challenges, to the benefit of both parties.”
These are excellent examples of sustainable engineering. While emissions could be seen to be slightly higher to produce stainless steel compared with galvanised, this was far offsetted by the efficient design and construction of a finished product engineered for the long-term, but which may not have fitted into the criteria of all sustainability measures.
Sustainability in construction extends far beyond the critical metrics of embodied carbon and emissions. It’s about adopting a comprehensive approach that considers the entire lifecycle of materials, the adaptability of designs, and the efficiency of assembly. By embracing modular solutions, prioritizing resource conservation, and designing for longevity and reuse, the industry can create structures that are not only environmentally responsible but also socially and economically sustainable. The path to a greener future lies in rethinking traditional practices and committing to innovative, adaptable solutions that meet the challenges of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow.