Are there any projects that Aarsleff AB has worked on that showcase your sustainability approach?
I think the reuse of sheet piles and other steel constructions, which Aarsleff is a champion in, is a good example of spending less money with a sustainable solution. Also, the energy pile is an interesting option to integrate a heating/cooling solution in the foundation.
What I often find underrated, but important in life-cycle considerations, is the overall quality of the performed work. Constructions installed to a high standard live longer than those that are installed without care and understanding of the total construction
Sustainable construction is often perceived to be more expensive, is that the case?
Firstly, this could be regulated with more requirements specified at government level, which would level the playing field.
Secondly, often money can be saved with sustainable solutions (Like Centrum Pile´s Energy Pile). Other solutions can often seem expensive when they aren’t. For example, investing in modern machinery; if less, or no diesel is used and you invest in careful operators and mechanics who give the rig a long life, costs can decrease. Also, the rising price of raw materials encourages us to discover better solutions.
Thirdly, the focus shouldn’t be on the costs right now for that it is too late. If society hadn’t waited this long to change their behavior towards greenhouse gases, we would be much better of in terms of the economic impact (It’s been a topic on the UN-assembly since the 70´s!). Essentially, the more we change “nothing”, the more it will cost.
How is technology shaping construction trends?
Trends come from both directions. Sometimes technology gives the construction industry possibilities we didn’t know we needed, other times the industry demands a piece of technology that is needed.
With better technology available we can make the industry safer, more sustainable and more productive overall.
Finally, what is one thing that you wish architects, developers, and building owners understood about sustainability?
This could begin with including constructors earlier in the process to find good, robust, sustainable solutions which might benefit other areas than just the foundations alone.
As a final note to our readers and clients, we welcome your challenging project requirements, and you can guarantee that we will always work hard to meet them! Without a goal, contractors are only competing on price. We should compete on sustainability too.
