Sustainable scaffolding
How scaffolding can be considered sustainable
With more people becoming aware of their carbon footprint, it is important that your business is doing everything they can to improve their sustainability. Businesses have a responsibility to educate their employees, and ensure they are taking the necessary steps to reduce their carbon footprint. The scaffolding industry requires large quantities of materials. The manufacturing of these materials will inevitably have a negative impact on the environment. Keep reading to see how you can improve your scaffolding business sustainability.
Recyclable and reusable material
As many people are aware, using recyclable and reusable materials help reduce your carbon footprint. Scaffolding poles are made from aluminium or steel meaning they are strong and durable. Metal poles could also be melted to make new products. When recycled properly, aluminium and steel poles are also recyclable meaning they should have no negative impact on the environment. It is also important to utilise sustainable materials. As a business you can encourage clients to opt for alternative materials such as:
- Bamboo
- Wood
- Recycled aggregates
- Mycelium
- Recycled plastics
- Timber Crete
Planning
One of the key ways to minimise a company’s environmental impact is to plan. Companies that plan have time to evaluate the resources they are using including the materials used, how many workers are needed for the project and how many vehicles are required. By doing this, the company can identify ways to improve their sustainability. Additionally, by planning materials and comparing them to previous projects you can minimise your waste output. If at the end of a project there is excess of building materials, consider recycling or using for future projects.
Employee training
Improving your businesses sustainability will be impossible without having your employees on board. By training your employees on the importance of sustainability and your ideas for the business will ensure you are all working towards the same goal, making it more achievable. In the scaffolding industry, workers are required to travel, which will increase your companies carbon footprint. Encouraging employees to car share with each other can help this issue and contribute towards your company’s goal.
Protect Wildlife
It is important to limit your company’s disruption to the local wildlife when working. Certain projects may mean that scaffolding must be erected near surrounding trees and hedges. When working on these projects it is important that you and your employees are respecting the wildlife and minimising your environmental impact. At the end of a project ensure all waste is collected and discarded of correctly. Training employees on the importance of respecting the environment is also key to achieving your sustainability goals.
Use lightweight scaffolding
Traditional scaffolding poles are extremely heavy. Because of this they are transported to the site via trucks. Multiple trips may have to be made to ensure all the resources are at the sites. The use of lightweight scaffolding is recommended to help your business improve their sustainability. Lightweight scaffolding is made from aluminium therefore making it lighter than traditional scaffolding poles. Due to this, more poles can be fit into the trucks and can be easily transported. The trucks will inevitably use less fuel when transporting lighter materials. In certain circumstances, lightweight scaffolding may not be suitable for a project however, when available it is a great way to minimise your carbon footprint.
The scaffolding industry requires lots of materials and resources making it important that your business is doing everything they can to improve their sustainability.