5 Tips for a Greener Construction Site
Happy Earth Day! We do our best to be mindful stewards of our materials and resources. Here are some tips to a greener construction site.
- Sort recyclable and non-recyclable used materials. Then, dispose and recycle these materials properly.
- Take good care and manage the use of your equipment. In order to save energy, don’t leave it running if it isn’t being used.
- Encourage accountability among a construction crew. During our weekly construction team meetings, our Superintendent will ask for each Foreman to have their crews clean up after themselves.
- Take initiative to complete environmentally conscious certifications. These certifications ensure that your business is educated in best practices for environmental safety, etc.
- At Gaughan, we make every effort to remove and dewater our construction sites effectively and responsibly, using the best methods while keeping the environment in mind.
Prepare the Construction Site for Severe Weather
In Minnesota, summer is a coveted season, and in the construction industry, it is the busiest season. There aren’t too many months out of the year when building can be done outside. In order to maximize the benefits of this season, general contractors need to prepare their construction sites for the chance of severe weather because while the weather can be perfect for construction, it can also be dangerous.
Late spring and summer severe weather in Minnesota includes torrential rains, flooding, hail, wind storms and tornados. These can all slow down construction and drastically increase the cost of a project if major damage and delays happen.
For wind storms and tornados, discuss with the project engineer where structure bracing can be done. Confirm that all loose materials and tools are properly secured or stored away. Airborne machinery can cause damage to more than just a construction site.
For rain and flooding, install temporary or permanent drainage systems where necessary. If a storm is approaching, check that these systems are free of debris. To also prepare for hail, temporary roofing or material coverings should be put into place until the permanent roof and building openings are all secured.
As every good general contractor knows, always check for severe weather alerts and have emergency plans put into place before the project begins.
-Jeff Bock
