51 The transition to more responsible water management represents a challenge as well as an opportunity for the construction sector, which is one of the most water-intensive industries: 42% of the water used on a building site is wasted. From mixing concrete through wetting dry surfaces to washing equipment, water is a crucial resource at every step in the construction process. WATER The 5 habits of an exemplary building site DATAVIZ Save the resource Consider the impact of the climate and weather on operations (e.g., do not pour concrete in hot weather, so as not to have to spray it too much to prevent cracks). Provide containerized equipment to obtain drinking water from raw water as well as rain barrels for the site’s needs. Monitor consumption Sets targets in the program of requirements. Place meters (drinking water and harvested rainwater) in the living quarters1 and equip the highest‑consumption (fixed or mobile) devices with water meters. Identify areas of overconsumption by monitoring the ratio between rainwater consumption and drinking water consumption. Communicate with workers on the site, displaying the site’s consumption. Manage the living quarters(1) wastewater If it is not possible to connect to the sewage system, wastewater must be treated on site via a mobile treatment unit before being released into the natural environment. Treat road wash water Rainwater is managed according to its pollution potential and then treated in different steps (sludge removal, hydrocarbon treatment, sedimentation, filtration, etc.). Re-use operations water Full of aggregates, sand, concrete, and fine particles, it must be treated before being re-used, to clean equipment for example. (1) Temporary construction to accommodate and protect workers and supervisors throughout the building project.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTA2Nw==