Page 24 - Çevre Şehir İklim İngilizce - Sayı 2

The Relationship Between Resilient Settlement And
Construction And Sustainability

The level of environmental effect depends on the ecological features of
the construction. Constructions are described as environmentally friendly in
proportion to the amount of these features. In the decision making process
for eco-friendly constructions, the environmental effect emerging during the
construction cycle and the decisions of architects and sector representatives will
take to reduce these effects play an important role. The issues that need attention
during construction cycle are as follows (Esin, Coşgun and Aydın, 2007):
Production of construction materials: The production of construction
materials is the phase when energy consumption and emissions are at their
highest levels. The chemicals used during the production of some construction
materials harm human health as they have a poisonous effect. Problems
may also arise depending on the quality of packaging used in wrapping the
materials. While picking the construction materials shaping the design, it is
important to choose ecological materials with minimum negative effect on
environment for the conservation of environmental values.
Transportation of construction materials: The energy used in the
transportation of raw material to production facilities and the manufactured
material to the construction site creates an environmental effect. The amount
of energy consumption may increase depending on the distance travelled. For
this reason, preference of local materials and/or materials available nearby in
design decisions will be beneficial for the environment.
The Construction Phase: Important issues such as the reduction of
pollution, preservation of the habitat, conservation of water and materials,
and ensuring the safety of worker will depend on the decisions made by the
authorities at this stage.
Using Phase (Operation-Maintenance-Repair): This is the phase
considered the longest of the construction life cycle. Accordingly, the most
damage on human and environmental health takes place at this phase.
An environmental impact emerges due to the amount and type of energy
consumed for the sake of human health and comfort (such as heating, cooling,
lighting, etc.) during the construction use process. Energy-efficient designs
and construction practices not only reduce use-maintenance costs, but also
contribute to ecological conservation.
Demolition Phase: This is the phase when the expected lifespan of a
building comes to an end. At this phase, the biggest environmental impact is
pollution. In order to avoid or mitigate this negative situation, it is important
to prefer and utilize easily recyclable or reusable materials which do not harm
nature when disposed in designs.
It is possible to say that the primary way to mitigate the environmental
effects of buildings is to make the use of sustainable construction criteria in

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