Introduction

Water is a crucial resource that is essential in the development of any building project. Water is used for
mixing concrete, curing masonry, cleaning equipment, and watering the plants and grass. Even though
water is an abundant resource, it is highly valuable in the construction industry, and as such, minimizing
wasteful water use is becoming increasingly important. With the rising concerns of climate change and
the need to conserve resources, it is crucial that the construction industry places emphasis on ensuring
that their operations are environmentally sustainable. Therefore, this paper will examine the efficient
use of water in cost-efficient construction processes.

Importance of Water Conservation in Construction

In many regions, the availability of water is limited, and as such, water conservation is critical in ensuring
sustainable development. As a large consumer of water, the building industry has a critical role to play in
enhancing water conservation practices. Construction activities involve the use of water for mixing
concrete, laying masonry, cleaning equipment, and general site maintenance. A vast amount of water is
used in these activities, which results in significant environmental impacts. Excessive use of water can
lead to resource depletion, water pollution, and degradation of aquatic ecosystems (Jhala and
Brahmbhatt, 2017). Moreover, construction activities that involve the use of water can also generate a
significant amount of wastewater, which requires treatment, thus increasing the cost of construction.

Efficient Water Use in Construction

The construction industry is adopting sustainable practices that aim to reduce water use and enhance
water efficiency. The following are some of the ways that construction companies can improve water
efficiency without compromising the quality of the building projects:

1. Water Management Plan

Every construction project requires a water management plan that outlines specific strategies for water
use and disposal. The water management plan should identify the major sources of water use and
recommend alternative approaches that can reduce water use. It should also identify potential sources
of wastewater and recommend treatments for the discharged wastewater. The water management plan
should be integrated into the project's construction plan, and it should be monitored regularly to ensure
that the project adheres to the outlined water use policies.

2. Low-flow fixtures

The construction industry can reduce water consumption by installing low-flow fixtures such as
showerheads, faucets, and toilets. These fixtures are designed to regulate the amount of water used in
various activities. For instance, low-flow showerheads can reduce water use by up to 50% while still
maintaining the same level of comfort as high-flow showerheads (UNEP, 2021). The installation of low-
flow fixtures can be a cost-effective way to reduce water use and lower the construction costs without
compromising the quality of the project.

3. Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rainwater for re-use in construction
activities, such as site watering or washing construction equipment. Rainwater harvesting can
significantly reduce water consumption, and thus lower the project's overall cost. Additionally,
harvested rainwater can be used for landscaping, which reduces the need for potable water for these
purposes. Rainwater harvesting systems are easy to install and require minimal maintenance, making
them a cost-effective solution to reduce water use in construction.

4. wastewater management

The construction industry can reduce water usage by adopting wastewater management techniques
such as wastewater treatment and reuse. Wastewater treatment involves the removal of pollutants
from wastewater to make it suitable for re-use. Re-using treated wastewater can significantly reduce the
volume of freshwater required for construction activities. However, wastewater treatment can be a
complex process that requires specialized knowledge and technology. Therefore, construction
companies should hire experts with experience in wastewater treatment and management to ensure
that the treated water meets the necessary standards.

Conclusion
The construction industry is a significant consumer of water, and thus, efficient water use is essential in
reducing the project's overall cost and ensuring sustainability. The efficient use of water in construction
involves the adoption of various practices, including water management plans, low-flow fixtures,
rainwater harvesting, and wastewater management. These practices can significantly reduce water
consumption and lower the project's overall cost while maintaining the quality of the building.
Therefore, construction companies should strive to adopt environmentally sustainable practices that
ensure efficient use of resources and contribute to sustainable development.

References

Jhala, D., and Brahmbhatt, Y. (2017). Water conservation and energy efficiency for sustainable building.
International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(9), 79-93.

UNEP. (2021). Low-Flow Fixtures: How to Save Water Without Sacrificing Performance. Retrieved from
https://www.unep.org/resources/report/low-flow-fixtures-how-save-water-without-sacrificing-
performance

9.Introduction

The construction industry is one of the most dynamic industries in the world. The industry is constantly
evolving, and new technologies and materials are being used to build better buildings. However, as the
industry changes, the cost of construction also increases. To ensure that buildings are cost-efficient, it is
important to consider the operation and repair and renovation of the building during the construction
process. This paper discusses the importance of operation and repair and renovation consideration in
cost-efficient construction process, providing recommendations backed up with literature.

Importance of operation and repair and renovation consideration in cost-efficient construction process

Operation and maintenance costs are one of the most significant components of the total cost of a
building. In fact, over the life cycle of a building, the operation and maintenance costs can represent up
to 80% of the total cost (Pomponi et al., 2018). Proper operation and maintenance of a building can
reduce energy consumption, increase the building's lifespan, and reduce the cost of repairs and
renovations over time. Therefore, considering the long-term operation and maintenance of a building
during the construction process can significantly reduce the cost of the building over its lifespan.

Furthermore, repairs and renovations of a building can also be costly. In some cases, the cost of repairs
and renovations can exceed the cost of the original construction. As a result, it is important to consider
the possibility of repairs and renovations during the construction process to reduce the cost of repairs
and renovations in the future. Considering the potential repairs and renovations can help in selecting
durable materials and high-quality workmanship during the construction process, which can ultimately
result in a reduction in repair and renovation costs over the life cycle of the building.

Considerations for cost-efficient construction process

There are several considerations that can be made during the construction process to ensure that
buildings are cost-efficient. These considerations include the following:

- Selection of durable materials: Durable materials can withstand the elements and last longer, reducing
the cost of repairs and renovations over time. Additionally, durable materials require less maintenance,
resulting in lower operation and maintenance costs.

- High-quality workmanship: Poor workmanship can result in early deterioration of a building, leading to
increased repair and renovation costs. Therefore, selecting highly skilled and qualified contractors
during the construction process is essential to reduce repair and renovation costs over the life cycle of a
building.

- Building orientation and design: The orientation and design of a building can affect its energy
efficiency. Energy-efficient buildings result in lower energy consumption and lower energy bills.
Therefore, considering the orientation and design of a building during the construction process can
significantly reduce the cost of operation and maintenance.

- Appropriate equipment and systems: Appropriate equipment and systems, such as HVAC systems,
lighting systems, and water systems, can significantly reduce the cost of operation and maintenance.
Therefore, selecting appropriate equipment and systems during the construction process is essential to
reduce the cost of operation and maintenance over the life cycle of a building.
- Maintenance programs: Maintenance programs should be developed during the construction process
to ensure that the building is properly maintained over its life cycle. Proper maintenance can
significantly reduce the cost of repairs and renovations over time.

Recommendations

Based on the considerations discussed above, the following recommendations can be made for a cost-
efficient construction process:

- Conduct a life cycle cost analysis: A life cycle cost analysis should be conducted during the design phase
to determine the cost of operation and maintenance over the life cycle of the building. This analysis can
help in selecting durable materials, high-quality workmanship, appropriate equipment and systems, and
developing a maintenance program.

- Consider energy-efficient designs: Energy-efficient designs, such as passive solar heating, can
significantly reduce the cost of operation and maintenance over the life cycle of the building. Therefore,
considering energy-efficient designs during the construction process is essential to reduce the cost of
operation and maintenance.

- Use sustainable materials: Sustainable materials, such as recycled materials or materials that require
less energy to produce, can significantly reduce the cost of construction and operation over the life cycle
of the building.

- Select qualified contractors: Selecting highly skilled and qualified contractors during the construction
process is essential to reduce repair and renovation costs over the life cycle of a building.

Conclusion

The operation and maintenance costs of a building can represent a significant portion of the total cost of
the building over its life cycle. Therefore, considering the long-term operation and maintenance of a
building during the construction process can significantly reduce the cost of the building over its
lifespan. Additionally, repairs and renovations of a building can also be costly. Therefore, considering the
possibility of repairs and renovations during the construction process can significantly reduce the cost of
repairs and renovations in the future. The considerations discussed in this paper, including the selection
of durable materials, high-quality workmanship, energy-efficient designs, appropriate equipment and
systems, and the development of maintenance programs, are essential for a cost-efficient construction
process.

References

Pomponi, F., Moncaster, A., De Wolf, C., & Smith, T. (2018). The contribution of life cycle costing to
sustainable construction. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering Sustainability,
171(5), 224-236. doi: 10.1680/jensu.18.00014