As a general contractor, you’ll have noticed that material shortages have slightly eased since the worst point during the pandemic. However, sustainability practices are increasingly deployed across the construction industry to address material shortages in supply chains. Among several benefits are the need to:
- Rein in costs, now and in the future.
- Adhere to newer building regulations and financial incentives attached to contracting.
So let’s look at why sustainable materials and supply chains matter.
Why Sustainable Materials Matter in a Time of Supply Chain Shortages
Although many businesses have changed to onshoring to address material shortages in supply chains, using sustainable options makes sense. Here’s why.
1 Growing Demand for Sustainable Infrastructure
In Texas, where infrastructure projects – from highways and tollways to rail systems and energy stations – are constantly expanding, the demand for sustainable construction materials is rising in lockstep with public values.
And as a result of public pressure, environmental concerns are more central in city planning and development.
2 Long-term Benefits of Sustainable Materials
Sustainable solutions in infrastructure projects also meet the challenges of material shortages in supply chains by going beyond just being eco-friendly; they also offer long-term benefits in terms of cost efficiency and durability.
This is especially important for projects involving city streets, highways, and tollways, where long-lasting solutions that minimize future maintenance costs are critical to the economy.
3 Meeting State and Federal Environmental Regulations
Using sustainable aggregates and materials also means that general contractors in Texas can align with environmental initiatives and regulations that both state and federal agencies increasingly require.
Although the Buy America, Build America Act – which affects federally funded projects – increases the pressure on supply chains by requiring US-sourced materials, reusing materials already in the supply chain can help you overcome these shortages.
In addition, reuse of materials answers the challenge of sourcing new materials in a supply chain where there’s a shortage of domestic manufacturing to produce them!
Forward thinking for competitive advantage
If you choose eco-friendly materials, you position yourself as a forward-thinking and responsible player in the industry.
And by adopting sustainability to meet potential material shortages in your supply chains, you also have a key competitive advantage – appealing not only to clients but also to municipalities that prioritize eco-friendly infrastructure projects.
So – with all those reasons why sustainable materials matter, let’s look at how to source them.
How to Source Eco-Friendly Aggregates Without Compromising Quality in Your Materials Supply Chain
There’s been growing interest in the idea of a circular economy where things are recycled for different purposes instead of discarded. This challenges the misconception over the years that old is not good and recycled is second best! So, let’s see how you can
- source sustainable aggregates without compromising quality,
- meet the challenges of material shortages in supply chains, and
- enhance your credentials.
Use Recycled Aggregates
Although many quarries and suppliers are adopting greener practices in their production of aggregates, if you use recycled aggregates it reduces the need for mining new resources. This conserves natural landscapes and reduces emissions linked to the extraction and processing. It’s a win-win for you to turn to sustainable materials.
Concerns about quality
However, in terms of infrastructure projects like highways and tollways in Texas, sourcing recycled materials for sustainability often raises concerns about maintaining the high quality needed for durable construction.
The good news is that eco-friendly aggregates can meet the performance standards required.
For example, recycled aggregates sourced from demolished concrete, asphalt, or other items awaiting construction waste disposal, are processed to ensure they meet strict specifications for use in new infrastructure projects.
Whether it’s repurposed concrete for city streets or recycled asphalt for highways, these materials can be just as strong and reliable as their virgin counterparts. If you incorporate these materials in your supply chains, you will not be sacrificing quality.
Use Local Suppliers
Another approach is to consider locally sourced materials. Using aggregates from nearby quarries or recycling centers means you can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials over long distances.
This not only answers the challenges of material shortages from further afield (longshoring or offshoring) but can also help cut your transportation costs.
Ultimately, choosing eco-friendly aggregates isn’t just about environmental responsibility; it’s about ensuring infrastructure projects are built to last while contributing to a more sustainable future – and avoiding material shortages.
Let’s briefly look at some best practices for sustainability on your job site.
Best Practices for Reducing Waste and Recycling Materials
When considering material shortages in supply chains and the need for sustainability, your large-scale infrastructure projects will benefit from minimizing waste and recycling materials.
You, as the general contractor, will also financially benefit – with reduced overall project costs and improved efficiency. So what’s best practice here?
1 Plan to Minimize Waste
One of the most effective ways to reduce waste is by planning and managing materials efficiently from the outset. You should carefully estimate the quantity of materials, such as concrete, asphalt, or gravel, to avoid overordering and subsequent waste.
Partnering with experienced truckers who can deliver precise quantities, or adjust deliveries as the project progresses, can make a big difference in cutting down on surplus.
2 Repurpose Materials on the Job Site
On job sites, it’s common to generate materials like excavated soil, crushed concrete, or used asphalt. You can often repurpose them for other parts of the project, including road construction and resurfacing.
Repurposing in this way is key to meeting the challenge of material shortages in your supply chain.
3 Use Recycling Centers for Excess Materials
Recycling centers can also play a significant role in supporting sustainable construction practices amid material shortages in the supply chain.
You can send leftover materials to specialized facilities where aggregates, metals, and other components can be processed and prepared for reuse in your other projects. If you establish partnerships with these centers, you ensure that minimal waste ends up in landfill.
Cowboy Trucking is Your Reliable Partner in Supply Chain Materials Delivery
Cowboy Trucking has the expertise and reliability record to ensure your materials are sourced sustainably, mitigating supply chain shortages while meeting project timelines.
Whether you’re sourcing recycled aggregates or dealing with logistical challenges, we ensure timely delivery to counteract any possible material shortages in your supply chains.
In other words, we get the job done! Call us to discuss any of your needs.
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