On the occasion of World Environment Day from CHM we want to vindicate the importance of innovative and sustainable construction. At a time of crisis like the current one, it is essential that construction is claimed as the engine of economic recovery. But it is also essential that we value the fact that we do it in an efficient, sustainable and safe way. We leave you the article signed by our colleague David Nicolás Orenes, Business Director, in which he reflects on all this.
Building sustainable innovation
Streets that drain rainwater, roads that emit less heat in summer, wastewater treatment plants that help us clean wastewater, resilient and sustainable housing or systems capable of minimizing the impact of road fog are some of the innovative proposals that we have promoted in recent years. There are many companies that, like us, are turning their business model around to sustain it on the pillars that guarantee, on the one hand, survival in the future and, on the other, improve the health of our planet.
There is a climate emergency that requires an effort on the part of everyone: companies, administrations and society. Companies can contribute with two basic ingredients: innovation and sustainability. Administrations can contribute by demanding guarantees of respect for the environment in all the actions they promote: be they consumption, mobility, maintenance or construction. And society, through responsible behavior that respects the environment. We all have the obligation to contribute to this.
In a week in which we celebrate International Environment Day, it is important to remember that the current economic crisis caused by the coronavirus cannot hide the environmental crisis: this problem must be tackled as quickly as possible. It is clear that both crises can be solved with investments in housing rehabilitation to make them more sustainable, with the proper maintenance of infrastructures (communication, mobility, energy or water) or with the construction of resilient housing. It is urgent to promote the development of these infrastructures today in order to safeguard our municipalities, hospitals and schools, roads, beaches and rivers, but also to generate employment at a time when unemployment figures are at an all-time high.
Construction has proved to be an essential service during this period of paralysis caused by COVID-19. Construction of field hospitals, reconversion of streets and avenues taking advantage of the absence of traffic in the cities or maintenance of telecommunications infrastructures are just some of the actions that have been carried out during these two months. But not only that, in Spain tourism makes a very important contribution to the national GDP, therefore, the repair of the damage caused by the Gloria storm on our beaches has also acquired a very important role during this period. Construction is essential.
The fact is that, wrongly, construction activity is often associated with an unsustainable sector. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are demonstrating that it is possible and compatible to improve the quality of life of society while respecting and safeguarding the environment. In the business world, more and more companies are working to build a sustainable, innovative and resilient model.
When private companies and public administrations join hands and listen to social demands, great commitments and initiatives arise that benefit society as a whole. The construction and maintenance of infrastructures must be one of them because it seems that the planet is running out of time and patience.
David Nicolás Orenes. Business Management CHM Infrestructuras.
