In the heart of Semarang, Central Java, a hotel project is challenging conventional wisdom and setting a new benchmark for sustainable construction. The Aruss Hotel, aiming to include a jogging track, initially planned to use Ironwood for its durability and resistance. However, this choice raised concerns about the environmental impact, particularly the pressure on rainforests. Enter Nicco Plamonia, a researcher from the Center for Environment and Clean Technology at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Indonesia, who saw an opportunity to blend sustainability with cost efficiency.
Plamonia, lead author of a study published in Jurnal Teknik Sipil, which translates to the Journal of Civil Engineering, proposed a radical shift: replacing Ironwood with andesite stone. “The key is to consider both the sustainability of the materials and the value for money,” Plamonia explained. “We need to think beyond just the immediate benefits and look at the long-term impacts on our environment and economy.”
The study compared the costs and installation times of both materials. The results were striking. Andesite emerged as a clear winner, being 73% cheaper than Ironwood. By opting for andesite, the hotel project saved a staggering IDR 307,031,041. But the benefits didn’t stop at cost savings. Andesite also required significantly less time to install, taking just 13 working days compared to Ironwood’s 36 days.
This research isn’t just about one hotel or one material. It’s a call to action for the entire construction industry. As urban areas expand, the demand for sustainable and cost-effective materials will only grow. Plamonia’s work highlights the potential for andesite and similar materials to meet this demand, reducing pressure on natural forests and saving construction costs.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the push for green buildings and sustainable infrastructure gains momentum, materials like andesite could play a pivotal role. They offer a way to build sustainably without breaking the bank, a crucial factor for energy companies looking to invest in green projects.
Plamonia’s study, published in Jurnal Teknik Sipil, is more than just a comparison of materials. It’s a roadmap for the future of sustainable construction. As the industry continues to evolve, the principles outlined in this research could shape the way we build our cities, one stone at a time. The question now is, will the industry listen? And if so, how might this research shape future developments in the field? The answers to these questions could redefine the future of sustainable construction and the energy sector.