04.07.2024 | Aluminium Association
Co-Chair of the Russian Aluminium Association Irina Kazovskaya spoke at the 'Integrated Territorial Development: Transformation of Regional Infrastructure' session at the 'Strong Russia' summit. She presented a report titled 'Innovative Eco-Friendly Solutions for Advanced Construction and Regional Infrastructure Development'.
One of the key topics of the summit was the life cycle and cost of ownership of structures. In her report, Irina Kazovskaya emphasised that the environmental and economic advantages of aluminium are most evident when considering the entire life cycle of buildings and the cost of ownership. Operating expenses make up more than 75% of the total cost of owning and operating buildings and structures.
'It is crucial to consider the life cycle and cost of ownership of a building or structure in the design process. It is also crucial to only use eco-friendly and safe, green materials in construction projects. This should be mandatory for social facilities and be legislated. What is vital for developing competencies in the use of innovative materials is for the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation to create and include courses on designing and constructing with aluminium alloys in the curricula. Currently, these disciplines are not part of any,' Irina Kazovskaya outlined the key problems in her speech.
The Co-Chair of the Aluminium Association noted the need to improve the environmental safety of buildings and structures. This approach involves using materials and technologies from the field of green construction in the design, construction, and operation of real estate projects. The goal is to create buildings that enhance the quality of life by providing a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment. One of the key aspects of this approach is to reduce the impact of real estate projects on the environment through the use of energy-efficient and environmentally sound solutions. Additionally, it aims to minimise the amount of resources and materials used in the construction process. The practice of using this approach has shown its economic and environmental benefits.
Regional development was the key topic of the session. Irina Kazovskaya presented regional programmes on the use of high-tech structures and aluminium alloy products in various fields. These programs help improve the quality of the urban environment and infrastructure. The construction of residential and social facilities, the development of tourist infrastructure, road construction, and the establishment of modern transport and berthing infrastructure using innovative aluminium-based solutions enhance the quality of life and boost the attractiveness of the regions. This, in turn, should lead to a more livable, environmentally friendly, affordable, and comfortable environment. This will also serve as a catalyst for the growth of local small and medium-sized businesses.
Irina Kazovskaya pointed out that the construction industry is one of the main factors driving the growth of aluminium consumption in our country. This is supported by major projects at the federal and regional levels for permanent building construction, housing renovation, and renewal of park, urban, and transport infrastructure. Aluminium-based solutions can significantly reduce the cost of building installation. They are energy-efficient and can be recycled almost indefinitely. Moreover, modern architecture allows to create buildings and objects in harmony with the environmental landscape of cities that can withstand various weather conditions, including those in remote areas of the Russian Federation.
One of these solutions is pre-fabricated structures. These structures can be used for various purposes, including building airports, sports facilities, paramedic and midwifery centres, bus stations, and even factory premises. Due to the strength of aluminium alloys, such structures can last for decades without any special care. Moreover, due to the unique construction techniques used, building frames can be constructed and communications installed on the roof, which significantly reduces the commissioning period to just a few weeks.
Utilising modern technologies and components based on aluminium solutions, produced within the Russian Federation, will enhance the efficiency of design solutions: ensuring energy efficiency, durability, and the environmental and bacteriological purity of the materials used, which is particularly crucial in the design of social facilities.
'The Russian aluminium industry has the potential to offer truly integrated territory development projects to regions. The entire range of required products is manufactured in the regions of our country. This includes everything from bridges and noise screens to lighting poles and innovative cables. In fact, aluminium is everywhere today. It is in houses, transport, road infrastructure, airports, social facilities and much more,' said Irina Kazovskaya.
The Strong Russia Business Community Summit is the main platform for discussing important topics related to infrastructure development in our country, creating a favorable investment climate, and enhancing the economic potential of Russian regions.