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We’ve moved past the days of ‘eco-friendly’ being used as just a buzzword – more and more industries are now realising the importance of reducing their environmental footprint.
When it comes to construction, making the switch to sustainable building materials is an excellent way to make a positive change. In this guide, we’ll dive into what actually makes sustainable building materials better for the planet and share some examples.
When sourcing sustainable building materials for an eco-friendly construction project the key thing to consider is how using a specific substance will cut down the carbon footprint of the final product through properties like renewable sourcing, longevity, and recyclability.
Some of the most widely used eco-friendly building materials include:
People often wonder, if wood is a sustainable material and the answer really depends on the origins of the timber, and the way the raw material is processed.
Compared to synthetic materials, responsibly sourced wood (certified by the likes of the Forest Stewardship Council) not only has a lower environmental footprint, but also makes for a greater renewable resource.
Hardwood, in particular, is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, which makes it a favourite choice for many contemporary construction projects. However, it is slow growing, so these trees do not replenish as quickly as softer woods.
Processing wood is much more energy efficient than the treatment of materials such as concrete or steel, and, once treated properly, timber can remain ship-shape for decades, doing away with the need for substitutes.
There is also a whole range of substances that make excellent sustainable building materials when recycled.
For instance, you can easily get multiple uses out of metals such as aluminium, steel, and copper without losing any of their strength. Plumbing and electricity systems are the perfect place to utilise copper, for instance, while recycled steel is as good as new for things like structural support.
While concrete is not very sustainable as a building material, it is strong and is excellent at retaining heat. Alternatively, you can opt for greener alternatives such as geopolymer concrete or recycled aggregates to minimise the overall carbon footprint of your project.
Nowadays, you’re even able to add plastics to your list of eco-friendly building materials, with inventive construction options such as plastic bricks or even plastic sheets, boards and plans made from various pre and post-consumer materials which would have otherwise become waste.
Perhaps the most prominent among common examples of sustainable materials, bamboo is an eco-friendly champion thanks to its quickly growing nature. With only three to five years required for the plant to mature, bamboo is a popular eco-friendly building material choice for panelling, floors, and structural support, thanks to its unique blend of strength and lightweight makeup.
There are some alterations you can make to insulation for a more environmentally friendly project. Swap more carbon-footprint-intensive insulation substances with eco-friendly building materials such as hemp, cellulose sourced from recycled paper, or even sheep’s wool.
In addition to being good for the planet, many of these environmentally friendly solutions hold their own in terms of performance both for thermal and sound insulation, and can prove to be rather cost-effective.
If your goal is to make all your construction projects more eco-friendly, investing in sustainable building materials is an excellent first step. That said, there’s plenty more you can do to integrate environmentally conscious practices at different stages of a job.
An easy way to build upon the benefits of your eco-friendly building materials is to source them locally. This not only cuts down on the carbon emissions used in transit but also gives your local economy a boost. Where applicable, you should also check the credentials of your suppliers to make sure they share your commitment to sustainability.
Elsewhere in your project, you can take material recycling and reuse to the next level by finding a purpose for reclaimed metals, wood, and bricks, utilising recycled aggregates when working with concrete and even repurposing materials from demolition projects.
Looking to the future, two key elements to account for are longevity and energy efficiency. Materials known for their long lifespans will extend the usability of the end products, while substances with good thermal performance will cut down energy consumption.
Making sure you’ve picked the best sustainable building materials for your construction project will go a long way to supporting your environmental responsibility goals.
We have a team of experts who can help you sort through the various renewable wood, recyclable metals, and latest innovation options out there to select the ones which meet your needs best.
Check out our construction services offering and contact us to learn more about how we can support you with implementing sustainable practices in your construction projects.