Green building materials are eco-friendly products that help conserve dwindling natural resources. They also promote sustainability, which helps reduce energy costs and other expenses over time.
Some examples of green construction materials include ashcrete, made from fly ash (a byproduct of coal burning). It replaces traditional concrete components. Other options include straw bales, which are renewable and require less energy to process.
1. Energy Efficiency
Using green materials in buildings helps save energy, because they have good thermal insulation. Also, they are fire resistant. Many of these materials require less energy to manufacture and ship than other types of building materials. Some green buildings also use renewable energy sources, such as solar power.
In terms of energy efficiency, green buildings can save a significant amount by reducing their electricity consumption. One way to do this is by using natural light. The concept of daylighting calls for orienting windows and walls to maximize the benefits of sunlight inside the building, which reduces electric lighting needs. Some green buildings use solar-powered water heating to further lower utility bills.
Several studies have targeted the selection of green building materials for facades based on different criteria. The green origin and green performance of the selected materials are the most important attributes. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is one method used to identify the environmental impacts of a product throughout its lifecycle. The proposed evaluation criteria points are higher than the original percentages of the four green rating systems’ manuals, which can help to optimize the choice of green building materials for facades.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint
The production of building materials consumes a lot of energy and produces carbon dioxide. Choosing green building materials reduces the impact on the environment. This is achieved by using local materials and materials that have a low embodied carbon footprint. It also means using durable materials, which require less processing and have a shorter supply chain.
Cork, for instance, is one of the most Eco-friendly construction materials on the market and acts as a great insulator that saves electrical energy. It can be used to make floors, walls or even ceilings.
Using recycled materials is another way to minimize your building’s carbon footprint. Jimmy reused slate shingles and heart pine joists from old Tech Tower to create counters, benches and showers in the Kendeda building. He also used bamboo, which grows quickly and is stronger than steel or hardwoods like oak.
A material’s embodied carbon footprint can be assessed through its manufacturer’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) or by using a green building rating system. The latter involves performing a sensitivity analysis to identify the most important criteria for the evaluation.
3. Recyclable
Unlike conventional building materials, which often take raw material from the earth, are manufactured and shipped to the store, and are then discarded or sent to landfills after a short life span, green building materials have the potential to be recycled again and again. Some examples of this include wood, recycled plastics, and concrete masonry blocks that are made of reclaimed glass or ceramic waste.
These building materials are also typically locally available, which helps reduce the cost of transportation. This not only cuts costs but also contributes to the greening of the environment. Additionally, using these materials reduces the amount of energy used in a building. It also reduces the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere and enables the building to save water resources by decreasing the amount of sewage and garbage that is produced.
However, there is no such thing as a 100% eco-friendly building material. The closest that exists is LEED certification, but critics point out that it ignores nuances. Some companies use the term “green” to market their products even though they don’t meet the full requirements of LEED certification.
4. Better Indoor Air Quality
While much attention is given to the impacts of climate change on outdoor air quality, it’s important that green construction materials also consider effects on indoor air quality (IAQ). Air pollutants are a leading cause of illness and death. This is why green construction uses non-toxic and air-cleaning building materials.
Using wood fiber-cement bonded composites is an excellent way to ensure a healthy interior. These Eco-friendly building materials balance relative humidity inside the buildings naturally without requiring mechanical ventilation, which helps to reduce mold and bacteria growth.
In addition, wood wall systems are a good choice for improving IAQ by providing a thermal barrier that helps prevent outdoor heat from entering the building. They are also easier to clean than carpeting, which can hold a lot of dust and allergens.
Choosing the right green building materials requires extensive research and careful analysis. The research process can include a life cycle assessment (LCA), which evaluates the environmental impact of products throughout their entire lifetime. Other research methods can include reviewing manufacturer product data, government regulations, building industry articles, model green building product specifications, and other sources of information.
5. Healthier Occupants
Green buildings are built with eco-friendly materials that are safer for occupants. They also don’t contain toxic chemicals or plastic by-products that can release harmful fumes and carcinogens into the air. These pollutants have been linked to a variety of health issues, including respiratory disorders, asthma, and even cancer.
Locally sourced materials are another great way to go green. For example, bamboo is a highly durable and rapidly renewable material that’s perfect for outdoor construction projects. It’s also incredibly lightweight, making it an excellent choice for homes and commercial structures that require high levels of insulation.
Other sustainable building materials include cork, a natural and renewable alternative to Styrofoam that’s fire resistant, waterproof and soundproof. It’s also an incredibly strong and durable material that can last for centuries.
Lastly, there’s aerogel, which is a highly insulating material originally popularized by NASA that can dramatically reduce your energy costs and help keep you and your family healthy. The best part is that it requires very little processing and shipping time, meaning that it’s good for the environment as well as your wallet.