Green building materials are a key part of sustainability. They help conserve natural resources, protect the environment and promote a sustainable future for both current and future generations.
To be material efficient, green construction companies use products that last longer, recycle and reuse materials, and employ processes that require less water, raw materials and energy.
1. Energy Efficiency
Green construction materials use less energy in the manufacturing process, which results in lower carbon emissions. They also conserve natural resources and utilize renewable energy sources to reduce waste. These materials are also durable, so they last longer and need fewer replacements, which helps to save on energy costs over time.
In addition, many of the materials used in green construction are reusable or recyclable. For example, steel is an Eco-friendly building material because it can be recycled and requires less energy to manufacture than concrete. It can also be used for floors, walls and pavements in place of asphalt. Its strength and durability make it an ideal alternative to concrete, which can cause a lot of pollution.
Another green building material is wood, which can be reused and has good thermal properties. Its insulating qualities help to save electrical energy in the winter. Other insulation materials include cellulose, which is made from paper scrap and cork. Cork boards or panels are available at cheap prices in the market and can help to save electricity by reducing heat leakage.
2. Environmentally Friendly
Being environmentally friendly is a core tenet of green construction, and many green building materials are also socially responsible. They are made with fewer toxic chemicals that have a harmful effect on the environment and people, especially those who live or work in the building. This helps to optimize indoor air quality and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as asthma and cancer.
Some of these green materials are even recycled and renewable, lowering the carbon footprint of a structure. For example, papercrete uses waste from plants like hemp and even shredded newspaper to make a concrete-like material for construction. This is a good alternative to traditional concrete that can have a devastating impact on the environment.
Other socially responsible green materials include straw bales and rammed earth. These can be used in the walls of a building for their excellent insulating properties and are cheap to produce. Other sustainable insulation includes cellulose, cotton and wool. Cork is also being used more often in sustainable construction due to its natural ability to insulate and the fact that it can be harvested without killing the tree.
3. Reduced Emissions
Buildings produce a large percentage of greenhouse gases, and the materials used in construction can contribute to environmental problems such as landfill waste and air pollution. Using green construction materials reduces environmental impact, and can help to save energy.
Many green construction materials are renewable, and have a low environmental footprint from extraction to use. They are also low or zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) and emit minimal chemical emissions. These materials can be used in construction projects, and they create a healthier indoor environment for occupants.
Traditionally produced buildings and their materials cause high levels of carbon emissions during the extraction, processing, treatment, transportation and disposal of the materials. This contributes to climate change and affects our natural ecosystems and overall quality of life.
When choosing green construction materials, it is essential to consider their whole-life cycle. Using recycled materials can reduce emissions and other pollutants significantly, and they are also more cost effective than traditional building materials. For example, ashcrete is a green building material that is made from fly ash (a by-product of coal burning). It replaces the cement components in concrete, and it requires less energy to produce.
4. Reduced Waste
The use of green construction materials reduces waste in construction because it eliminates the need to use toxic paints and other cleaning products, which can cause damage to human health as well as the environment. Green construction also reduces the amount of waste thrown away by the construction process itself, as it uses less material.
In general, green building materials are natural and don’t spoil quickly because of heat or humidity. Examples of green construction materials include bamboo, cork and timbercrete, as well as materials made from recycled paper and cellulose insulation. Also, these green construction materials can be made locally. This cuts down on transportation costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Another example is ashcrete, which can be used as an alternative to concrete and is made from fly ash, a byproduct of burning coal. It is a much lighter construction material, so it requires less energy to produce. Other eco-friendly materials are straw bale and earth bags, which are strong and provide good insulating properties at low cost. In addition, these materials are easy to recycle.
5. Increased Value
Using eco-friendly materials during construction projects adds value to the property. These materials tend to last longer, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. This can also save on energy costs.
Oftentimes, green materials are made with recycled products or renewable resources. They are also locally sourced to reduce transportation needs. For instance, some of the earthen materials like adobe, cob and rammed earth are made with chopped straw, grass and other fibrous materials for strength and durability.
Nontoxic materials are another aspect of green construction that adds value to a home or office. These materials are safe to use and don’t emit any irritants or carcinogens, such as formaldehyde (used in conventional drywall).
In addition, many sustainable building materials are sourced from organic or recycled products that have been harvested responsibly, i.e. they are Forest Stewardship Council-certified. Additionally, some of these materials can be used in conjunction with solar panels for a more environmentally friendly and sustainable living space. There are even companies now working on turning paper waste into wood for construction purposes.