Construction professionals are leveraging alternative building materials to reduce the environmental impact of their projects. These greener materials and techniques also lower construction costs.
For example, steel studs and tracks replace traditional lumber in load-bearing walls. They’re lightweight, easy to install and come with pass-through locations for wires. They even offer fire resistance.
Ferrock
While concrete remains a tried-and-true quantity, alternatives are coming up. One of the most promising is Ferrock, a carbon-negative alternative to cement that can be used in place of concrete for construction projects. The material is made from steel waste byproducts and silica that has been ground up out of old glass bottles. When the steel dust and silica react with carbon dioxide in the air, they form iron carbonate, which then hardens to create a building material called Ferrock.
This eco-friendly building material was invented by David Stone, the founder of Iron Shell Media Technologies and a University of Arizona Ph.D. student. He created it by accident while researching ways to prevent iron from rusting and hardening. Once he realized that the material had the physical capabilities of concrete, he set out to find a way to use it in commercial construction projects.
The main ingredients of the product are steel waste and silica, which are byproducts from a wide variety of industrial processes. The material also has the advantage of being able to withstand saltwater damage, which makes it ideal for coastal buildings. Another benefit of this material is that it can be used in projects that will see a lot of movement and compression, as it is five times stronger than concrete. It sets up faster than concrete as well, making it useful in construction projects that need to be finished quickly.
Ashcrete
Concrete may be the most popular building material on earth, but there are a number of alternative options to consider for construction projects. With a little creativity from the designer, open-mindedness from the client, and approval from the building department, these materials can make your project more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
One of the most popular alternatives to concrete is ashcrete. This concrete-like material uses fly ash from coal combustion as a substitute for cement, creating a durable material that’s less energy intensive than traditional concrete. It also has natural pozzolanic properties that enable it to absorb carbon dioxide from the air, reducing emissions from coal production.
Another alternative to concrete is wood-based composites such as ferrock, timbercrete, and hempcrete. These composites are lighter than concrete, reducing emissions from transportation and making them a more sustainable choice for the environment. They are also insulating and resistant to moisture, pests, and decay.
While some of these alternative building materials require more time to set than concrete, they can still be used in many construction applications. With the right design, they can help you keep your project on schedule and on budget while still being good for the planet.
Rammed Earth
Rammed earth, or pise de terre, is an ancient construction method that has been revived as a sustainable alternative to concrete and other traditional building materials. In its most basic form, a rammed earth wall is made by compressing a damp mixture of subsoil with suitable proportions of sand, gravel, clay and stabilizer (historically, animal blood) into an externally supported frame to create a solid, thick wall of earth.
The earth used in rammed earth buildings can be harvested locally and requires minimal transportation, reducing a project’s embodied energy. The material is a good choice for bushfire prone areas because it’s inherently fireproof and termite resistant; additionally, well-cured walls don’t leak air or produce toxic fumes.
While a strong, durable and fire-resistant building material, rammed earth has a high thermal mass, meaning it’s able to absorb and store heat throughout the day. In combination with a passive solar design, this can significantly reduce a building’s heating and cooling needs.
It’s important to do your research and choose a contractor or builder who has experience with rammed earth construction. Look for certification or training and get references from past clients. By taking the time to find the right contractor, you’ll ensure that your rammed earth building is successful and long-lasting.
Steel Studs and Tracks
Metal stud framing is an alternative to traditional wood for commercial and residential projects. It is lightweight, sturdy and offers a number of advantages. It is impervious to fire, termites, rot and many of the issues that can plague organic-based materials. It also is more durable than traditional wood and can support heavier loads.
Metal framing is manufactured from recycled materials, making it a more eco-friendly option than traditional lumber. It also does not release VOCs, which are harmful to the human body and the environment. This makes it a healthier choice for construction workers who spend long periods of time on-site.
Unlike wood studs, steel studs are consistently shaped and will not warp or twist over time. They are also incredibly durable and easy to work with. They can be screwed into place rather than nailed, which allows builders to make changes more easily. Additionally, screws will not rust in moisture-prone areas like the base of walls or at door frames.
The biggest drawback of steel studs is their upfront cost, which can be up to 30% more than wood framing. However, when considering the potential savings over the lifespan of the building, this extra investment may be worth it. These benefits include not having to pay for rot, mold, termite or water damage repairs, which can cost significantly more than the initial premium for metal framing.