With construction materials contributing to a large portion of carbon emissions and waste, the industry needs sustainable innovations that align with environmental goals. Biodegradable building materials offer a viable solution, enhancing durability and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Traditional concrete production emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide, but scientists have developed green alternatives that are more environmentally conscious. For example, a biodegradable concrete material called Finite uses fine desert sand and organic additives.
Rammed Earth
Rammed earth is a sustainable building material, especially in desert climates. It has a low carbon footprint and requires no heating, as it can absorb the sun’s warmth during the day and slowly release it at night. It is also fire-proof, termite-proof, and breathable.
It is created by mixing clay-rich soil with a large amount of water and natural construction stabilizers, such as animal blood, urine, bitumen, or plant fibers. The mixture is then poured into a formwork and compacted with a pneumatic or manual ram. This process is repeated until the desired wall height is achieved.
This method eliminates the need for lumber as the forms are reused and can be adapted to accommodate windows and doors. It also reduces the use of cement and bricks which are often manufactured far away, reducing transportation needs, CO2 emissions, and pollution. It also allows the walls to be insulated, increasing energy efficiency. Additionally, it helps control humidity, particularly where unclad walls are exposed to an interior space. This is an important consideration for asthma sufferers or those who wish to store sensitive items.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a very versatile plant that is used for a wide range of applications, from construction to textiles. It is a sustainable option because it grows quickly and can be harvested without depleting the supply. This makes it an ideal material for green construction. It is also a good choice for the environment, as it is highly regenerative and can help to improve air quality.
Bamboo can be made into a variety of textiles, including clothing and linen. It is also used to make bamboo charcoal, which absorbs and purifies the air. In addition, the natural leaves of bamboo are a rich source of nutrients that are used to fertilize soil.
It is also a popular building material because of its strength and durability. It is more than ten times as strong as wood and can be used to replace steel reinforcement in concrete. Additionally, it is a renewable resource that is harvested without deforestation. This is a good alternative to traditional hardwoods, as bamboo can be grown in many different climates. In fact, it is one of the fastest growing plants on earth!
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are a natural, environmentally friendly choice for your new roof. Not only do they offer a rustic, natural look, but they also provide superior insulation and energy efficiency. They can help reduce your energy bills and save you money on monthly electricity costs.
Typically made of cedar, shingle construction can be stained, painted, or left to weather naturally. The material has low embodied energy, meaning it takes less energy to make them than their modern concrete tile counterparts. It can also be crafted locally, supporting the local economy and keeping traditional skills alive. It is a good idea to choose FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood.
As a bonus, the wood is a renewable resource that can be used over again. It is much better for the environment than non-renewable alternatives like fiberglass, which can have negative health effects and require a lot of energy to manufacture. It is a great alternative to other types of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles. Its durability is unmatched. It is waterproof, resists rot, and is extremely light.
Newspaper Wood
While paper waste is one of the most common building materials, a Dutch company called Newspaper Wood is transforming it into a material that can be used for furniture and other interior designs. The project turns recycled newspapers into a wood-like material that can be cut and sanded just like real timber. The material can also be impregnated with natural or bio-based products to impart specific characteristics, such as waterproofing and antibacterial properties.
The idea behind Newspaper Wood came from designer Mieke Meijer while she was studying at Design Academy Eindhoven. She was inspired by the sight of piles of unsold newspaper and thought of how many trees were chopped down to make that paper.
The company uses misprints and surplus day-old newspaper to create the material. Its main goal is to show that excess materials can be turned into something new and valuable, a concept known as upcycling. The company has invited a number of designers to experiment with the material in their line of interior products, and presented them at Ventura Lambrate during Milan Design Week in 2011. Their collection includes furniture pieces, lamps and other decorations made from Newspaper Wood.
Soybean Oil
Biodegradable building materials can reduce the burden on landfills and save energy. They also create a more eco-friendly alternative to concrete and home insulation. Bamboo, for example, is a sustainable and durable material that can be used for many purposes. It can be shaped into elegant and organic designs and is lightweight and flexible. It can also be crafted into doors, windows, and ceilings.
Soybean oil is the world’s second most produced and consumed vegetable oil. It is widely incorporated into food, feed, and industrial applications such as biodiesel. Its popularity is primarily due to its nutritional and health-promoting properties. Soybean oil contains high levels of protein and oil, which increase metabolism and promote weight loss.
The cultivation of soybean plants removes greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere. In the United States, for instance, the cultivation of 3.36 billion bushels in 2009 eliminated the carbon equivalent of 21 million cars. The oil can be used to produce a variety of products, including plastics. Scientists have developed polymer slurries made from soybean oil to replace the lion’s share of petroleum-based resins in parts manufacturing.