Sustainable building materials can help reduce carbon emissions and create healthier living spaces. They also protect the natural environment by not disrupting the established steady-state balance of key resources.
They also don’t release harmful substances like formaldehyde and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into indoor air, causing respiratory problems and other health issues.
Pollution-absorbing brick
With air pollution posing significant health risks for urban populations, architects and engineers are looking to greener solutions. One such solution is the pollution-absorbing brick, which works on the simple principle of air filtration. These bricks, also known as “breathe bricks,” suck in pollutants and other dust particles and then release clean air into buildings. Developed by Carmen Trudell, assistant professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the bricks were inspired by the concept of cyclone filtration seen in vacuum cleaners.
According to the global pollution-absorbing bricks market report, the demand for these environmentally friendly bricks is driven by a growing need to reduce air pollution in cities and create healthy living environments. The report divides the market into various segments based on application, material type, and region. The structural segment dominated the market in 2022, with more than 90% revenue share. This segment is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period.
The non-structural segment is also expected to contribute a large share of the market’s revenue in the near future. This is because these bricks are often used in applications such as noise barriers and green building facades. This demand is fueled by a growing focus on green construction practices and increased emphasis on public safety.
Pollution-absorbing bricks are made from a special blend of materials that capture and neutralize harmful substances in the air. They contain titanium dioxide, which reacts with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the air to form less harmful chemicals. This technology is expected to help reduce air pollution, and it is also a cost-effective alternative to traditional bricks.
Sheep’s wool
Sheep’s wool is a natural, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building insulation options. It is a renewable resource that grows quickly and can be harvested without harming the sheep. Its fibres form millions of tiny air pockets that trap warm air, making it a great insulator. In addition, it is mold resistant and naturally regulates humidity. It also has a high R-value and is easy to use.
Sheeps’ wool is also very safe to use in comparison to many man-made insulation products. It doesn’t irritate the skin (unless you have an allergy to it), eyes, or lungs like other insulation materials do. Unlike glass mineral wool and polystyrene, sheep’s wool can be handled by hand with no need for gloves or goggles.
Despite being a great insulator, sheep’s wool has another benefit: it is extremely fire-resistant. Because there is insufficient oxygen to support combustion, the material only chars and does not emit toxic fumes. However, just like all insulating materials, it must pass fire testing to ensure that it is suitable for use in buildings.
In addition to its excellent thermal properties, sheep’s wool is an effective sound insulator and easily outperforms plastic insulation materials. In fact, it can even absorb sound waves, making it an excellent choice for music rooms and bedrooms. Sheep’s wool is also a natural allergen repellent and does not promote the growth of bacteria, mould, or mildew in carpets, rugs, and bedding.
Recycled tires
Using recycled tires to make products is a great way to reduce waste and support environmental protection. This type of recycling is in line with the circular economy, which emphasizes reusing and recycling materials to minimize resource depletion. It also supports the principles of product stewardship, which calls for all stakeholders in a product’s life cycle to take responsibility for minimizing its impact on the environment.
Recycled tires can be transformed into a variety of items, including playground ground cover, planters, matts, and even pet food. They are also used to create repurposed fashion products, such as handbags and shoes. Additionally, recycled rubber is used in a variety of other industries, from furniture to nontoxic flooring. This material can provide a safe, comfortable surface for children to play on, and it can also reduce the risk of injuries for athletes.
Tires are tough, durable, and don’t easily degrade. When they are disposed in landfills, they can fill with methane gas and pollute surrounding soil and water. They can also be fire hazards, which cause toxic smoke and oil that contaminate the air.
Tires can be recycled by grinding them to produce granules, crushing them into shreds and devulcanization to make new rubber, or by using a cryogenic process to freeze them at sub-zero temperatures. The process is expensive, but it can help to preserve the environment and save money for companies that use recycled rubber.
Newspaper wood
Newspaper wood is a new material that recycles old newspapers to create a durable, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials. The process uses a combination of paper and glue to make logs that can be used for structural purposes. The result is a sturdy, versatile material that looks and feels like real wood. It can also be cut, sanded, and turned to suit various design needs. The material is also a great way to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices.
The idea for NewspaperWood was born in 2003 when Dutch designer Mieke Meijer was working on a recycling project as part of her final studies at the Design Academy Eindhoven. Her goal was to reverse the traditional paper-making process by turning newspaper into wood. Meijer coated sheets of old newspapers with glue and rolled them into thick logs. She spent hours a day doing this work, but she eventually achieved her goal. Later, she teamed up with Arjan van Raadshooven and Anieke Branderhorst of the Dutch design studio Vij5 to further develop the material.
To create the material, researchers used a gene-editing technique called CRISPR to change the genes of poplar trees that produce lignin, a tough fiber that binds plant cells together. While most gene-editing combinations would be detrimental, the team found that 347 of them boosted cellulose production and reduced lignin production. The team then grew the engineered trees in a greenhouse and found that they were hard and durable.