Sustainability is a broad concept that can be applied to many areas of human activity. Its use in the construction industry is particularly important because of the sector’s environmental impact.
Using sustainable materials can help cut down on energy consumption and save building owners money over time. They are also less likely to require replacement, cutting down on waste. They are usually sourced locally, which can reduce shipping and other associated impacts.
Eco-friendly Materials
Building materials that are eco-friendly are important for sustainable construction because they protect the environment and help to keep the planet healthy. These materials are derived from renewable, organic resources that don’t compromise on quality or durability. They also have lower embodied energy than their counterparts.
Embodied energy is the total amount of energy required to make a material, including mining, milling, processing and transportation. Recycled materials combat embodied energy costs by eliminating the need to mine, harvest or mill new components for a project. Repurposed materials, such as reclaimed wood and metal, are another source of green building material.
Other green construction materials include cork, which is a natural insulator. Cork is harvested from the bark of a cork oak tree without killing it, which makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional insulation that requires manufacturing.
Other eco-friendly construction materials include straw bales, which act as an excellent insulator. These bales are a natural, renewable resource that can be replanted after use. Sheep’s wool is also a good insulator and can be obtained without harming the animal.
Recycled Materials
Using recycled materials is a great way to make sustainable building a reality for any project. It’s often less expensive than buying new materials. And it also saves energy, as repurposing materials requires significantly less processing than producing or harvesting new ones.
For example, many builders use repurposed wood as flooring material. This reduces the need for deforestation and offers a unique rustic aesthetic. Other building components like beams and trusses can be made out of reclaimed wood. Some types of recycled wood even get stronger with age, making them a long-lasting sustainable choice for your project.
Another example is the Eden Project in Cornwall, which features large geodesic domes woven out of repurposed ETFE and steel. This innovative construction approach demonstrates that sustainability and aesthetics can go hand-in-hand.
Recycled materials are often affordable to purchase and can be sourced locally. This helps to cut transportation costs and emissions, as well as support the local economy. It’s also a great way to attract environmentally-conscious consumers. This is especially true when construction companies promote the use of reclaimed materials in their projects.
Renewable Materials
When it comes to sustainable materials, the term “renewable” is used to refer to natural resources that are replenished indefinitely. These include plants, animals, solar energy, wind and rain. For example, bamboo, hemp, wool and cork are all renewable materials that can be used in building projects. They also produce fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can negatively affect indoor air quality.
Another advantage of using renewable materials is that they reduce the need to harvest or mine new resources. By sourcing these materials locally, contractors can help cut down on the environmental impact of transportation and resource extraction.
Renewable materials can also be used to create energy-efficient buildings, such as cool roofs and windows. These reflect heat instead of absorbing it, keeping interiors cooler during summer weather. In addition, renewable materials can be used to make insulation. For instance, ferrock (made from recycled material including steel and ground-up glass) is a popular sustainable insulation alternative, as are straw bales and green charcoal bio-bricks.
Sheep’s Wool
Sheep’s wool is one of the best insulation materials available – it’s renewable, sustainable, safe to touch (unlike rock and glass mineral wool that can cause major irritation), breathable and fire retardant. It also helps regulate temperature and humidity, and dampens sound.
Sheep wool also acts as a natural water storage system, absorbing moisture from rain and slowly releasing it to the soil during dry periods. This creates a healthier environment for microbes and other organic material, and it allows the soil to better absorb oxygen.
A pilot project has shown that using sheep’s wool to produce green building insulation can have positive effects. It is important to keep in mind that if you use this material, you must ensure that the shearers and wool processing facilities are operating at a small or artisanal scale, as larger operations have the potential to negatively impact local communities, animal welfare and land management. Sheep’s wool is also an attractive alternative to man-made insulation materials because it is a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing choice. It is easy to cut and shape for an exact fit, and it carries the Nature Plus test mark, meaning that it’s healthy for humans and the planet.
Pollution-Absorbing Brick
The pollution absorbing brick is a new material that absorbs air pollutants and releases clean air into buildings. It is designed to work with traditional ventilation systems in residential and commercial structures. It is a low-tech solution that does not require any complex technology or skilled laborers to install it, making it a cost-effective option for developing countries. It also takes up twice the space of regular walls, so it is not suitable for large buildings.
Tests have shown that the bricks can filter 30% of particles ranging up to 2.5 microns in diameter, which is roughly equal to smoke or haze. They can also block 100% of rough particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 10 microns.
Pollution absorbing bricks are becoming increasingly popular because of their ability to help reduce air pollution. They can also help lower the risk of respiratory illnesses, allergies, and other health problems. This may propel the growth of the market in the near future. However, the high upfront costs of these bricks may limit their adoption in some regions and industries.