Sustainable materials help reduce a structure’s environmental impact and can save money in the long run. They are often made from recycled materials, such as repurposed wood or plastics.
Bamboo grows quickly and naturally in tropical or subtropical areas, making it a sustainable construction material. Cork is another natural building material that’s strong, fire resistant and hypoallergenic. Hempcrete is an eco-friendly concrete alternative.
Concrete
Concrete is one of the most common and popular construction materials, but it has a long way to go in terms of sustainability. However, there are ways to make it greener, such as using recycled aggregates or by utilizing industrial byproducts, such as fly ash and slag, to reduce energy consumption in the cement production process.
Additionally, sustainable concrete is more durable and requires less maintenance, which can help cut down on energy costs over time. It also uses less concrete than traditional buildings, which can save on overall construction costs.
Other sustainable construction materials include cork, which is a natural wood alternative that offers superior insulating properties and resistance to fire and water damage. Straw bale is another eco-friendly material that can insulate walls in a commercial structure, as well as offer natural resistance to pests and mold. Another option is timber concrete, which is a mix of sawdust and concrete that can be formed into blocks and bricks. This material is lighter in weight than concrete, reducing transportation emissions.
Steel
When people think of steel, they may envision skeletal girders or images of workers hammering and riveting the metal. However, many do not know that the material is a sustainable construction option that provides numerous environmental benefits.
When compared to concrete, steel structures require less energy and produce lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the structural integrity of steel buildings allows for future modifications without the need for demolition and new construction, saving both time and money.
Additionally, steel can be reused for other purposes when a building is no longer needed, helping reduce waste. The material also boasts an impressive fire resistance, keeping the structure and its occupants safe in the event of a fire.
Wood
Wood is one of the most common sustainable building materials, particularly when sourced from forests that are sustainably managed. It is a durable material that has excellent insulating properties, making it energy-friendly and cost-effective. Wood is also a natural product, meaning that each piece is unique and will vary in color, size, and shape, adding beauty and character to a structure.
Wood that isn’t suitable for construction in its raw form can be broken down mechanically or chemically into wood fibers and cellulose, which are used as components of many other building materials. These include laminate flooring, engineered wood products, hardwood floors, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and oriented strand board.
Bamboo is another renewable resource that can be used as a structural support. It grows quickly and is stronger than hardwood, which means it can be harvested without contributing to deforestation. Straw bales are a low-cost, sustainable building material that can insulate walls, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption. Rammed earth is a time-tested building technique that uses soil, clay, and natural fibers to create sturdy structures with a low environmental impact.
Adobe Brick
Adobe brick is a traditional construction material that has been in use for thousands of years. It is made from dirt, water and sand that is shaped into bricks then dried in the sun. The bricks are then used to build walls. In the past, mud mortar was used to bind adobe bricks together. However, cement mortar is now common, as it offers greater strength and durability. It also helps prevent the deterioration that occurs when the adobe is exposed to moisture. In some parts of Mexico, prickly pear juice or nopal pads are added to the mix to help preserve the bricks.
Other sustainable materials include reclaimed wood, metals that are recycled and eco-friendly insulation such as cork or sheep’s wool. Sheep’s wool is a renewable resource that can be harvested without harming the animal. It provides good insulation, is fire-resistant and mold-resistant.
Straw Bale
In addition to their obvious sustainability benefits, straw bales are a natural and renewable material. They require very little energy to produce. They are also a highly insulating material that is easy to work with. Straw bales can be used to construct entire buildings or they can be incorporated into a skeleton frame of a house to serve as the insulated cladding for walls and ceilings.
Homeowners and gardeners have been using straw bale gardening techniques for decades. Unlike traditional soil gardening, straw bales offer warmth to the roots and allow for early planting of crops that would otherwise be too cold in cooler climates.
Joel Karsten, author of “The Garden in a Straw Bale,” discovered that almost everything grows well in a straw bale. This includes root vegetables, vining plants and leafy greens. It’s important to know where your bales are coming from and to understand what type of fertilizer was used on them and in their growing environment — as if pesticides are used the resulting residue can be transferred to the soil in your own garden.
Rammed Earth
Rammed earth is a natural building material that is both highly durable and eco-friendly. It is made from soil that is sourced locally, which reduces the carbon footprint of transportation. It also requires less water than concrete, as there is no need to wash the aggregate materials.
The process of creating rammed earth walls involves compressing a damp mixture of subsoil that includes suitable proportions of sand, gravel and clay (plus any stabilizers) into an externally supported frame. Historically, additives such as lime and animal blood were used to stabilize the mix.
The result is a wall that is both strong and beautiful, with colors and textures that reflect the local environment. It can be used in a variety of ways, from large dividing walls to free-standing pillars. The structure is a great choice for commercial buildings that want to create a unique look.