There are a variety of sustainable building materials available to choose from. Choosing eco-friendly products can save you money, make your home longer-lasting and more valuable, reduce your impact on the environment, and protect the health of your family and neighbors.
Green walls and roofs are an increasingly popular way to build with environmentally friendly materials. They are great for insulating and softening the hard lines of your building design, with minimal maintenance required.
Recycled or Reclaimed Materials
Using recycled or reclaimed materials in your building project is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. It also helps save money and conserve resources.
Reclaimed wood, for example, can be sourced from a variety of sources including demolition sites, construction and demolition haulers, antique stores and architectural salvage dealers.
These materials are usually much more affordable than new ones and can help you achieve a unique design. Choosing recycled or reclaimed building materials is also a great way to cut down on the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
Wood
Sustainable building materials help minimize the amount of carbon emissions that are produced when sourced, manufactured, shipped and installed. These materials are also beneficial for the environment because they prevent deforestation and preserve natural resources.
A great example of eco-friendly wood is reclaimed or recycled wood. Choosing this material is an excellent way to avoid deforestation and keep one-of-a-kind materials out of landfills.
In addition, reclaimed wood is durable and can last a long time. Using this material in your home can also reduce your energy bills and increase your overall wellbeing.
Metal
As more people look for ways to be more environmentally friendly, there is an increasing demand for sustainable building materials. One of the most eco-friendly options is metal.
It is a durable material that will last a long time and can be recycled multiple times without losing its strength. This makes it an ideal choice for a variety of architectural projects.
The pre-engineered design of a steel building also minimizes waste during construction and conserves energy. These features make it an excellent option for green buildings.
Ceramics
Ceramic materials are an eco-friendly choice because they come from natural raw materials, and they don’t generate any pollutants in their manufacture. That means they remain safe for humans and the environment throughout their entire lifespan.
Traditional ceramics are made with clay, but advanced ceramics are based on inorganic non-metal compounds that have been shaped and then hardened by high heat. The result is a material that’s hard, corrosion-resistant and brittle, but also very strong.
Glass
When it comes to choosing eco-friendly building materials, there are several options to choose from. Among them is the use of reclaimed or recycled materials to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Another material of note is glass, particularly the pulverized form which can be used in counters, backsplashes, and wall tiles to name but a few. This is one of the most environmentally friendly and technologically advanced construction materials on the market. Using the right type of glass can also help save on utility bills, reduce pollution and save on insurance premiums for your home.
Plastics
When choosing eco-friendly building materials, you need to consider how they will impact the environment. They need to be sourced responsibly, energy-efficient, contribute minimal or zero carbon emissions, waste-reducing and made from renewable or recycled materials.
Insulating glass is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills. It also allows you to capture views and natural light without compromising your indoor temperature.
Using biodegradable plastics is another way to reduce your environmental impact. These materials are made from renewable biomass sources such as soybean and lignin.
Textiles
When choosing eco-friendly building materials, you should look for fabrics that are made from renewable resources. These can include organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp.
Hemp is a sustainable alternative to plastic-based fabrics like polyester because it doesn’t create pollution when discarded and can be recycled into new products.
Cotton is another sustainable option because it doesn’t use pesticides and doesn’t release toxic dyes into waterways. However, conventionally-grown cotton uses a lot of water and energy and GMO seeds are often used to grow it.
A truly sustainable fabric is one that is sourced from renewable resources and made with ethical manufacturing and logistical processes. This includes consideration for every step of the production process, from cultivating and harvesting to spinning, weaving, knitting, and manufacturing.