If you’re building a new home, you need to choose energy efficient materials that can help you save money on energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. These eco-friendly home building materials also provide a better indoor air quality.
A major challenge for today’s home builders is the need to build more energy-efficient homes than ever before. In fact, 63 percent of today’s new home buyers want their homes to exceed energy codes.
Bamboo Plywood
If you are building a new home or looking to remodel your current one, there are many options available to help make it energy efficient. Not only will it save you money on your electric bill, but it will also be better for the environment.
Choosing an eco-friendly material for your home can not only be beneficial to the environment but also give you peace of mind when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. Bamboo plywood, for example, is an excellent option for those who are looking for an eco-friendly building material that has a natural and beautiful aesthetic look.
Unlike hardwoods, bamboo does not require the use of chemical treatments. This makes it a sustainable alternative to other lumber sources. It is naturally resistant to molds and termites, thereby eliminating the need for the use of pesticides.
Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated concrete forms are a 60-year-old technology that’s experiencing a resurgence as builders discover the energy savings they offer. These cast-in-place, reinforced concrete walls are left in place permanently to serve as thermal and acoustic insulation, space for wiring and plumbing, and backing for gypsum boards on the inside and other siding (stucco or brick) on the outside.
ICFs are made from a system of expanded polystyrene rigid insulation blocks separated by plastic webbing. They lock together like Lego blocks to create a permanent wall system that can be cast between two layers of concrete. Finishes like drywall and siding are attached to fastener strips embedded in the insulation.
Recycled Steel
If you’re building your next home, it’s important to consider energy efficient materials. One of the most eco-friendly options is recycled steel, which has many benefits.
Recycled steel is also a cost-effective option for construction. It costs a fraction of the price to make new steel from raw iron ore.
Unlike paper and glass, it doesn’t degrade when recycled, so you can reuse the same steel over and over again without worrying about losing its strength.
Recycling is easy and can be done at any location. Companies and homeowners bring their scrap to scrap yards, where it is sorted by size and color.
Then, it is crushed and shipped to steel mills, where the recycled metal is melted to produce new steel. This process saves the energy required to mine and transport raw ore, which helps lower carbon emissions.
Insulated Metal Panels
Insulated metal panels are an excellent choice for energy efficient building projects. These exterior wall and roof panels combine steel skins with an insulating foam core to provide a strong thermal barrier.
They also offer a variety of design options, making them an ideal choice for building contractors and architects. They help reduce energy costs and are easy to install, saving construction time and money.
Another benefit of insulated metal panels is that they’re lightweight and can withstand wind and snow. This makes them an excellent choice for residential and commercial buildings.
These panels are available in many different thicknesses, allowing you to choose the right level of insulation for your project. You can even add a hard wall component to the panel, providing a little more strength in high-traffic areas.