In recent decades, environmental and sustainability concerns have risen considerably. Sustainable building materials are being used in an increasing number of construction projects. These materials provide several economic and environmental benefits.
When selecting a building material for a construction project, various variables must be examined to determine the material’s sustainability. Renewable rather than non-renewable resources must be used to collect these elements. In addition, the environmental impact of the material chosen must be evaluated throughout the project’s life cycle, not just in the short term.
Below are some of the sustainable materials used in construction sites;
Green Asphalt
Green Asphalt pavements have a shared environmental effect from manufacturing the paving material through placing the pavement on the road to the rehabilitation of the pavement through recycling. Green Asphalt is the environmentally preferred pavement because of its low energy consumption during production and construction, low greenhouse gas emissions, and conservation of natural resources.
Recycled Plastic
Plastics are promising materials that are efficient, durable, and cost-effective. Recycled plastics create polymeric timbers that may be used for everything from picnic tables to fences. In addition, plastic recycling helps to conserve energy and landfill space. Two-liter bottle plastic is also spun into fiber for carpet production, providing another recycled product solution for our homes.
Wood
Material selections are essential in creating a sustainable constructed environment. For example, wood is a natural, renewable, and environmentally friendly building material that emits less carbon than steel or concrete. By increasing the use of wood in residential and commercial buildings, an estimated 21 million tons of CO2 might be removed from the environment each year, equivalent to removing 4.4 million cars from the road.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, high-strength metal that is employed in almost every aspect of the modern building. It’s very bendable and can be molded into a variety of shapes. Because of these qualities, architects have an almost limitless number of design options. In addition, aluminum is highly long-lasting and resistant to rust and corrosion from current industrial contaminants, and it requires very little long-term care.
Bamboo
Bamboo has a high strength-to-weight ratio and outstanding longevity — even greater compressive strength than brick or concrete — so it can withstand a lot of abuse without needing to be replaced as frequently as other fast-growing, sustainable materials like hemp. As a result, a bamboo is an attractive option for flooring and cabinetry.
Rammed Earth
Rammed earth is highly sustainable since it has a high thermal mass and emits 40 percent less carbon than concrete, containing 20% cement. It’s also 100% recyclable, with low transportation emissions, because the primary component is already on site.
Cork
Cork is one of these environmentally beneficial and long-lasting materials. It’s light, pliable, fire and moisture resistant, hypoallergenic, and liquid and gas impervious. In addition, it distinguishes out in construction because of its thermal and acoustic insulation characteristics.
