Sustainable Building Materials – The Future of Construction
Sustainable building materials are those that have minimal environmental impact. They are durable, long-lasting and cost effective. Using them, you can save money, improve energy efficiency, lower your carbon footprint and reduce the maintenance costs. By choosing them, you can create a better environment and a better quality of life for future generations.
The construction industry is stepping up to the challenge of meeting sustainability targets. Several new sustainable building materials are being developed. Some are created through recycling and others are performance enhanced.
Some of the most common sustainable building materials are concrete, steel and wood. Concrete is a basic structural material that is mainly composed of calcium, limestone, and iron. It is the staple of the industry. In 2014, almost eighty percent of all steel produced was recycled.
Steel is also a key structural material. It is the most recycled building material in the world. DB Group has recently introduced a concrete that can be reclaimed for reuse, Cemfree. This concrete saves 88% of the embodied carbon dioxide in the production process.
Building materials that are made from mycelium are fungi, and they are being researched by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology. Mycelium can be used as a low-cost alternative to polystyrene and plastic. For instance, it is being used to manufacture composite boards and furniture.
Another interesting construction material is bamboo. Bamboo is a tropical plant that grows in temperate zones, and it is an excellent option for home construction. Bamboo stem pieces are compostable.
Cross-laminated timber is another alternative to conventional construction materials. This type of timber is a strong, fire resistant material that is relatively easy to install. However, it is still a fairly new technology. Originally originating in Switzerland, it has just begun to gain recognition in North America.
In addition to its ability to build sustainable structures, cross-laminated timber is environmentally friendly. It can be manufactured offsite, reducing on-site waste. And, unlike other forms of timber, it is not harvested from old growth forests.
New sustainable building materials are being developed on a regular basis. These can be found through the recycling process, or through the development of new and improved techniques. There are also many alternative building materials that are spinoffs from more commonly used materials.
Other sustainable building materials include hempcrete, papercrete, and flax. All of these materials can be reused. Unlike traditional concrete, they have minimal energy requirements. Flax is a renewable resource that can be used to produce less waste.
Sustainable building materials are a promising option, and they will be a key component in the future of the construction industry. As more manufacturers and architects develop their own sustainable building materials, we will see a wider variety of options available.
It is important to choose the right materials for your project. Costa Mesa Building Materials It is best to select materials that are made from locally sourced material. Purchasing from local suppliers will cut down on transportation and emissions associated with shipping. Also, using recycled or recycled materials will decrease your carbon footprint.
