Predictions show that there’s an inevitable housing crisis in the future. With the global climate changes, it’s important to reduce energy consumption, and one way of doing so is by choosing eco-friendly construction materials.
Eco-friendly construction materials are materials that do not harm the environment, from production to disposal. Using such materials is quite beneficial as it will reduce carbon emissions, save energy and reduce global warming. Additionally, you can recycle such materials for later use.
The Top Eco-friendly Construction Materials
The most eco-friendly construction materials for homes that you’ll find in Materials Market include:
Recycled Steel
Steel has been used as a building material for years. The good thing about steel is that it’s highly recyclable – for instance, steel from 6 worn-out cars can provide materials enough to construct a 2000-square home. The ability to recycle this material saves 75% on energy costs.
Precast Concrete
Concrete is a recyclable natural material, and that’s why it’s a perfect choice for building an eco-friendly home. It’s even more environmentally friendly than the usual concrete. Precast concrete is made by pouring it into pre-made moulds over a wire or rebar, then cured for some time. After it has hardened, it’s transported and placed into various structures.
Bamboo
Nothing is more eco-friendly than nature itself, and bamboo is one of the most sustainable building materials. It has been increasing in popularity as a building material for a good reason. Bamboo can be reforested quickly, and it grows in different climates around the world. It’s a great natural composite material with a good strength-to-weight ratio for different structures. It has more compressive strength than brick, concrete, and wood.
Recycled Wood
Recycled wood has fewer harmful effects on the environment than harvesting new timber. Most homes and buildings have been constructed using wood in the past, and it’s easy to reclaim such structures for new buildings. Recycled wood is perfect for constructing a home in its entirety, and you can also use it to make floors or beams.
Earth
Earth has been used as a building material for many centuries. One benefit of earth is that it provides warmth during winter and coolness during summer. However, earth homes are more common in China and South America but less prevalent in the UK.
Sheep’s Wool
Most people are aware that wool has been a major part of the clothing industry but lack the awareness that it can be a perfect building material. Just like bamboo, sheep’s wool can be regrown quickly and harvesting it is quite easy. After shearing, sheep tend to produce a new coat after a short period. Sheep’s wool has excellent insulating features, making it an energy-efficient insulator in ceilings, walls, and attics. Wool insulation is an eco-friendly material that appeals to homeowners looking for green buildings with perfect energy-saving features.
Straw Bales
Research indicates that constructing homes using straw bales is a sustainable method of building and quite energy-saving. Straw bales are also eco-friendly materials, and they have excellent insulating properties. You can place them in walls, ceilings, and attics. During summer, straw bales keep the home cool; in winter, they warm up the temperatures. You can harvest and replant straw bales easily, with minimal environmental impact.
Plant-Based Polyurethane Rigid Foam
Plant-based polyurethane rigid foam is used as an insulation building material. Rigid foam is made from hemp, kelp, and bamboo. Being rigid, the material is immovable, making it perfect for insulation. Apart from the insulation, it also protects buildings from pests and mould.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a mosaic flooring style whereby small pieces of granite or marble are set in epoxy resin or polished concrete. Although terrazzo is more expensive than carpets, it’s a perfect solution for places with high traffic, such as airports, schools, and stadiums. With proper maintenance, the floors can last more than 40 years without losing quality.
The Future is Eco-friendly Sustainable Building Materials
There are many eco-friendly building materials available on the market, and it’s up to everyone to warm up to the idea of constructing eco-friendly homes. The great news is that all these materials are sustainable and will save you lots of energy costs while saving the world from global warming.
