Sustainable Building Materials and Their Advantages

As we learn more about the climate crisis, industries across the board are focusing on reducing their impact on the environment.

The UK has pledged to reach Net Zero by 2050 and as a result, there is a growing demand for sustainable building practices across the country.

Using energy-efficient and sustainably sourced materials is one of the main strategies in constructing structures that are built to last without negatively affecting the environment. Sustainability has become more than just a buzzword in construction and architectural design.

Not convinced? Here are some popular sustainable building materials used to build more energy and resource-efficient buildings and their benefits.

Recycled materials

Using recycled rubber, reclaimed wood, and recycled plastic can dramatically reduce waste in the long run and prevent non-biodegradable materials from making it to landfills.

AshCrete is an environmentally friendly concrete alternative that replaces traditional cement with fly ash. This produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions and has better strength than cement.

Renewable materials

Materials such as bamboo and cork are highly renewable and eco-friendly resources that can be harvested ethically and responsibly. They are highly resilient, resistant to moisture, and biodegradable.

Bamboo, in particular, is preferable to traditional construction materials as it grows back quickly within three to five years and its axially running fibers make it stronger than steel.

Low-impact materials

This refers to materials that use minimal energy during production and have a high thermal mass. Straw bales are a great example that have been used in roofing and insulation for years.

Just like wool, it has high insulating properties and can be harvested with minimal environmental impact.

Rammed earth is another green technique that involves compacting natural, raw materials such as chalk, lime, or gravel when constructing floors and walls.

What are the benefits of using sustainable materials?

Sustainable construction is necessary for making new build homes that are built to last a lifetime and meet the needs of those today and in the future. Here are just a few of the benefits:

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Sustainable materials increase energy and resource efficiency to greatly reduce an organization’s carbon footprint.

By looking at how materials are sourced, you can find local products that are more cost-effective and have lower transportation costs. This leads to far less waste, energy consumption, and impact on the environment.
Waste Reduction and Management: Sustainable materials are often composed of renewable resources or recycled waste products which means fewer new materials need to be produced.

Sustainable constructions are also designed to last longer and require less maintenance, so waste is reduced over time.
Improved Health and Well-Being: Sustainable construction improves the way we live on a larger scale. Not only can you enjoy improved indoor air quality but also better thermal and insulation comfort.

The biophilic design of most sustainable materials promotes a connection to nature that can boost productivity and relieve stress.