Eco-Friendly buildings source materials from nature. These include reusable and recyclable materials for construction. Thus, reducing the impact on the environment. An eco-friendly building reduces your carbon footprint and saves energy, thereby resulting in lower energy bills.
Earth bricks, concrete, and wood have traditionally been used in construction and continue to be used thus, causing trees to be cut down for timber and cement to be mined for the purpose of binding sand, gravel and bricks together. Now’s the time to switch to new materials, methods, and processes that can be used in construction today for a better world. Here are ten of the best sustainable and green building materials.
Bamboo
The evergreen bamboo plant is an eco-friendly building material known for its remarkable self-renewal rate. It is available on every continent, except for Europe and Antarctica. Moreover, bamboo possesses a high strength-to-weight ratio and is extremely durable. Therefore, it is the best choice for flooring and cabinetry. Bamboo needs treating to prevent insects and rot. If left untreated, it may swell and crack after absorbing water.
Precast concrete slabs
Precast concrete slabs hold up well against harsh weather conditions, making them excellent material for walls and building facades, floors, roofs, etc. Concrete is a good way of controlling heat within a building and is relatively inexpensive. Compared to traditional concrete slabs, precast concrete slabs have a higher level of sustainability and require less energy to assemble and produce. Consequently, precast concrete slabs avoid cracks and structural faults within the concrete and reduce the need for demolition. Checkout best Aluminum profiles for building here!
Some of the luxury real estate projects in Goa too adopt sustainable architecture in their material, design and construction. These luxury projects have committed to integrating nature in their built environment, thereby maintaining a balance between indoor and outdoor spaces. Such constructions inspire living and offer a quality lifestyle to discerning buyers.
Cork
A sustainable material, cork is flexible, resilient, and can easily revert to its original shape even after enduring sustained pressure, which makes them a common element in floor tiles. It is a renewable resource that can grow and reproduce on the same tree after harvesting. Furthermore, cork excellently absorbs noise and thus, makes for a great insulation sheet. It is a great thermal insulator as it is fire resistant and does not emit toxic gases when burned.
Straw bales
Strawbale is a great eco-friendly building material used in construction. It is good for insulation and for soundproofing too. Since straw bales have air-resisting properties, it is capable of using as a filling material between columns and beam frameworks. Straw bales have the ability to harvest and replant easily. They also have the capability to keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter.
Recycled plastic
As opposed to mining, milling, and storing new components to produce concrete, manufacturers are now using recycled plastics and other alike materials. This practice reduces greenhouse gas emissions and gives plastic waste a new purpose, rather than filling landfills and contributing to pollution. Cable pipes, floors, PVC manholes and windows use recycled plastics to construct. Combining both recycled and virgin plastics can produce polymeric timbers, picnic tables and fences.
Reclaimed wood for an eco-friendly building
Usage of reclaimed wood can protect the environment and prevent cutting down of trees. It can further, reduce the amount of lumber in landfills. Reclaimed wood is abundantly available in abandoned barns, excavating companies, salvage yards, shipping crates, etc. Despite its lightweight, wood has less strength and needs proper evaluation in order to determine the appropriate piece. Also, wood is prone to insects and degradation, which means it would require reinforcement or additional treatments too.
Using natural materials in construction reduces its impact on the environment as opposed to including steel and concrete, which need more energy to produce. The 4bhk villa in Goa for sale is an eco-friendly construction and is energy efficient as it allows maximum natural light as possible.
Reclaimed or recycled steel
Using steel instead of wood for framing projects makes a structure more durable and able to withstand disasters like earthquakes and high winds. Aluminum and steel are energy-intensive to mine, heat, shape and recycle into new products, but when that resource is properly and efficiently recycled into new products, they become more sustainable by introducing the Bobcat E50. It is also water, pest resistant and doesn’t burn, so it’s perfect for roofing and building facades and structural support.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo flooring consists of small chips of marble, granite, quartz and glass on a bed of cement. This later needs curing and polishing for a smooth finish. They’re a bit more expensive than carpets, but they can surely last much longer as compared to carpets. You can customize Terrazzo based on your choice of colours and design. It is one of the most preferable options because it is easy to clean and install in high-traffic spaces such as schools, airports and stadiums.
HempCrete
In its most basic form, hemp concrete blocks are made of the inner woody fibers of the hemp plant. They are bound by lime to produce concrete-like shapes that are strong, lightweight and significantly require less energy to transport. Its high level of thermal and acoustic insulation, and fire-resistant properties make hempcrete a good sustainable product. Furthermore, hemp itself is a fast-growing plant, so it releases more carbon dioxide than it absorbs.
Mycelium
Known as a root system, mycelium is a natural unicellular organism derived from fungi and mushrooms. It is capable of growing in moulds or forms containing an organic mixture, such as ground straw. Using the aid of pasteurised sawdust, mushroom mycelium can be shaped into any form. It can surprisingly be utilized as a robust building material too. Mycelium’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures makes it a good alternative to fiberglass insulation, thick foam and concrete.
Considering the severity of global climate change, it is important to minimize our energy consumption. We should choose the right building materials wisely. Consequently, if you are contemplating a move or renovating, use the above-listed strategies to provide you with some environmentally-friendly inspiration.