Due to the massive calls for global action to improve environmental conditions, the production of sustainable building materials has become an active factor in driving the green movement. The concept of such materials incorporates the methods and tools used in the acquisition and manufacture of green supplies. Using various green building materials offers a multitude of benefits, so you might as well consider having these as the main components of your new home.
Such materials come in many forms through different natural sources that have the ability to endure through their own biological media. Some natural sources, on the other hand, have been contained in a regulated environment. Some of the popular green materials today are:
1. Limestone: It is used as a facing material and the main ingredient in the manufacture of concrete and plaster. It is also sometimes used in the production of steel and glass.
2. Aluminum: It has a high energy content, light weight, corrosion resistance and low maintenance requirements. It is commonly used where its attributes are the main advantages, such as in a modern industrial-style kitchen.
3. Clay and adobe: Both are used to form hard, waterproof, permanent tiles or bricks. The difference between them is that the first one needs to undergo multiple firing processes in order to extinguish said brick or tile. The other can last 350 years or more even without going through fire.
4. Wheat Board – Considered better than standard plywood or particle board because it’s made from recycled wheat straw and a formaldehyde-free binder. It is said to be more resistant to moisture, stronger, stiffer, lighter and even ideal for better holding screws and nails and for painting.
5. Bamboo – flexible cane that comes from very tall trees. This has been used in many ways, from cutting boards and countertops to flooring and furniture panels.
6. Reclaimed Wood – Typically salvaged from beams and decking in abandoned barns, factories, and other old structures. It is often used for siding, trim, cabinetry, furniture, and flooring in homes that generally tend to have an antique feel.
7. Dimensional Stones: These are selected natural stones or rocks that are typically found in rivers or streams. They undergo various manufacturing processes such as trimming, cutting, drilling, or grinding to achieve particular sizes or shapes. They are used as pathways, outdoor flooring, tiles, or even countertops.
While all of these materials have their unique and admirable qualities, you still need to be more thorough when evaluating which material or product will suit your home. Consider resource and energy efficiencies and product affordability. Assess whether you can improve indoor air quality or water conservation. Prioritize sourcing materials that are reusable or recyclable, manufactured using methods with minimal waste and greenhouse gases, locally available, durable, non-toxic, or with low maintenance requirements.
Homeowners with properties built with sustainable materials benefit from minimized maintenance and replacement costs over the life of the structure, reduced energy consumption, improved living conditions, and even better and more exciting design flexibility. Additionally, by incorporating the use of green materials into a home construction or renovation project, the environmental impacts associated with transportation, installation, and disposal of construction materials are greatly reduced.
