The construction sector has witnessed continuous evolution, especially when it comes to different types of Top Sustainable building materials. A lot of different building materials and construction techniques have come into the picture with time.
When creating a plan for the construction of a space, architects not only keep in mind the visual appeal of the materials used but also the safety and comfort aspects of those materials. Another important aspect is the ease of maintenance.
It varies from material to material, and it is important to take it into consideration.
With numerous construction materials coming up day by day, homeowners and well-building designers have certainly become aware of its impact on the environment.
According to the U.K Green Building Council, the construction sector uses more than 400 million tons of material a year, most of which has a detrimental impact on the environment. Additional research says that building materials such as concrete, aluminum, and steel, are directly responsible for large quantities of C02 emissions.
Awareness and actions towards the same are gradually coming to light in the construction industry, which traditionally is known for its harsh impacts on natural resources and environments. Numerous eco-friendly building materials have emerged in the marketplace to reduce the environmental impact of building construction and operations, and constructions projects must work diligently towards improving their environmental standing.
Benefits of using Eco-friendly materials in terms of sustainability, cost, durability, etc
Top 6 Sustainable Building Material:-
1. Bamboo:
Experts agree bamboo is one of the best eco-friendly building materials on the planet. Its rate of self-generation is incredibly high, with some species growing up to three feet in 24 hours. Bamboo technically is a perennial grass, not a wood, and it continues spreading and growing without having to be replanted after harvest.
Why Bamboo?
It has a high strength-to-weight ratio and exceptional durability — even greater compressive strength than brick or concrete That makes bamboo an apt choice for flooring and cabinetry.
2. Cork:
Similar to bamboo, cork is a fast-growing resource. Its ability to be harvested from a living tree that will continue to grow and reproduce cork, which is a tree bark, gives it an added advantage.
Its resilience and resistance to wear make it a common element in floor tiles. Its noise absorption abilities also make it perfect for insulation sheets, and its shock absorption qualities make it well-suited for sub-flooring.
3. Reclaimed and recycled wood and metal:
Each time any metal is properly and efficiently reused or recycled into new products, its embodied energy lowers and makes the material more sustainable because you’re not extracting the raw metal.
Recycled metal is a long-lasting material that does not need frequent replacement. It tends not to burn or warp, making it a viable option for roofing, structural supports, and building façades. It’s also water and pest-resistant.
Reclaimed wood can be used for a plethora of building purposes, including structural framing, flooring, siding, and cabinetry.
4. Straw Bale:
Straw bales are made from the waste of the agricultural industry. It is a substitute for lumber and still sequesters carbon. Just be aware that the walls will be thicker than a conventional stick frame home. These thick well-insulated walls offer a very high R Value. Contrary to what you might believe, straw bale homes are resistant to fire and can match your favorite aesthetic.
5. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF):
ICF homes have become extremely popular in today’s world owing to the various benefits that they offer the homeowners. ICF comes in the form of large premade forms that are in the shape of panels joined with the help of metal rods.
Moreover, the structure of ICF Homes is such that it reduces the emission of Carbon Dioxide, offers superior air quality, and guarantees energy efficiency.
6. Accrete:
Accrete or Fly Ash is a fine powder that even though comes from pollutants and carbon dioxide emissions, is environmentally friendly.
Fly Ash is recycled material and therefore eliminates the need for construction companies to make cement without wasting their time and resources.
Some industry experts believe that the fly ash bricks can absorb and store carbon dioxide making them environment-friendly.
With global warming and climate change posing serious challenges to our planet, it becomes crucial that we make eco-friendly and sustainable decisions before, during, and after the construction process.
Conclusion:-
The above mentioned are just some of the numerous eco-friendly and highly sustainable materials available in the market. So with so many options in hand, without compromising the aesthetic value, comfort, and ease of maintenance, architects can ensure they do not pose a danger to the environment. This is the way to go, towards a green future!
