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What is sustainable construction? -

Sustainable construction is the practice of designing, building, and operating structures to minimize environmental impacts, conserve resources, and enhance energy efficiency.

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Benefits: reduced waste -

Sustainable construction methods use fewer resources, relying on recycled and renewable materials.

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Benefits: healthier living -

Green buildings can have psychological benefits. Studies led by Harvard University and SUNY Upstate Medical University found that occupants of high-performing green buildings showed higher cognitive function scores.

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Benefits: boosting the economy -

Moving to sustainable construction practices can result in more construction jobs and an increased demand for construction workers.

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Challenges: cost -

One of the barriers to sustainable construction is the higher initial cost compared to traditional methods. However, energy savings and increased building value can recoup these costs.

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Challenges: lack of knowledge and skills -

Switching to more sustainable construction practices will involve professionals training to understand new materials and technologies. This process can be lengthy and costly.

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Sustainable construction methods -

Sustainable construction methods are just as important as the materials used. Using exact measurements to cut and produce materials, refurbishing old buildings, and managing CO2 transmissions have been proven to be more eco-friendly practices.

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Permeable pavers -

Paving materials that allow water to seep through reduces stormwater runoff and promotes groundwater recharge.

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NewspaperWood -

NewspaperWood, which comes from recycled newspapers, is an innovative material invented by Mieke Meijer. When cut, NewspaperWood takes on the typical appearance of wood grain.

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Solar panels -

While not technically a material, solar panels provide renewable energy and can reduce the carbon footprint of a building.

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Low-VOC paints -

Paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOC) reduce harmful emissions and improve indoor air quality.

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Recycled steel -

While producing steel can be harmful to the environment, it can be recycled repeatedly. Using recycled steel for new construction projects saves energy while reducing the project's carbon footprint.

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Straw bales -

Straw is a readily available and sustainable material commonly used for insulation. Straw bale insulation can last for years if properly protected from moisture.

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Plant-based polyurethane rigid foam -

Rigid foam is used as an insulator for homes and commercial buildings. However, a compound of the foam is harmful to the environment. The new plant-based version, using a mixture of bamboo, hemp, and kelp, is just as effective, and eco-friendly to boot.

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Recycled tires -

Earthship homes, designed to utilize local and recycled materials, feature recycled tires filled with sandbags as insulation. Experts are also working on ways to make rubber masonry blocks filled with recycled tires for building structures.

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Cordwood -

Stacked short logs of cordwood, secured with cob or mortar, can be used to build walls. Cordwood offers natural insulation and can be locally sourced, reducing the cost and energy of transportation.

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Sheep's wool -

Sheep's wool is renewable, non-toxic, and naturally mold resistant, making it ideal for insulating buildings.

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Mycelium -

Mycelium is the network of thin, thread-like structures that forms the main part of a fungus, typically found underground. When harvested and dried, it becomes an extremely durable, water- and fire-resistant building material.

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Reclaimed wood -

Wood from old buildings or other sources is recycled for use in new construction, giving it a second life and reducing the demand for new lumber.

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Adobe brick -

Dating back centuries and popular in the Middle East and the Americas, adobe bricks are a mixture of clay and straw. The production process involves minimal energy compared to traditional building materials like concrete.

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Cork -

Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak tress, which regenerate without harming or killing the tree. It's renewable, biodegradable, and has excellent insulation properties, reducing energy consumption.

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Cob -

Cob is a mixture of clay-rich earth, sand, straw, and water. The blend can be shaped into walls and structures. Cob is highly sustainable due to its readily available, renewable, and biodegradable materials.

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Stone -

Stone is a popular material for its durability and strength in construction. However, quarrying stone can have an environmental impact, so there needs to be a focus on sourcing from ethical quarries, reusing reclaimed stone, and considering transportation emissions.

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Cross-laminated timber -

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is made from layers of lumber arranged perpendicular to each other and glued together. The design provides strength and durability, making it an alternative to steel and concrete. CLT promotes sustainability through reduced carbon emissions and renewable resourcing.

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Bamboo -

Bamboo's fast growth rate and strength make it ideal for construction, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional timber. Its flexibility and durability mean it can be used in various ways, from structural elements to flooring and furniture.

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3D-printed concrete -

3D concrete printing uses automated technology to construct buildings layer-by-layer with concrete, offering precise design, reduced waste, and faster construction times.

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Modular construction -

Prefabricated building components that can be assembled on site reduce waste and construction time, and allow for efficient resource use.

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Hemp bricks -

Hemp bricks are made from hemp fibers, lime, and water. These eco-friendly bricks are lightweight, durable, and offer excellent insulation properties. They are also carbon negative, which means more carbon dioxide is absorbed during growth and production than emitted.

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Precast concrete -

Precast concrete is a construction method where concrete elements are manufactured off-site in a controlled environment and then transported to the building site for assembly. This process improves quality, reduces construction time, and minimizes waste.

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Recycled plastic -

Advancements in technology means plastic can be recycled to create building materials, such as plastic sheets, bricks, and lumber.

Sources: (UN Environment Programme) (BigRentz) (Autodesk)

See also: Easy ways to reduce your plastic use

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