As innovations in sustainable building supplies continue to change the construction industry, builders and architects are discovering more ways to incorporate green building supplies and materials into their projects.
In this blog, we will look at 13 top sustainable building materials for construction and the benefits of eco-friendly construction.
What are sustainable building supplies and materials?
Sustainable building materials are “green” materials that meet the following criteria:
- Resource efficiency, such as using plentiful and renewable materials, local availability, or use of recycled, reclaimed, or repurposed content
- Efficient manufacturing processes
- Energy efficiency
- Water conservation
- Improved indoor air quality
The Benefits of Sustainable Building Supplies
Sustainable building supplies and practices create eco-homes that help reduce carbon footprints and protect the environment. Some examples of the benefits of sustainable construction methods and materials include:
- Decreasing energy consumption
- Lowering greenhouse gas emissions
- Reducing water consumption
- Decreasing waste
- Reducing transportation costs
- Limiting disruptions to the community
Practices such as installing alternative green sources for power, low-flush and low-flow fixtures, and recycled or renewable materials all help to create eco-friendly homes.
However, green homes also use building supplies and sustainable materials that improve indoor air quality such as low VOC paints, adhesives, and natural materials such as cork or bamboo flooring. As a result, sustainable buildings improve human health while also protecting the environment.
Top 13 Green Building Materials
Here are the top 13 sustainable building supplies used in sustainable construction:
1. Recycled steel
Recycled materials such as steel are high-value green building materials because they can be reused repeatedly without worrying about their strength or performance deteriorating.
With the increasing risk of wildfires, recycled steel is becoming more common in sustainable architecture as an exterior cladding and modern design feature due to its fire resistance.
2. Bamboo
Bamboo has become useful across a wide number of applications, from flooring to countertops and wall panelling to home furnishings. As a sustainable wood alternative, it takes just three to five years to mature for use, providing an attractive, resilient, and affordable sustainable building material.
3. Reclaimed wood
The term “reclaimed” refers to sourcing wood from existing structures in order to repurpose it for new uses.
Today, it is one of the most desirable sustainable building supplies available, with a wide range of interior and exterior uses. Its natural weathering and curing makes it stronger than new wood sources, adding to its popularity.
4. Cork
Cork is a highly versatile sustainable building material that does not require cutting down the cork oak tree.
Instead, the bark is harvested for use in a number of applications, creating a recyclable and biodegradable building material. The tree lives without its bark, and as an added benefit, becomes better able to absorb carbon dioxide once its bark is removed.
5. “Hempcrete”
Hemp plant stalks are used to create an eco-friendly insulating material mixed with lime and water to create a concrete-like substance. Its thermal properties contribute to occupant comfort, while its fire resistance helps protect structures from the growing threat of wildfires.
6. Aerated concrete
As the name implies, aerated concrete contains air that lightens the material and creates an effective insulation material that is also fire-resistant. The production process requires less energy than other types of concrete and it uses natural ingredients in hand with minimal waste, making it a very eco-friendly building supply.
7. Recycled glass
Readily available glass has made finding ways to recycle and repurpose it a worthwhile endeavour. While it does present difficulties in the recycling process, recycled glass can replace the natural aggregates used to create cement.
Recycled glass is also appearing in finishing materials such as countertops and tiles, and is one of the top recycled building products.
8. Terrazzo
Terrazzo has been used for centuries as a customized material for floors and grand stairways. It is a sustainable building material because it uses scrap materials from construction projects such as marble, glass, quartz, and more.
The scraps are broken down and combined with binding materials such as cement or resins and then moulded into one-of-a-kind cladding or tiles. The result is a high-end look with a growing number of applications, from terraces to exterior wall claddings and tiles to countertops.
9. Precast concrete
Sustainable construction projects favour modular building processes that incorporate prefabricated elements into the building design. Precast concrete produces made-to-measure structures such as walls off-site.
Surprisingly, this process produces less CO2 emissions than ready-mix concrete poured or installed on-sit, while also reducing construction waste.
10. Mycelium
Mycelium is made of hyphae, fungal strands that are dried and then mixed with pasteurized sawdust. This process will eventually be used to create sustainable building supplies that are naturally mould, fire, and water-resistant.
The material can also be moulded into endless form variations. Although still in its experimental phase, it offers great hope as a biodegradable, green building material for eco-buildings and homes.
11. Recycled plastic
Recycled plastic is another recycled material that offers endless possibilities for sustainable architecture. A major component of PVC, it can be used to manufacture a long list of building supplies including:
- Plastic sheets
- Concrete
- Bricks
- Pipes
- Green roofing materials
Repurposing plastic for building applications helps reduce plastics clogging waterways, polluting our oceans, and contributing to massive landfills.
12. Earth blocks
Earth blocks are green building products made of compressed dirt. An ancient building material, earth blocks often use dirt at the site of the building project.
The bricks help improve energy efficiency due to a thermal mass that keeps occupants cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is surprisingly durable, adding to its attractiveness for sustainable construction projects.
13. Straw bales
Straw bales might not seem like a very durable or strong building material, but when packed tight, straw makes a very effective material that resembles large bricks. When stacked as a green building material, it creates sturdy walls with superior thermal mass.
Contact the Experts at Yvon Building Supply
The construction industry continues to explore green building materials and sustainable practices that reduce the impact building projects have on the environment and community.
Yvon Building Supply offers expertise in sourcing materials that meet sustainability standards for green construction. We can also recommend the best insulation products to improve energy efficiency related to home comfort.
With locations serving all of Ontario, our professional staff can guide you and recommend the best tools and building materials for the job.
Reach out to us today by calling 905-635-8700, or to learn why Yvon Building Supply is trusted by so many companies with their building supplies needs, contact us here.
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