Eco-friendly building materials. There are currently new technologies developing different alternatives in the construction sector. They’re seeking to powerfully merge this industry with the care for the environment. Thus, sustainable buildings and houses are possible now.
The good news is that according to a report by Smart Market: World Green Building Trends 2018 sustainable construction is a worldwide trend on the rise, which the main goal is to save energy all over the planet. Additionally, 47% of participants in this report expect at least 60% of their construction projects to be sustainable this year.
Today, at Carolina Custom Homes we will let you know about the 6 most ecofriendly materials that are being used in the construction sector and why we chose them.
But, what are these so-called eco-friendly materials in the construction industry?
These materials are made from natural raw material like soil, adobe, straw, cork, etc., that belongs to that specific zone. Also, their fabrication and use, besides being eco-friendly, make them reusable and durable.
The most eco-friendly construction materials are the ones that contribute to the saving of natural resources, the ones that negatively impact the environment least possible and that are made of discarded materials, helping with the reduction of waste, toxic and nontoxic.
6 of the world’s most eco-friendly building materials and why
- Bamboo: used since old times, bamboo has become a trend in the sustainable construction sector as one of the most ecofriendly materials since it is light, resistant, natural, reusable, and grows rapidly. Moreover, it absorbs a greater amount of CO2 than wood.
Bamboo is utilized to replace supporting beams, wood finishes, decorative elements, partition walls, among others.
- Fired mud: this is obtained by heating clay at 950 degrees to then be shaped into the desired form by a craftsperson. It is an ecological material because it is highly recyclable and solid, it can be reworked, redone, and reused. It absorbs humidity, takes in little radioactivity, and adapts perfectly to different temperatures. It is mainly used for floors, facades, gardens, decorative walls, etc.
- Ecological paints: these types of paints are made with renewable and biodegradable components like lime, clay, dairy protein, and others. It is considered one of the most ecological construction materials because it doesn’t harm people’s health nor eject toxic waste into the environment. It can be used in all types of constructions and house decoration.
- Mycelium: it’s a revolutionary material that is still being researched. It consists of a red of fine fibers created by fungus underground, which once dried become invulnerable to water, mold, and fire.
It counts as one of the most ecofriendly materials because it’s 100% organic and biodegradable, as well as a powerful thermal and acoustic insulator. It can be used with furniture, chairs, partition walls, decorative walls, etc.
One of the most incredible characteristics of mycelium is that while it is still alive it acts as a gluing agent; for instance, mycelium bricks can be totally compacted.
- Hemp: from the start of its growth this plant reduces the amount of CO2 in the environment, exchanging it for oxygen. It is considered one of the most ecological materials due to its rapid growth, and it doesn’t need any chemicals for its harvesting phase that takes about 5 months, reaching heights of up to 5 meters.
It repels mosquitoes, bacteria, mold, etc. Also, products like bricks, prefabricated panels, rolls of hemp felt and insulating mortars can be made from this material. Besides, there’s a material called hempcrete, a type of concrete made of lime, water, and fibers from hemp stalk, with which you can fill walls, insulating coating, among others.
- Wood: it is regarded as one of the most ecofriendly materials because it absorbs CO2 instead of producing it. It is durable, renewable, and can be recycled in numerous ways. It has multiple uses in construction thanks to its beauty, optimal quality, and easy-to-use features. It is used in roofs, walls, coating, furniture, decorative objects, etc.
Use ecological materials to start your construction project
Remember that the use of eco-friendly, recycled materials has a less damaging impact on the environment. Thanks to them, long hours of work can be reduced, minimizing transportation which will result in fewer emissions of toxic gases produced by fuels and fewer traffic jams.
Likewise, the amount of excess waste decreases considerably because it is mostly recycled and reused.
Kick off your green project with us. We will gladly help you.
