Smart and Sustainable: The Rise of Eco-Friendly Building Materials
By Jane Marsh
The construction industry must meet global building demands while addressing environmental concerns. Traditional building methods have long created a negative impact on the planet. Sustainable building materials are reshaping the future of construction and creating new potential.
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Building Materials
The construction industry poses many challenges to global sustainability efforts, one of which is the waste it generates. Construction and demolition waste accounts for approximately 30% of the world’s waste, which will only increase as urbanization grows. The accumulation of waste from construction puts immense pressure on waste management systems because landfills are already overburdened.
Traditional building materials further exacerbate ongoing environmental issues. The production of these resources is responsible for more than 11% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is especially concerning given the pace of urban development and the demand for new infrastructure.
If current trends persist, over half the emissions from new construction will result from the CO2 released during the manufacturing process. Because the production of materials is energy-intensive, the process accelerates climate change and undermines efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.
Alongside waste and emissions is the extraction and processing of conventional building materials. This increased need for resources causes depletion and destruction of habitats. The mining and harvesting of raw materials disrupt ecosystems, lead to deforestation, and degrade natural habitats, causing long-term damage to biodiversity. These processes also consume vast amounts of energy and water, further straining resources and increasing global environmental stress.
Why Eco-Friendly Building Materials Are Becoming Mainstream
Fortunately, the construction industry is gearing up for a shift toward sustainability. This change is largely due to the increased need to address climate change and the ecological impact of traditional building practices. Here are a few reasons eco-friendly building materials are gaining traction.
1. Environmental Imperatives
Traditional construction materials depend heavily on nonrenewable resources and produce significant GHG emissions. Eco-friendly resources can minimize carbon emissions and reduce the need for natural resources.
These materials lower the overall carbon footprint of construction projects, helping to achieve global sustainability goals and combating climate change.
2. Economic and Long-Term Cost Benefits
While the initial costs of green materials may be higher, the long-term economic advantages are increasingly evident. Sustainable materials offer durability and energy savings, reducing operational and maintenance costs over the building’s life span.
For instance, energy-efficient insulation and smart materials can decrease heating and cooling costs. Over time, the savings increase, making sustainable properties more appealing to consumers.
3. Reduced Load on Equipment and Extended Life Span
Eco-friendly building materials can also reduce the strain on construction equipment, increasing the life span of machinery. Sustainable materials are often more lightweight than traditional ones, meaning construction equipment like backhoe loaders and excavators experience less wear and tear during projects.
For example, heavy equipment like backhoe loaders last around 6,000 hours before you must replace parts. At approximately 8,500 hours, around 50% of their components require servicing. By using materials that put less stress on machinery, construction teams can reduce maintenance needs and prolong equipment’s operational life.
Sustainable Materials on the Rise
Many green building materials are becoming more widely adopted in the construction industry. The following materials reduce the environmental impact and offer new possibilities for sustainable design.
1. Cross-Laminated Timber
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is engineered wood with multiple layers stacked crosswise and bonded with structural adhesives. This composition provides enhanced strength and durability, making it suitable for large-scale projects.
CLT can reduce the environmental impact of construction. A study found that using CLT can lead to a 40% reduction in the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of multistory buildings. This decrease in GWP shows that CLT can lower carbon emissions and promote a more sustainable approach to building.
Furthermore, CLT offers practical advantages. These prefabricated panels allow for faster and more efficient construction, reducing on-site labor and minimizing construction waste. Their lightweight properties also make them easier to transport, which cuts down on logistics’ carbon footprint.
2. Hempcrete
Hempcrete is gaining recognition as a sustainable and environmentally friendly building material in the construction industry. It combines the core of a hemp plant with a lime-based binder to create a lightweight, insulating material for walls, floors, and roofs. Unlike conventional concrete, hempcrete is not used as a structural element but serves as an insulating infill that increases a building’s energy efficiency.
Its greatest environmental advantage is its carbon-absorbing properties. Research has shown hemp can absorb between eight to 15 metric tons of carbon per hectare. This makes it a valuable source for promoting sustainable development.
Additionally, hempcrete enhances energy savings due to its monolithic, single-layer structure. This composition minimizes heat loss because it is airtight. Therefore, hempcrete can promote stable indoor temperatures that improve the building’s energy efficiency.
3. Geopolymer-Plastic Bricks
Geopolymer-plastic bricks use industrial waste products — such as fly ash or slag — combined with an alkaline solution to form a durable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional clay bricks. By repurposing waste and reducing reliance on resource-intensive processes, geopolymer plastic bricks can address environmental and resource sustainability challenges.
Traditional brick manufacturing requires the high-temperature firing of brick clay, which emits large amounts of CO2. However, geopolymer-plastic bricks only need to be produced at room temperature. This process can help address climate change.
Geopolymer plastic bricks are also strong and durable. The chemical bonds formed by geopolymerization create a highly resistant material to heat, chemicals and physical wear. This makes them ideal for construction in areas exposed to harsh weather conditions or industrial settings.
4. Coffee-Infused Concrete
Coffee-infused concrete is a newer material that utilizes sustainable practices to create stronger, eco-friendly building solutions. Biochar is derived from coffee waste and can replace up to 15% of the sand used in traditional concrete. Substituting this material mitigates the environmental impact associated with sand mining, which is a resource-intensive practice.
This material has remarkable properties when mixed with concrete. When baked at 662 degrees Fahrenheit before mixing, the resulting material is approximately 30% stronger than regular concrete. This long-lasting building component improves the structural performance of buildings. Additionally, with millions of tons of coffee grounds disposed of annually, it offers a sustainable way to repurpose waste.
Creating a Sustainable Future With Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainable building materials are a key part of today’s building development. When materials provide substantial benefits like reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, they have less of an impact on the environment. Integrating such materials into mainstream construction practices will be essential for creating a greener future.
Article by Jane Marsh
Jane works as an environmental and energy writer. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co