Innovative Materials Paving the Way for Eco-Friendly Construction
The movement toward greener construction has allowed for innovative solutions to emerge. Sustainability is now at the forefront of building decisions, and the industry is making strides to offset its carbon footprint. Experts in the sector are exploring some of the most advanced technologies to make construction more eco-friendly.
Make Way for Mass Timber
Mass timber is rapidly gaining recognition as a low-carbon alternative to the ubiquitous use of concrete and steel. It’s a relatively new category of wood products produced by mechanically nailing or gluing multiple solid wood panels to create larger structural building components.
Unlike traditional high-carbon materials such as concrete and steel, mass timber is a carbon sink that captures carbon in the atmosphere and stores it in the wood. Mass timber buildings are reported to have up to 94% lower global warming potential (GWP) than concrete buildings and 91% lower GWP than steel structures. These buildings can be constructed faster and with less waste, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Mycelium-Composite Insulation
Mushrooms and construction don’t always go together, but advancements in insulation using mycelium are starting to change that. The fungal mycelium is the root-like structure of a mushroom. When dried, it becomes durable and shows mold-, water- and fire-resistant properties. Mixed with lignocellulosic materials like sawdust, the two create a lightweight, hydrophobic and thermally insulating composite — an excellent alternative for traditional petroleum-based plastics like expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Highly porous mycelium composites demonstrate an impressive energy absorption of 32 kJm−3 — this, along with its cushioning effect and thermal conductivity, make it a flexible material that can be used in various industrial applications. Mycelium-based biocomposite materials aren’t used at a massive scale yet, but they are gaining popularity and will likely become a preferred alternative.
Advancements in Concrete
Concrete has long been a construction staple, but massive environmental impact forces the industry to rethink how to improve it. Cement production generates a staggering 2.5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, making up 8% of the world’s emissions. Fortunately, innovations are helping mitigate this impact.
Kaolin Mineral White Cement
Kaolin is a naturally occurring clay mineral used to produce heat-resistant materials without breaking down. This material is perfect for creating refractory bricks and insulation. Minerals found in kaolin can improve its refractory performance — a higher aluminum content enhances fire resistance, while iron, titanium and potassium maintain durability.
3D Printed Concrete
3D printing usually benefits industries with manufacturing and prototyping needs. However, 3D-printed concrete is making waves in construction. The technology allows experts to design components as massive printers print them to life, making building more productive.
The building value chain contributes as much as 37% of global carbon emissions. 3D printing can help reduce that as builders will no longer have to transport materials. They can create structures faster, reducing carbon emissions and producing less waste in the process.
Self-Healing Concrete
Another exciting development is the advent of self-healing concrete. Capsules containing healing agents are mixed into the concrete to repair cracks as they occur over time. Since they’re porous, the capsules react with moisture and air to form a new material that fills the cracks and restores the concrete’s structural integrity. This adds to its impermeability, lengthens the life of structures and reduces maintenance costs.
Precast Concrete
This type of concrete is produced off-site by pouring concrete into a mold, curing it in the manufacturer’s facility and transporting the precast product to the construction site. It’s a more sustainable option to site-cast concrete because manufacturing requires significantly less energy and materials. The molds used in precast concrete production can also be reused, thereby reducing the waste associated with construction.
Bendable Concrete
Bendable concrete sounds impossible, as the material is known to be brittle and breakable. However, mixing polymer-derived fibers into the concrete forms a microstructure that withstands bending and enhances ductility. Also known as Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC), bendable concrete is shock-absorbent and resistant to cracking, reducing the need for maintenance and repairs.
Green Construction Materials Is Key to Building an Eco-Friendly Tomorrow
As the construction industry continues pursuing green initiatives, new materials will emerge to solve the sector’s most pressing needs. From enhancing traditional staples like concrete to creating new products from the most unexpected matters, these sustainable innovations help lower the industry’s carbon footprint while also creating safer, more resilient structures. The future of eco-friendly construction hinges on adopting these groundbreaking materials, which pave the way for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.