Currently, green building is a global trend as people worldwide consider energy conservation a top priority. In the United States, the use of eco-friendly building materials has been driven by consumer demands due to environmental regulations. This trend is set to continue in the next years, with the market expected to grow globally.
Eco-friendly building materials do not harm the environment in production, and disposal, and are easily recycled. Moreover, using eco-friendly materials reduces carbon emissions and saves energy, significantly reducing energy costs. The following are environmentally friendly choices for home building materials.
1. Bamboo
Due to its sustainability, bamboo is a perfect substitute for wood. It regenerates faster than trees since it’s a member of the grass family. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, depending on the type and location.
The widespread use of bamboo has helped trees to regenerate. Despite their eco-friendly advantages, bamboo can be used in several applications such as flooring, decking, lumber, countertops, and tiles.
2. Recycled Steel
Steel is the most recycled material on the planet. The quantity of steel recycled each year is larger than aluminum, paper, plastic, and glass combined. Despite the number of recycles made, steel does not lose its properties. Producing steel uses a lot of energy, releasing emissions into the sky. Recycled steel can be used in many applications, saving 75% of energy costs.
3. Rammed Earth
Currently, rammed earth is mostly used in luxury houses, creating durable walls resembling sedimentary rocks. It is also one of the oldest building materials and was used during the construction of the Great Wall of China.
Rammed earth walls and floors are eco-friendly and can be used as thermal storage since they capture the sun’s warmth during the day and release it slowly during the night.
4. Straw Bale
Strawbale was used in ancient times but has captured the attention of 21st-century homebuilders. This material is made from agricultural waste. These materials are usually used in walls, attics, and ceilings to regulate thermal temperatures. Additionally, straw bales have high insulating properties and are resistant to fires.
Straw bales are eco-friendly since they can be harvested and re-planted with minimal impact on the environment.
5. Reclaimed or Recycled Sustainable Wood
Wood is the most common type of building material used due to its appealing nature. Reclaimed wood has a lower environmental impact than harvested timber. When proper reclaiming has been done, recycled timber can be applied in different areas like floors, ceilings, interior fittings, and walls.
6. Cork
Cork is one of the highly renewable and environmentally friendly building resources. The material is mainly used in building cork ceilings, flooring, and acoustic walls. Cork is a highly resilient material, resilient to moisture and liquid. Additionally, the increased application of this material can help in fighting global warming.
Before replacing environmentally non-friendly materials in your home, consider the impact their disposal might have. Instead of putting the old carpet or laminate flooring in a landfill, you can give it a facelift with a good cleaning!
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