Best Eco-Friendly Building Materials for Construction

Construction is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases and a significant contributor to the carbon footprint. A large part of the greenhouse gases is generated from the production process of the conventional building materials used. For instance, the burning of bricks, steel fabrication, and cement production process among others. All these processes make conventional building materials undesirable from an environmentalist perspective. In addition to that, some building materials also pollute the environment, either due to their toxicity — Abestos for instance — others pollute the environment due to their non-biodegradable nature — for instance plastic and polythene.

By choosing eco-friendly building materials, builders can help lower their carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment, and reduce the impact of pollutants on the environment. Here are some of the best eco-friendly building materials for construction:

Bamboo;

Bamboo is a sustainable resource that is becoming increasingly popular as a building material. It is a fast-growing grass that can reach up to 40 feet in height. It grows in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. Bamboo is an environmentally friendly material because it requires no pesticides or fertilizers to grow, and it can be harvested without harming the plant. Bamboo has been used as a building material for centuries in Asia. It is strong and durable, yet flexible enough to withstand earthquakes. Bamboo is also termite-resistant.

Cork;

Cork is an eco-friendly building material that has a variety of applications in construction and home improvement. Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. Cork is an excellent insulator and can be used as a thermal barrier in walls and ceilings. Cork flooring is attractive, durable, and comfortable underfoot. It is also slip-resistant and hypoallergenic. Cork wall panels can be used to create acoustically-treated rooms or to add visual interest to a space. Cork products are durable and low maintenance. They are also recyclable and biodegradable.

Rammed earth;

Rammed earth is a centuries-old building technique that has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The technique involves compacting layers of soil or sand between wooden forms to create a sturdy, eco-friendly wall. An alternative technique is to fill sacks with earth forming strong stable block-like masses for constructing walls. Rammed earth walls are extremely durable and energy efficient, making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious builders. The walls can also be finished with a variety of materials, including stone, brick, or plaster, to create a unique look.

Straw bales;

Straw bales are a type of eco-friendly building material that is becoming increasingly popular. They are made from straw, which is a byproduct of crops such as wheat and barley. Straw bales are an excellent insulator, and they can be used to create both walls and roofs for homes and other buildings. Straw bales have several advantages over traditional building materials. They are renewable, environmentally friendly, and relatively inexpensive. In addition, straw bales provide excellent insulation against both heat and cold. As a result, they can help to reduce energy costs for homeowners and businesses alike. however,r the most significant drawbacks include its low durability and high risks of catching fires.

Wood;

As the world looks for more eco-friendly building materials, wood is becoming an increasingly popular choice. Wood is a renewable resource that can be sustainably sourced, and it has a lower carbon footprint than other common building materials like concrete and steel.

Wood also has some inherent advantages as a building material. It is strong and durable, yet lightweight and easy to work with. And because it is an insulator, wood can help keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer. That is why, in most countries that experience winter, wooden floors and staircases are the norm.

All of these factors make wood an attractive option for builders and homeowners who are looking for an environmentally friendly way to build or renovate their homes.

Mycelium;

Mycelium is a new building material made from fungi that are revolutionizing the construction industry. This sustainable product can be used to create insulating materials, soundproofing panels, and even structural support beams. Mycelium is not only environmentally friendly, but it is also stronger and more lightweight than traditional building materials. This makes it ideal for use in earthquake-prone areas or other structures that need to be able to withstand high winds and heavy loads.

Recycled materials;

Materials like plastics and polythene, which would otherwise pollute the environment can be recycled into usable building materials. Plastic bottles for instance can be filled with earth and then used instead of bricks. Materials like used iron sheets can also be recycled into hoarding materials and polythene can be used as a waterproofing material. The non-biodegradable nature of these materials makes them durable.

Interlocking Soil stabilized blocks;

Interlocking soil stabilized blocks are a new eco-friendly building material that is quickly gaining popularity among builders and homeowners. These blocks are made of a mix of soil and a little cement that is compressed and then formed into blocks, specially designed to be interlocking, thus requiring far less mortar as a binding agent. The blocks are then interlocked to create a strong, stable wall.

This new building material has many benefits over traditional materials such as concrete or brick. First, it is much more environmentally friendly since it uses far less cement than other methods. Second, it is much easier and faster to install, which can save on labor costs.

Wool;

Sheep wool is a natural, renewable resource that is biodegradable and recyclable. It is also non-toxic, making it safe for both humans and the environment. Sheep wool has excellent thermal and acoustic properties, making it an ideal material for insulating homes and other buildings. It is also fire resistant making it a safer option than traditional insulation materials such as fiberglass and cellulose.

Hempcrete;

Hempcrete is an eco-friendly building material made from a mix of hemp hurds (the woody core of the hemp plant) and lime. It is similar to concrete in its ability to be molded into various shapes and forms, but it is much lighter and more breathable. Hempcrete has several advantages over traditional concrete. It is more energy-efficient to produce since it requires less energy to heat and cool. It also absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it a great choice for eco-conscious builders. Despite its many benefits, hempcrete is not widely used in construction due to its high cost. However, as awareness of its ecological benefits grows, we hope to see more builders incorporating this sustainable material into their projects.

Conclusion;

Those are the best Eco-Friendly Building Materials for Construction. Because climate change and global warming are becoming one of the most critical issues in our current times, the construction industry must adopt these materials and find ways of scaling up and mass producing them. Eco-friendly building materials are the future of the construction industry.