There have been many changes in the industries of design, engineering, and architecture during the last couple of days. Focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives has definitely been one of the main changes, though. As a result, many green projects and firms have added sustainability to their core, and this includes using eco-friendly building materials that reduce the impact of constructions and buildings on the environment. Some of these materials include bamboo, cork, recycled wood and metal, precast concrete slabs, and sheep’s wool.
Bamboo
One of the best examples of eco-friendly building materials is bamboo, and the vast majority of experts worldwide agree. This is because bamboo’s rate of self-generation is quite high, and some species of bamboo are able to grow up to three feet in one day. Also, its strength and lightweight features make bamboo a unique material, since this perennial grass is durable, can resist more compression than brick or concrete, and is easily transportable. These features result in one of the most sustainable eco-friendly building materials available.
Cork
Cork is another fast-growing material that has recently become of great importance for sustainable architecture projects. One of the reasons why is because cork can be harvested from a living tree that can continue growing and producing cork. This is a flexible and resilient material, and it is commonly used to make floor tiles and insulation sheets. Besides, it doesn’t absorb water, so it is nearly impermeable. One of the downsizes, though, is that shipping cork is quite expensive since it is primarily found in the Mediterranean.
Recycled Wood and Metal
In order to obtain eco-friendly building materials, many construction projects and firms are focusing on using reclaimed or recycled material, and this includes wood and metal. Using new materials represents a huge cost, from its production and treatment to their transportation. However, recycled and properly repurposed wood and metal become an effective and eco-friendly alternative. These materials can be used for a wide variety of purposes, and every time, more and more projects and firms use them in creative and effective ways.
Precast Concrete Slabs
Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials for buildings and constructions. However, precast concrete slabs take much less energy to produce and assemble than regular concrete. This makes concrete slabs one of the best eco-friendly building materials available. This also allows us to properly cure the material in a controlled environment, which results in more reliable and affordable materials out there.
