Most Eco-Friendly Construction Materials
Going green is a personal choice, and many people realize the positive effects it has. Living more sustainably just feels better, and you help save the planet when you do so. While individual lifestyle changes help, many businesses and industries have also made changes to their current practices. Here are some of the most eco-friendly construction materials used in buildings today.
Compact Earth
Compact earth is the most natural building material. Used throughout history, it has proven an effective material for natural insulation, resilience, and strength. Many indigenous communities used compact earth to build homes and other structures, and it has made a resurgence given its notable properties. For instance, it naturally keeps buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. People who wish to live more sustainably often opt for compact earth because of its affordability, natural insulation, and quality.
HDPE Plastic Wood
Another environmentally friendly building material is HDPE plastic wood. HDPE stands for “high-density polyethylene,” a plastic composed of strong polymers that make it perfect for many residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It has proven an effective construction material given its natural moisture-resistance, heat-resistance, and resistance to cracks, warping, and splintering. Whether used for outdoor decking or commercial retaining walls, HDPE plastic wood is the perfect sustainable alternative to traditional materials.
Bamboo
Don’t scoff at the thought of bamboo as a construction material. Today, it’s increasing in popularity, making it one of the most common eco-friendly construction materials. Though many people opt for hardwoods such as pine or cedar for their floors, walls, or other purposes, these traditional woods take years to grow. Since deforestation is an ever-increasing issue around the world, this is an unsustainable option. Bamboo, on the other hand, grows quickly, and its composition makes it equivalent to hardwood. In fact, some of its strength is parallel to that of steel, concrete, and brick. Consider this material for variety and durability for your structural applications.
Recycled Steel
Lastly, recycled steel is another common eco-friendly material. Reclaimed steel is one of the best possible sustainable options because it derives from many sources. Old cars, appliances, and other steel-based applications rust and degrade over time; typically, these items end up in junkyards all over the world, only to further decay. However, reclaimed steel offers new economical benefits. It acts the same as before, and manufacturers save considerable amounts of money when they use reclaimed steel over a new fabrication.
