Environmental Impact is a vast topic which is gaining more popularity among the sector of
the economy and general people when they make their daily life and business decisions.
Within the construction industry, the issue is particularly coming to light since the industry
has traditionally been known for its harsh impacts on natural environment and resources.
With the emergence of numerous eco-friendly building material in the market, there has
been a considerable reduction in the environmental impact of building operations and
constructions. Since different people tend to define sustainability differently, it is hard to
define the world’s most eco-friendly building materials.
The sustainability of a material is defined as anything that a material requires for
production, growth and transportation including water and other resources needed to
grow natural items, as well as the gas required for transportation. Sustainability also
refers to how appropriate is it for the environment. Here is a list of materials that are
most eco-friendly:
Bamboo
There has been universal agreement on the eco-friendliness of the bamboo as a building
material with its incredibly high rate of self-generation reaching up to three feet in 24
hours. Technically bamboo is a perennial grass, rather than wood. So, it does not need to
be harvested or replanted for its spread. Being lightweight, it is less energy intensive to
grow compared to the materials of the same durability. Having a high strength-to-weight
ratio and exclusive durability, with massive compressive strength, makes it able to take a
beating without being replaced.
Cork
Cork is also a fast-growing resource like bamboo. The major bonus points it gains is its
availability from a living tree that continues to grow and produce bark, i.e., cork.
Cork is resilient and flexible having the ability to revert back to its shape after sustaining
immense pressures. It can also be an ideal material for insulation because of its noise
absorption abilities. Shock absorption capabilities further make it suitable for sub-flooring.
Reclaimed or Recycled Wood
Although steel and aluminium are high embodied energy materials, however, with each
recycling procedure, when the metal is properly and efficiently reused and recycled into
new products, the energy it embodies is lowered making the material more sustainable.
Recycled metal tends to be a long-lasting material with does require to be replaced
frequently. It does not tend to burn or warp, making it a suitable option for structural
support, roofing and building facades. It is also pest and water resistant.
