The world faces environmental problems such as low housing stock and climate change. So, making the right decisions concerning building materials has never been so important. 

The term “eco-friendly building materials” typically refers to green-friendly or sustainable materials that do not produce environmental harm while being made, used, and disposed of for disposal and reuse. 

Employing green materials like reducing carbon emissions has short-term and long-term advantages, for example, reducing electricity bills. This article will explore 16 environmentally friendly building materials contributing to a Greener Tomorrow. 

1. Cob

Cob is a primary environmental building material of subsoil, water, and organic elements like straw or lime. This is an ancient type of material that is over 10 millennia old. Cob has been coming into favour once more due to its housing problems as well as climate change issues. It is simple, can be shaped into any form, naturally insulates, and saves power by warming a house.

2. Steel

Steel holds its properties despite being recycled. Strangely, the total amount of steel recycled yearly is higher than that of plastics, paper, aluminium, and glass. Recycled steel is durable, therefore, cost-effective, as well as it does conserve energy.

3. Wool

One might be surprised that sheep’s wool, commonly used to make warm blankets and jumpers, can also help keep one’s house warm. This product produces tiny air bubbles that entrap heat, making it appropriate for lofts, walls and ceilings.

4. Wood

One of the reasons wood has been a popular building material is that it is available in plenty. Moreover, it is beautiful but has also been made green by its reclamation recycling and sourcing of it from sustainable forests. It increases the health of people living in wooden houses.

5. Cork

They are renewable and environmentally friendly, being the source of the cork, which is obtained from cork oak trees. It’s utilised for construction purposes such as cork ceiling boards, acoustic walls and flooring. It’s water-resistant and absorbs shock, hence perfect for both your home and our environment.

6. Straw Bales

Just like sheep’s wool, straw bales are good insulators. Most are installed on walls, inside attics, and ceilings to sustain comfortable temperatures. These are gotten from the farmers that would otherwise make fire with them, thus releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That carbon stays there because straw bales are used for construction purposes.

7. Bamboo

There are certain plants, such as bamboo, that regenerate themselves quickly, taking about three to five years. Unprocessed, they are bio-degradable, antibacterial and environmentally friendly. Bamboo is an ideal building material, with its fibres running in one direction, making it super strong.

8. Recycled Plastic

Hundreds of years are required for plastic to break, thus posing an ecological disaster. However, when using recycled plastic for building purposes, we minimise waste and decrease CO2 gas than standard bricks. Moreover, it’s sturdy and has good soundproofing.

9. AshCrete

Green Concrete, the Alternative AshCrete, is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional concrete. Its constituents are approximately 97% fly ash and other materials that come from recycling. Strong is not just enough for this porcelain, and its delicate pores make it doubly hardy.

10. Ferrock

Ferrock is an unusual construction product comprising steel dust and powder glass from waste that is a vital and environmentally friendly substitute for cement. It is more complex than conventional cement, but it weighs less. It also involves a green making of Ferrock.

11. Hempcrete

Hempcrete is an eco-friendly and breathable material manufactured out of hemp fibres, sand, and lime and can serve for insulation purposes. It is less durable than concrete but resistant to fire, pests, and insulation.

12. Plant-Based Polyurethane

These include plant-based rigid foams made of hemp, kelp, and bamboo. It is a moisture-resistant material with good insulating characteristics and can defend itself even from a pest or mould. About that, it is more efficient in isolating against heat and noise.

13. Enviroboard

Magboard enviro board is resistant to fire, which involves magnesium, sawdust and fibre cloth. Wall and roof lining and underlay systems. Not only is this versatile, but the manufacturer also uses a green process for production, hence no additional carbon output. 

14. Mycelium

For example, a part of the fungus called “mycelium” can be a viable building material. The material is rugged, environmentally friendly, waterproof, fireproof, and great for building insulation. Examples include use in flooring, insulation of doors, and filling purposes such as furnishings.

15. Clay Brick

Water and earth’s clay form clay bricks that are recyclable and environmentally friendly. They aid in ensuring that homes remain hot during the winter and cold during the summer.

16. Timbercrete

When mixed with concrete, sawdust forms timbercrete. The product is fire-resistant and is better than brick, clay, and concrete for insulation. Besides, it is easy to carry and durable as well.

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