10 Sustainable Construction Supplies You Need to Check Out

When it comes to environment-friendly construction materials, the name of ‘The Thames Concrete’ is at the top of the list as a top concrete supp lier. We believe, these days, where environmental concerns are increasing day by day, it is significant to adopt sustainable practices in every aspect of the construction industry. Conventional construction materials often come with significant environmental costs (such as high carbon emissions, deforestation, and pollution). However, there’s an expanding trend towards eco-friendly construction supplies that are not only fruitful in our surroundings but also confer numerous merits to builders and homeowners. This post will explore top-notch building materials that promote sustainable construction. So, be on it!

Top-rated Eco-Friendly Construction Materials in Building Industry

The following is the list of sustainable construction materials:

Recycled or Reclaimed Wood

Wood is the top-list construction material that has been used in the building industry for the past decades. Earlier people lived in wood-made shelters. Furthermore, this recycled or reclaimed material goes beyond just aesthetics and cuts down on energy consumption. Even though it’s an ideal material for building a rustic-style charm but also aids in saving trees and overcoming the amount of wood waste that ends up in landfills. Also, it reduces the demand for virgin timber and helps preserve forests. Overall, this lightweight and strong construction material promotes sustainable construction.

Bamboo

You may not know that bamboo is the most common material used in building projects since ancient times. It is a renewable resource that grows much faster than traditional trees used for construction, such as hardwoods. Very few people may know that it can grow up to 1.5 inches or 3.8 centimetres a day. These rapidly growing properties and flexible nature make them sustainable and economical building materials. Additionally, its durability, versatility and robustness make it an exceptional choice for several uses such as scaffolding, flooring and roofing.

Hempcrete

This is sustainable for modern construction due to its bio-composite and eco-friendly nature. It is made from hemp fibres, lime, and water. Its lightweight, breathable, and non-toxic, confer excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. Hemp cultivation also sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It has a minimal embodied carbon footprint and goes so far as to absorb carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Besides this, Its use in construction is primarily as an insulator since it has great thermal, fire-resistant and acoustic properties.

Mycelium

Mycelium components are organic compounds that are produced with mycelium (from fungus and organic waste). These are thin roots of fungi that run underground, and it’s super strong when dried. This 100% natural material can be developed into particular forms for different purposes including boards, insulation, packaging etc. In addition, the mycelium brick is in development with a compressive strength and a low carbon footprint. These are also relatively cheap and offer good thermal, fire, and acoustic insulation. Its lightweight structure makes it an attractive development material.

Recycled Plastic

Recycled plastic lumber is a sustainable alternative to traditional wood for applications (such as decking, fencing, and outdoor furniture). By diverting plastic waste from oceans and landfills, it assists mitigate the environmental impact of plastic pollution. Along with this, you may also have heard about eco-bricks, the most reusable construction materials produced from solid non-biodegradable garbage (packed into plastic bottles to a specific density). This plastic waste is perceived as a durable and robust material that offers an eco-friendly way to reuse non-biodegradable plastic waste.

Recycled Steel

This is no less than a boon in the modern construction industry. The utilisation of recycled steel in construction projects significantly eliminates the demand for raw materials and cuts down on energy consumption. It maintains its durability and strength which make it an ideal selection for structural components (such as beams and columns). Moving further, it is a pest and water-resistant material that doesn’t need instant maintenance and also aids with reducing operational carbon emissions.

Cork

Cork is a sustainable material for construction choice. It is extracted from the bark of cork oak trees without damaging the tree. Usually, it comes into use for wall tiles, insulation, and flooring purposes. Its thermal, moisture, fire and acoustic insulation properties, make it the perfect choice for eco-friendly building projects. Furthermore, this lightweight material is highly used in internal and external cladding. In fact, its aesthetically pleasing appearance makes it a hit with builders and architects due to its neutral tones.

Recycled glass

This is another sustainable material for construction, thanks to its environmental benefits & versatile applications. Repurposing glass waste reduces the demand for raw materials, conserves energy, & minimizes greenhouse gas emissions associated with glass production. As of construction material, it can be utilised in numerous forms including aggregates in concrete, countertops, tiles and insulation. Overall, incorporating recycled glass into construction projects contributes to resource conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, aligning with sustainable development goals.

Terrazzo

Terrazzo is a unique kind of composite material, mainly utilised to make flooring, stairways and countertops. It is sustainable for construction because of its manufacturing from recycled materials (like crushed glass, marble, or granite chips) embedded in resin or concrete. It limits the demand for new resources by repurposing waste and boosts durability, lasting for decades with minimal maintenance. Also, overcome the requirements for replacements. In building projects, terrazzo is an eco-friendly material that combines lifespan, aesthetic appeal, and environmental responsibility.

Precast concrete

Precast concrete is a fully recyclable concrete material that is also famous for its exceptional durability and sustainability. From faster construction timelines and lower labour costs to greater design flexibility and customisation, it is changing the way we build. When it comes to constructing premium buildings and other structures, it confers superior quality, speed, and sustainability. Besides this, transportation emissions are also reduced due to its standardised shape, resulting in fewer trucks on the road. Overall, pre-cast concrete confers a greener alternative for the construction industry by eliminating emissions, conserving resources, and increasing the longevity of structures.

Lastly, sustainable building materials have a positive impact on both the environment and your construction projects. Therefore, the selection of material is significant to consider. If you are also looking for sustainable construction material options for your building project, do not hesitate to contact the expert team of ‘The Thames Concrete’. We are always here to help you!