The Need for Sustainable Building Material | Eco-friendly Real Estate

Sustainability is the latest bandwagon that everybody seems to want to get into, and that too for good reason. We only have one big blue planet, and we have not done our part in looking after it. With an increase in population, comes an increase in the construction of urban dwellings, leading to the depletion of some very important resources, and the use of large amounts of energy.

Sustainability in building materials includes using recycled, locally grown, and energy-efficient construction materials. The amount of waste produced is reduced, with building structures meant to last a lifetime. Longevity is the biggest concern under sustainable practices, benefiting both the tenants and the planet.

But these are not the only benefits of using sustainable practices in construction. There are many reasons why sustainability should top your list when constructing structures, some of which are mentioned below:

1. Conserve Energy and Save Money: 

By using energy-efficient materials, you are saving money by reducing energy costs. Using low-flow toilets, green insulation, eco-friendly heating systems, and LED lights, you are saving up on your electricity bills, and you are doing your part for the environment.

2. Sustainability is Healthy:

Green homes are a healthier alternative to regular buildings, as they emit minimal (if at all any) toxins into the air we breathe. Non-toxic paint, air conditioning that brings in fresh air from the outdoors, and insulation that prevents mould growth, are all beneficial to us in the long run. It also leads to less overall maintenance, which again leads to cash savings.

3. Reduced Wastage:

Sustainable construction uses recycled materials and reuses all that can be salvaged. In this sense, overall waste that could end up in a landfill is reduced. Reusing also leads to buying fewer new materials, helping us reduce the depletion of natural resources. All of this leads to lessening our personal carbon footprint.

4. Locally Made, Locally Sourced:

Using locally sourced materials means saving on transportation costs, and also reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. You would also be supporting local artisans, fuelling your local economy.

5. Buildings That Last a Lifetime:

To sustain something to make that something last for a long time. Lower maintenance costs, less upkeep, and fewer toxins used all contribute to the benefits of a sustainable home. You would also enjoy a higher resale value, as sustainable homes can withstand the test of time.

Commonly Used Sustainable Materials:

Without compromising on quality, safety, and other basic requirements of a strong structure, the following are the most commonly used materials in green homes:

• Hempcrete – Hempcrete, a light, strong concrete-like material derived from hemp fibers, is a material that requires less energy to transport due to its lightweight. Because it is classy and unique, the final output is unique and pretty.
• Bamboo – Bamboo, which has lightweight, tensile strength, and rapid-growing renewable nature, is an ideal material for framing. It can be substituted with concrete and rebar, which are more expensive and harder to get. Bamboo may be obtained locally, thus lowering the overall cost of construction, as it is accessible in most parts of the world.
• Ferrock – Ferrock has become a popular sustainable material made of recycled material. It is created from waste such as steel dust and ground-up glass, resulting in both strength and flexibility. It absorbs more carbon dioxide than it creates when it hardens, which is its biggest advantage.
• Green charcoal bio-bricks – The green charcoal bio-brick, which is made from charcoal, soil, organic luffa fibre, and air, is a new material. It is thought to help reduce ambient temperature and purify the air.
• Recycled plastic – Plastic has polluted the oceans and clogged landfills due to decades of overuse. The desire to reuse plastic has inspired the development of a kind of concrete made of ground-up recycled plastic that also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Having said this, construction companies across the country face a number of challenges, aside from simply using sustainable building materials. It’s not enough to recycle materials; you must rethink your management processes to create a more effective planet-friendly business.

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