What Are The Most Eco-Friendly Building Materials?

Due to increased environmental considerations, most home builders use Eco-friendly materials to build residential and commercial buildings to reduce their carbon footprint.

Using such materials in homes can increase energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. Besides saving money, people also get to live and work in a healthy environment because homes built with Eco-friendly materials are free from allergens, fumes, and any harmful chemicals that cause illnesses. In addition, Eco-friendly homes reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.

If you’re thinking of building a green home, here are some materials to consider:

Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the most popular materials used in building homes and furnishings due to its sustainability and rapid growth. It’s an excellent alternative to pine and cedar, which takes years to grow. The reforestation time of bamboo is less than cedar or pine, and it grows in every part of the world.

It’s a natural composite material with higher compressive strength than many building materials like concrete, bricks, or wood. Besides that, bamboo offers a high strength-to-weight ratio and durability, making it an ideal choice for building structures.

Precast Concrete

Concrete is a major part of buildings due to its endless benefits. It’s a natural material that can be recycled; however, precast concrete is an Eco-friendlier option. While concrete is poured on the construction site, precast concrete is poured into pre-made molds over wire or rebar and then cured. After hardening, this material is shipped and formed into different structures. This helps green builders achieve economies of scale and sustainability.

Recycled Wood

There’s no doubt that harvesting new wood timber is detrimental to the environment; however, recycled wood has a less environmental impact. Green builders reclaim the existing wood in homes and utilize it in new designs. Reclaimed and recycled wood is usually used in flooring to give a home a timeless look.

Recycled Steel

Similarly, steel exists in every traditional home structure and even junk cars. The steel recycled from six cars is enough to build a 2000 sq. ft. building. Doing this saves significant energy costs, making it one of the popular Eco-friendly materials used in buildings.

Rigid Foam

Unlike traditional polyurethane, the plant-based polyurethane rigid form is made from bamboo, hemp, and kelp and used in insulation. Due to its rigid form, it offers durable insulation that prevents pests and mold. Using this material not only makes the walls heat-resistant but also noise-resistant.

Sheep’s Wool

Since sheep’s wool is regrown quickly, most home builders utilize it as insulation for ceilings, walls, and attics. Typically this wool is used to make warm clothes, and similarly, when added to the walls, it keeps the heat from going in and out of the home.

Using these materials doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the aesthetic appeal of a home. At GH Builders, we help builders in the US create custom green home designs using environmentally friendly techniques and materials. Receive the practical guidance you need to enter and dominate the green home market in the US.