When discussing the construction industry’s future, apopular topic is sustainability. After all, currently, the building andconstruction sector is one of the main contributors to emissions, with usedbuildings responsible for approximately 40% of GHGemissions worldwide.
The process of sourcing and manufacturing the materials forconstruction also contributes to issues of climate change. As a constructionindustry worker, it’s up to you to take steps to make your efforts moresustainable. One way to do this is by ordering sustainable materials for yourbuilding projects. Some of the top sustainable materials to use are highlightedbelow.
The official name is Engineered Cementitious Composite orECC. The materialis designed in a unique way, allowing it to withstand bending. Conventionalconcrete is quite brittle and will easily break or crack. However, bendableconcrete is up to 500 times stronger, which means it is resistant to crackingand can withstand shocks without damage.
The main reason for this increased durability is that ECC ismade up of smaller fibers that work to increase the ductility of the material.Even though bendable concrete has the same makeup as its counterpart, thesefibers help ECC be more durable and flexible. Even better, it’s sustainable andcan be infused using carbon dioxide to strengthen it while reducing carbonemissions and requiring less cement.
Using this material helps reduce the environmental andfinancial costs of buildings. That’s because it doesn’t require as muchmaintenance as traditional concrete, which means it requires less time andresources over time.
Mechanical bonding is used to create mass timber products.This process involves the use of softwood to create the final, prefabricatedwood components you can use for your construction project.
You can find it in several forms today, includingglue-laminated timber, nail-laminated timber, laminated veneer lumber,laminated strand lumber, and cross-laminated timber.
For sustainability, mass timber is a viable substitute formore traditional construction materials, such as concrete and steel, which bothhave higher carbon footprints. Replacing conventional building materials withmass timber will reduce emissions significantly.
Recycling and reusing materials is a huge part ofsustainability. Those working in the construction industry can apply thesegreen principles and use salvaged materials in their building projects. Thishelps to give materials another life and minimize the waste that goes tolandfills.
In some situations, when you buy recycled materials, it canreduce your costs while improving the functionality and aesthetics of thebuilding.
Bamboo is a highly flexible material that is anothersustainable alternative to more conventional construction materials. Manybuilders are using it for decorative and structural purposes. Bamboo producesminimal waste and naturally breaks down, making it a smart, sustainable option.
As you can see, there are several ways you can make yourconstruction projects more sustainable. Keep the information here in mind andwork with a quality constructionmaterial provider to benefit from these materials and others that will helpyour building process be more sustainable.
