The world is becoming more environmentally conscious and demand for sustainable materials is ever increasing. Choosing eco-friendly materials is not only a moral responsibility but also a way to reduce construction and maintenance costs. Here are the top five eco-friendly materials you must give a thought to if you are about to start a construction project, either domestic or commercial.
Bamboo
Bamboo is gaining much popularity due to its sustainability, rapid growth and unique qualities. It is a versatile material that grows much faster than traditional hardwood trees. This makes it much more renewable as compared to any other alternative. Despite being lightweight, bamboo is extremely flexible which gives it a unique kind of strength. It absorbs carbon dioxide and as a result helps reduce environmental pollution making it extremely useful and eco-friendly.
Concrete
Although concrete blocks are not new to construction projects, they have turned out to be a reliable construction material over large spans of time. Once used concrete remains repair free and reliable for many years to come. This quality makes it useful as a long term investment. It has high strength and is natural disaster resistant. Because of its high weight it is hard to break during natural disasters. Once used it can survive many decades and repeated construction and repairs are not necessary. This makes it a great option for environment protection.
Recycled steel
Using recycled steel in domestic and commercial construction is a great way to reduce waste. Steel can be recycled and reused multiple times before it loses its strength. This helps reduce the production costs and energy consumption at production units. It is one of the most durable materials used for construction projects and is capable of withstanding extreme weathers. Moreover, recycling steel does consume a lot less energy and expense as compared to other recyclable materials.
Reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood is being used in new homes for both construction and decorative purposes. It has a great appearance and adds great aesthetic value to the building and interior. It can be multipurpose for tasks such as flooring, furniture manufacturing, beams, and decorative accents. This makes it extremely versatile and moldable. This enables it to be used for diverse projects and versatile applications.
Hempcrete
It is a bio-composite material lighter than traditional concrete but almost as strong and durable. It helps in keeping interiors well insulted thus saves electrical power wastage. It absorbs and locks in carbon dioxide thus helps reduce carbon footprint from the environment. It has reduced structural load on the building frame and stays good over decades.
Incorporating sustainable materials in construction projects is an environmental and moral duty of every human. Apart from the eco-impact, these materials are very versatile and economical. All of these require very minimal repair and replacement costs which can be a great attraction for consumers. Using them enables you to enjoy durable, safe and eco-friendly houses that are definitely the future. You can incorporate them in your projects and play your part in saving the planet.