These are materials that have minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle (production, use, and disposal), and can be easily recycled. Using these materials offers advantages such as reducing carbon footprint, minimizing toxic emissions like carbon, and saving on energy consumption and bills. It is necessary to be aware of the different types of environmentally friendly construction materials available, so they can be chosen and utilized based on the specific needs and goals of the construction project.
Recycled Steel
Recycled steel retains its properties when reused and is the most recycled material globally, surpassing plastic, paper, aluminum, and glass. Its durability and strength remain intact, making it an energy-saving option. Recycled steel can be employed in constructing steel window frames.
Magnesium Oxide Wood
Wood is widely used in construction and can be environmentally friendly, particularly when sourced from recycled materials. It is versatile and easy to work with, with a lower environmental impact compared to new wood.
Hay Bales
Hay bales offer excellent insulation properties and are commonly used within walls, attics, and ceilings to maintain stable temperatures. As a renewable material, straw can be recycled and reused, making it an environmentally friendly option for constructing compact ceiling panels and walls, reducing the carbon footprint.
Compressed Straw
Compressed straw has numerous advantages in construction. It is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. At the end of its long lifespan, straw panels can be used as compost or recycled and reused in panels, further reducing environmental impact.
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) panels are often considered an environmentally friendly construction material for several reasons. The most important ones are:
- Magnesium oxide is sourced from natural minerals, specifically magnesium carbonate, which is abundant in various regions worldwide. The extraction and processing of magnesium oxide require less energy compared to other construction materials. Moreover, they are free from harmful substances like formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contributing to better indoor air quality. This makes MgO panels a safer and healthier choice for both residents and construction workers.
- MgO panels exhibit high fire resistance, being non-combustible and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. They contribute to improved building safety by preventing extensive damage in case of a fire.
- MgO panels are renowned for their durability and longevity. They possess excellent resistance to moisture, mold, and insects, reducing the risk of damage and deterioration over time. Buildings constructed with MgO panels require less maintenance and replacement, leading to reduced waste production and resource utilization.
Ferrock
Ferrock is an iron-based material primarily rich in iron ore. It is made from recycled materials such as steel dust and silica from glass surfaces. Ferrock is commonly used in the construction industry as an alternative to cement. It exhibits excellent performance in terms of CO2 absorption, carbon fixation, and overall pollution reduction.
Used for marine applications, including structures exposed to seawater, Ferrock is an extremely tough and flexible material. It is five times stronger than Portland cement. Its weight is 10 to 25% lower than that of a brick structure.
Vegetable-Based Rigid Polyurethane Foam
Vegetable-based rigid foam is a commonly used material in construction and furniture design for its insulation and functional properties. It is derived from renewable sources such as hemp, seaweed, and bamboo, which contribute to its moisture and heat resistance. Compared to fiberglass, it offers superior insulation and thermal resistance. Additionally, it exhibits excellent resistance to mold and pests and serves as an effective sound insulator in buildings.
Hempcrete
Hempcrete is a mixture of hemp fibers, lime, and sand that is widely utilized in building construction and insulation. It is lightweight and easy to work with due to its hemp-based composition. Hemp is a rapidly renewable resource, making hempcrete an environmentally friendly construction material. While it may not possess the same strength as traditional concrete, it offers fire resistance, pest resistance, and excellent insulation properties.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that reaches maturity in a relatively short period of 3 to 5 years. It is 100% biodegradable, possesses natural antibacterial properties, and is considered an eco-friendly material. Despite its lightweight nature, bamboo exhibits high strength, resulting in durable structures with an extended lifespan.
Recycled plastic
Plastic items take up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills, while the plastic bags we use in our daily lives take 10 to 20 years to decompose. Plastic bottles last for 450 years. It is time to clean up our planet and reuse all the plastic that has found its way into our oceans, parks, and homes. Companies that use a carbon-neutral and non-toxic manufacturing process to produce construction materials from recycled plastic generate 95% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to concrete blocks.
Recycled plastic is a durable and sturdy material that can be used as sound insulation in construction. On the other hand, by using recycled plastic in the construction industry, environmental pollution can be significantly reduced.
Conclusion
There are various eco-friendly construction materials available for building sustainable homes. These materials offer multiple benefits and play a crucial role in reducing carbon footprint and saving energy. It is advisable to discuss the use of sustainable materials with your contractor before starting your construction project. You can also seek free online advice from reputable manufacturers like hbboard.ir, who provide information on new environmentally friendly materials such as magnesium oxide panels.
