40% of global carbon emissions come from the construction industry. Sustainable building materials are no longer a fancy option in the construction industry; they are the need of the hour.
Some of the top commercial spaces have started choosing open-air designs and providing room for nature within their campus. Timber and wood have been replaced by HDPE, and other materials like Nano-silica and nanosensors are on the rise.
Sustainable building materials that can reduce environmental degradation
1: Biochar
It was invented to improve the overall soil quality. Recent studies tell that it has a massive potential beyond the construction industry. Biochar is 100% natural and has relatively low thermal conductivity, and when mixed with limestone, it can be a powerful alternative for plaster or concrete blocks.
2: HDPE
HDPE is one of the easiest plastics to recycle. When compared to timber or PVC, it has higher durability and offers less corrosion, making it perfect for the construction industry. You can see them in modern construction projects in pipes, geomembranes, and panels. Check out more information about HDPE here.
3: Self-healing concrete
Concrete plays a huge role in construction projects and carbon emissions. Traditional concrete can crack soon, and in harsh climates like Australia, it can pose a danger to both people living inside and the environment. Thanks to modern technology, today we have self-healing concrete, which uses bacterial reactions to heal itself. Using them in your project will ensure that you don’t have to replace concrete frequently.
4: Memory steel
One of the most significant innovations in the construction industry is memory steel, which can be a lifesaver in earthquake-prone locations like Western Australia. It’s like a super-fit version of steel that can return to its natural shape in the Summer. When added to the construction of high-rise buildings and bridges, it makes them stronger against earthquakes.
Conclusion
Apart from these options, there are also other options like 3D printer Graphene, which is 200 times stronger than steel, Mycelium, Bricks that can absorb pollution, and even heat reflecting walls. As climate change becomes a significant global issue, implementing sustainable methods in the construction industry can be highly rewarding. As part of the initiative, you can also renovate your home or build a new one by incorporating sustainable building materials.
