Why Sustainable Building Materials are Key to Reducing Environmental Impact

Environmental sustainability in construction is fortunately growing in popularity and in real-world practices. Utilizing renewable construction materials has an impact on the environment, economy, socially and is financially beneficial in the long run. Using green building standards is curbing the 40% of carbon emissions created by the architectural engineering and construction (AEC) industry. 
The AEC is one of the most impactful industrial changes for the environment. The impact of carbon emissions alone is reason enough to choose green building practices, but a number of reasons to use sustainable building materials are endless. Here, we’ll explore why eco-friendly construction practices are so important to business owners, individuals and the planet. 

Eco-friendly construction practices call for the use of sustainable materials, as they have a lower environmental footprint than traditional ones. Throughout their life cycle, renewable construction materials are typically locally sourced and can repurposed or recycled. Some sustainable materials include:

• Earth Minerals (Rammed Earth, Cob, Adobe)
• Bamboo
• Cord
• Rigid Foam
• Lime-Based Plasters
• Natural Clay
• Plant-Based Polyurethane
• Ferrock
• Reclaimed Metal
• Recycled Concrete
• Recycled Wood
• Recycled Glass
• Recycled Plastics 
  The widespread adoption of green building standards and materials is a key part of a strategy to boost the social implications on a global scale. From environmental to social benefits, let’s learn more about sustainable architecture. 

For companies, contractors and the environment, this eco-friendly method of building homes and businesses is worthwhile. We’ll cover some of the main reasons to consider investing in green building materials and sustainable construction technologies. 

One of the biggest advantages of choosing green building eateries lies in their ability to consume non-renewable resources. Nature has the ability to replenish itself, which puts less strain on our planet’s natural resources. Typical materials often use an abundance of non-renewable resources to produce them, meaning green materials have a notable effect on the environment. 
Going green is a conscious effort to minimize your reliance on natural resources. Embracing recycled building materials shows that you are taking resource management seriously by reducing waste and conserving energy when doing so. Simple changes in production methods allow you to tap into a growing market segment that values eco-friendly options. 
As a result, customer and brand loyalty can be enhanced with discerning individuals and companies due to your commitment to sustainability. Choosing sustainable products for projects is a great way to build strong, lasting connections with others and establish brand loyalty

Sustainable construction materials are generally designed to offer additional energy efficient benefits compared to traditional ones. These keep structures well insulated, so you use less energy, keep indoor temperatures maintained and save money on utilities. Some green materials like earth-based options are best for temperature maintenance. This reduces your carbon footprint while giving you a comfortable space. 

Sustainable materials tend to contain less toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and volcanic organic compounds. Found in many conventional building materials, these can impact air quality and affect people’s health. Many green materials that minimize the need for heat and air emit less greenhouse gases and promotes greater health for the occupants and the planet, which is important for the future of everyone. 

Eco-friendly materials offer substantial embodied carbon benefits, which is crucial concerning environmental impact. Green alternatives are sourced from low carbon sources and result in reduced emissions during the building’s life cycle. Most of these materials are designed to require less energy when being manufactured to further their carbon impact from construction to usage. You can become a part of the solution with construction projects that employ the use of sustainable materials and practices. 

In addition to having a positive impact on the environment, employing environmental sustainability in construction has practical benefits during the production processes. Designed for longer lifespans and better performance, they can cut back on maintenance costs and result in less downtime during production and beyond. The use of durable green materials can also lower the need for frequent replacement, which leads to improved efficiency and lowers cost during manufacturing operations. 
Green materials are typically more meticulously crafted to enhance their performance and heighten their durability. This provides manufacturers and builders with a competitive edge, as they usually surpass routine industry standards. Manufacturers who specialize in sustainable materials tend to have a unique opportunity to establish a solid reputation for crafting products that set the bar in the realm of quality. 

Sustainable materials and building practices can save AEC pros money in both the short and long term for a number of reasons. We’ve discussed that they are typically more energy efficient, but they also are more durable and offer a longer lifespan with less need for replacement and repairs. This is desirable in any construction project, as overall costs are more important than ever to both builders and clients. 
When considering life cycle costs like maintenance and disposal, choosing sustainable materials can offer cost savings that surpass the abilities of traditional building materials. This makes them a wise choice economically. Furthermore, when constructing buildings and homes using green materials and green building standards, there may be tax rebates and incentives. This is great for current owners and can enhance the structure’s current market value as the demand for these practices increases. 

Sustainable construction technologies include computer modeling and several technology-based programs to assess the project as a whole and make recommendations. These programs along with green building certifications, can evaluate and assess the environmental performance of construction materials and a building’s level of eco-friendliness.Which one you choose is a matter of need and preference. 
Getting green certified highlights a company’s dedication to eco-friendly building practices, which can boost their reputation and credibility in the market. Having an official certification provides a company a competitive edge and is appealing to the growing sector of people seeking eco-friendly buildings and installations. 

• Green Building Techniques
• Consider Your Environmental Impact. ...
• Utilize Green Building Technologies. ...
• Make Sure Your Buildings Are Energy-Efficient. ...
• Use Recycled and Renewable Materials When Possible. ...
• Prioritize Natural Ventilation and Solar Energy 

We do our part to minimize the effects of building and take pride in offering the world’s only biodegradable test cylinders and lids that reduce the harmful impact of the use of plastic on our environment. Our cylinders are recyclable, biodegradable and have an unlimited shelf life. BIO-CYLINDER™ test cylinders meet C39, C192 and C470 A.S.T.M specifications. BIO-CYLINDER™ molds are non-absorptive and weather resistant to ease job site storage issues. 
These cylinders are crafted as a single unit for dimensional uniformity, and the smooth, molded material allows for easy stripping. The cylinder lids interlock with the test cylinder mold to provide consistency in mold shape and curing. A stripping tool comes with the cylinder and a transport rack is available for easy transportation from site to site. The rack has anchor holes that can attach the rack to the truck bed, so there’s no need to worry about loose specimens or rack movement. Got questions? Contact us today to learn more about our sustainable products.