Construction materials impact on environment
26 OCT 2023
The construction sector is experiencing a resurgence in growth in the whole world. This rapidly increasing use of building materials poses threats to resources and has a detrimental impact on the environment.
In the field of architecture and construction, the materials we use matter to the natural environment, as well as our own health.
Building materials contribute extremely to the impact categories of human toxicity, fossil depletion, and global warming.
A research by construction blog Bimhow was done recently, which says, “ the construction sector contributes to 23% of air pollution, 50% of the climatic change, 40% of drinking water pollution, and 50% of landfill wastes.”
Another research was done by Kleiwerks which says “building material, such as concrete, aluminum, and steel, are directly responsible for “large quantities of CO2 emissions”
From this, we should draw the attention on the urgent need to reduce environmental impacts by choosing the right materials and follow the construction rules that helps in eliminating the negative impacts
Whether you’re designing, planning, or building a sustainable residential building, commercial building, or any other type of structure.
In this article, we are going to discuss some environment friendly materials you could use in construction
As design and construction companies, we should always consider the materials that are less harmful to health and eco-friendly.
Here are 4 environment friendly materials you could consider in construction:
1. Bamboo:
Bamboo is increasing in popularity as an environment friendly building material. It is very sustainable as it grows quickly. Moreover, bamboo is a natural composite material with a high strength ratio that’s useful for building purposes.
Bamboo’s capacity to both absorb carbon dioxide and create oxygen makes it one of the most advantageous plants for the environment. Bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent mass of trees, and studies have shown that it may absorb up to 12 tones of carbon dioxide per hectare each year.
2. Recycled wood:
Reclaimed wood is one of the most environmentally friendly building choices you can make.
It helps in creating fewer watershed toxins and less waste. Moreover, the use of recycled wood reduces deforestation and preserves that habitats of endangered species How beautiful is it to build something elegant and healthy from a material that would otherwise be wasted.
3. Brick material:
Brick is natural material that is recyclable, eco-friendly, and it does not release carbon dioxide or any other toxic chemicals. Moreover, it is one of the most energy efficient materials.
Red brick, which is the most common variety, gets its name from its color. Sand, clay, lime, lime concentrate, and water are the main ingredients. Since the very beginning of human history, bricks have been utilized in the majority of buildings and structures. Bricklaying is a job in which you can excel and earn a living. Bricks should be carefully manufactured in order to avoid cracking and other functional issues.
4. Ceramic material :
Ceramics are made from clay; they do not harm the environment as they do not release any toxic gas into the atmosphere when they are broken into small Particles.
They do not cause any adverse environmental effects. In some cases, such as when used as the matrix in house-paint, they are recycled as a base for new coats.
The main difference between ceramics and plastic is that ceramics can be recycled back into the production of new ceramics.
Finally, although change cannot happen overnight, we believe that the first step to making a difference is to truly understand the buildings’ construction materials’ impact and the way they are affecting our environment and, thus, our health.
Adopting sustainable construction methodologies is important to improve and reduce harmful impacts construction has on the environment.
Building design plays a key role in creating a healthy world; we should focus on creating spaces that enhance a healthy and ergonomic environment, Optimize Energy Use, minimize waste; create healthy, productive environments, and reduce waste and toxicity.
By reducing toxic chemicals, minimizing energy consumption, avoiding waste by using sustainable materials, creating healthy spaces, designing sustainably, minimizing noise, adding adequate ventilation and design for safety, we can have healthier and more productive communities.
In addition, it is important to provide people with a safe place to live and work.