Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Admin
In 2024, we have a population increasingly becoming more environmentally conscious. More and more aspiring homeowners are looking for sustainable construction materials. Eco-friendly houses save on maintenance and utility costs and raise the property’s resale value. These are the top 10 sustainable materials you need to look for in 2024. We at Bolster will help you plan your future projects.
1. Bamboo
Bamboo’s popularity has risen in recent years because of its trendy style, especially in furniture. But we have used it in construction for many years. Bamboo averagely grows faster than other trees, which take years.
Trees such as pine and cedar can’t be reforested promptly, and they do not grow throughout the world. Bamboo is naturally strong, with a higher strength to weight ratio than wood, concrete, or brick. It also has a muscular tensile strength that rivals steel.
2. Composite Roofing shingles
When we talk about sustainability, we talk about long-lasting materials. But having to repair and replace building materials is often overlooked and is a significant drain of resources. Most roofing tiles frequently crack and fade, requiring much attention and maintenance.
Composite roofing shingles are the best alternatives to end these problems. The roofing shingles stay true to their natural state of the original materials while requiring little maintenance.
3. Solar Panels
Mounting solar panel structures have proved to be an effective way to reduce dependence on nonrenewable energy sources. Solar building designs help aid energy conservation efforts since the building design is directly related to its energy use.
Solar energy is a more sustainable energy source than many energy sources, such as fossil fuels. The conversion of solar energy to electric energy by solar panels makes use of the most sustainable energy resource on earth.
4. Straw Bales
Building with straw bales takes us back to the years when we built our homes with local and natural materials. Overreliance on technology and manufactured materials has proved not to be the best option of late.
Straw bales are a renewable and affordable construction material. Straw bales, when appropriately fixed, have excellent insulation properties. We place them in walls and ceilings and offer warmer temperatures in winter seasons and cooler in summer seasons. They can be planted and harvested quickly.
5. Recycled Plastic
Recycled plastic is emerging as a more affordable and sustainable construction material. Instead of sourcing, milling, and mining construction materials, people pick trash and recycled plastics and make concrete.
This reduces greenhouse emissions, reduces plastic waste, and positively uses plastic waste that would otherwise clog landfills. Using plastic waste as construction material improves the sustainability of the environment significantly and helps to meet future infrastructure demands.
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6. Wood
Materials matter a lot when it comes to sustainable built properties and environments. Wood is a natural, sustainable building material produced locally and has minimum transport needs. Wood is better than steel and concrete when water and air pollution.
Timber is also a natural insulator that creates a barrier between cold and heat. Its renewability continues thanks to the new forest standards of continuous growing, harvesting, and replanting trees.
7. Smart Glass windows.
The use of large windows has become a significant trend in recent years. This is due to the ability of the windows to allow light through them and reduce the need for electric consumption. Bright glass windows are beneficial in a variety of ways.
For example, during the winter seasons, the glass turns transparent to allow sunlight through them and aids heating in the room, whereas during the summer months, the glass is translucent to block sunlight and heat waves that may require air conditioning. Smart glass is your window material of choice.
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8. Ferrock
Ferrock is a new building material that combines various recycled materials. The mixture absorbs carbon dioxide as part of its hardening and drying procedure. The materials may include steel dust, which helps create a building material like concrete, which is even more vital.
Ferrock is less carbon dioxide and is carbon neutral. The material uses readily available materials and converts the waste into positive new use.
9. Wool
To ensure the sustainability of a construction or property, it is necessary to increase the usage of organic materials that have zero effects on human health. Organic materials such as wool increase the sustainability of a property. Wool insulation in houses is becoming trendy by the day.
It not only serves the insulation purpose but also helps in various ways. It’s a natural moisture controller, sound absorber, air filter, and fire-resistant material.
10. Cork
The demand for Cork as a building material has risen in the past years. This is because of its numerous uses in any construction project. Cork is a tree bark that comes from the cork oak tree. It uses rigid insulation, countertops, flooring, acoustic wall covers, and underlayment.
A cork oak tree can live more than 200 years. It is the only tree that can have its bark removed without killing it, allowing repeated harvesting. This enables cork harvesting as a building material and a sustainable one.
Conclusion
The sustainability of your construction materials is critical for a long-lasting property. Therefore, consider the ten building materials highlighted above if you are in the market for a home or considering renovations. The above materials help build a durable home and an eco-friendly home that will have high resale property value afterward.
