What does it take for architecture to be sustainable? It’s not just vehicles that contribute to pollution; buildings consume 20-50% of physical resources and produce emissions long after construction. Sustainable architecture includes both the use of resources in construction and their environmental impact.
Benefits of Sustainable Materials
- Longevity: Sustainability is meant to make things last. Therefore, sustainable building materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also long-lasting.
- Energy saving: Sustainable manufacturing involves using fewer resources to create building materials, which saves energy. Additionally, many sustainable materials are also energy efficient.
- Waste reduction: Many sustainable materials use reclaimed, recycled, or long-lasting materials.
Green Building Materials
- Solar tiles: Regular roof shingles exist to protect your home from the elements, but don’t do anything with any of the energy they absorb. Solar tiles do both: they protect your home while converting solar energy into power for your home.
- Sustainable concrete: Concrete is responsible for 7-10% of global CO2 emissions. Sustainable concrete can include recycled materials that would otherwise have gone to waste. Similarly, grasscrete involves laying concrete with space for plant life, which reduces the material need as well as improving stormwater absorption and drainage capabilities. Hempcrete is another sustainable concrete alternative; it is a concrete-like material made with hemp fibers.
- Bamboo: Bamboo may be lightweight, but when it comes to durability, it’s actually a strong replacement for many heavier materials. It’s fast-growing, which makes it a great renewable resource that’s environmentally friendly.
- Wood: You can’t go wrong with wood: it’s been a reliable building material for centuries! When people properly manage forest and wood production, they provide a sustainable renewable material that is less energy-intensive to process other building materials.
- Mycelium: Mycelium combines biology, design, and computing to create a unique building material composed of mushroom bricks. This material is strong, durable, and water-resistant.
These are only a few of the many amazing sustainable materials available out there. So, who’s ready to build a sustainable future?
At CREED LA, our mission is to ensure that the construction industry in Los Angeles has a highly trained and professional work force that supports projects that have positive impacts for the community. Sustainable building materials are part of that mission! Drop us a line online or by calling (877) 810-7473.