Going green from start to finish

In order to achieve sustainable buildings, the structure should come from sustainable materials

Construction materials remain one of the biggest factors behind turning a building or structure into something more sustainable. A structure can not be built without materials, but those used for construction are increasingly scarce resources.  Yet, according to international trade fair Interzum’s blog, there has been a broadening of the spectrum of sustainable architecture and interior construction.

The increase of possible sustainable materials came at the right time since the forecasted population growth of the United Nations indicated 9.7 billion people living on earth by 2025. Not only would this mean an increase in demand for homes, but it also means there is more potential for carbon footprints, both of which can be remedied by using more sustainable construction materials. 

An alternative construction material was developed by a Purdue University professor Mirian Velay-Lizancos with some researchers. They focused on creating sustainable material that regulates insulation due to more than half of home energy being manifested in methods of heating and cooling.

More: Exploring efficient design: The limitations and potential of timber as a sustainable material

They developed a way that incorporates phase change materials (PCMs) into construction materials. This allows the materials to moderate the effect of external temperature changes on the indoors with their ability to absorb or release energy. By increasing the heating and cooling system, there would be a reduction in temperature fluctuation and an increase of resilient and energy independent buildings.

There have been other advancements in construction, according to Forbes. The amount of carbon emissions coming from buildings and construction make up 40 percent of global emissions, so people are turning to more sustainable materials in order to lessen the negative effect.

Mass Timber, though around for decades, was engineered to be renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable without the impact of concrete or steel. Carbon-negative concrete would be used on the construct. These are only two examples of the potential green development of construction materials that can help the shift of homes into sustainable homes.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].