Want to build green? Learn how to choose the right materials.
According to the GBC Global Status Report, the construction sector is responsible for approximately 39% of global carbon emissions. In addition, we have already consumed the Earth's resources available for 2021, and the fact that the economy is regaining its pre-pandemic strength only accentuates this consumption that is terribly beyond us. Therefore, sustainable construction is no longer just a personal choice or a trend, but a necessity.
Sustainable architecture considers the use of resources (energy, natural resources), their impact on the environment, and specific risks for human safety.
To have an overview of what sustainable materials mean, we need to consider two directions: one regarding the selection criteria for these materials, and the other regarding complementary factors associated with the use of sustainable materials.
Selection criteria for sustainable materials:
Resource efficiency: This refers to efficient processes for obtaining finished products, including reduced energy consumption, minimal losses, and production processes that are as environmentally friendly as possible.
Natural, renewable, recyclable: This refers to materials that come from certified sources, both in terms of the way the raw source is exploited and the measures taken to protect the environment.
Energy efficiency: These are materials that help reduce energy consumption in the respective buildings during their lifespan.
Indoor air quality: Sustainable materials have minimal or even zero emissions of VOC, carcinogenic compounds, are moisture-resistant, prevent the growth of fungi and mold, and require non-toxic or low-VOC substances for cleaning.
Complementary factors:
Efficient design and planning: Even if materials are sustainable, if they are used inefficiently, it results in unnecessary waste, higher costs, and overloading of the structure. Therefore, intelligent design in line with sustainability criteria will lead to the use of a minimal amount of materials, including a decrease in the impact on the environment.
Manufacturing process: The more efficient the design of the components used for building a house, the less material is wasted in the manufacturing process. Prefabrication and standardization, methods used by BIOBUILDS, are the most efficient in this regard.
End-of-life management: When the construction reaches the end of its life cycle or is demolished for other reasons, the management of resulting materials must be taken into account, which can seriously affect the carbon footprint. Therefore, the materials that can be recycled and reused and the procedures for doing so must be considered from the design stage.
Minimal maintenance: In addition to the technical characteristics considered for the construction itself, sustainable materials must also require minimal maintenance throughout the lifespan of the construction. This aspect translates into minimal repair, maintenance, and cleaning interventions.
