Materials

One of the major ways in which your building can be constructed in a more sustainable way is through the choice of materials used to build it along with a proper application. 

While some sustainable materials offer like-for-like replacements of more conventional materials, others offer options and techniques quite different to those commonly used. 

The unifying theme throughout the range of materials used should be one of low embodied energy.  

For materials which form the major element of the structure, thermal mass (the ability to capture and store heat energy) and insulation values are contributing factors to their overall level of sustainability. 

While durability is not a variable that is easily accommodated in calculations, the overall sustainability of a material is also influenced by how long it might last.

Recycled or re-used materials are usually considered as being more sustainable than ‘new’ materials, as their life span is usually considered as beginning at the point of recycling or reuse, rather than at the beginning of their original manufacture.  Such materials can also be considered to ‘offset’ the energy cost of manufacturing from new.

Material types:

When viewing the range of sustainable building materials available it is useful to consider them according to their place in the construction. 

It is therefore important to know what is available and some of the issues surrounding both sustainable and non-sustainable alternatives.

OPTIONS: There are many. Some foreign imposters, some authentic but not appropriate for every situation. The Preliminary design phase is the best time to consider the options as it pertains to your needs.