10 Sustainable building materials

Our founder, Alistair Barnes, recently designed and built his own house in Scarborough, just outside Cape Town. Looking for the intersection of sustainability and affordability he developed a deep interest in sustainable building.

When considering what materials to use in your project, the core consideration should be proximity and availability of these materials. What is grown/found close to the building site? Transportation of materials has a huge impact on the carbon footprint of any project.

Sustainable building materials are becoming increasingly more popular due to their low environmental impact and reduced carbon footprint. These materials are designed to conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and minimize energy consumption.

These are 10 sustainable materials to consider:

1. Bamboo

Bamboo is an ideal renewable building material that has been used for centuries. It is a fast-growing grass that can reach maturity in just three to five years. Bamboo is also lightweight, strong, and flexible, and therefore perfect for building structures and furnishings.

2. Hempcrete

Hempcrete is an eco-friendly construction material made from the stalks of the hemp plant. It is a mixture of hemp, lime, and water, and is known for its insulating properties. Hempcrete is also durable and fire-resistant, making it a great choice for building homes.

3. Recycled Steel

Recycled steel is a sustainable material that is durable and can be recycled endlessly without losing its strength. Steel is also fire-resistant and can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

4. Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood is an excellent sustainable building material that is environmentally friendly and adds character and warmth to any structure. Reclaimed wood is sourced from old buildings and barns, before being repurposed into new structures.

5. Rammed Earth

Rammed earth is an ancient building technique that uses natural resources such as soil, clay, and sand to create sturdy and durable creations. Rammed earth structures are energy-efficient and have excellent thermal mass, making them ideal for passive solar design.

6. Cork

Cork is a sustainable building material that is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It is a strong insulator, fire-resistant, and hypoallergenic, and therefore perfect for building structures and furnishings.

7. Recycled Glass

Recycled glass is produced from old bottles and jars, and a great choice for flooring, countertops, and other building applications due to its durability and low environmental impact.

8. Straw Bale

Straw bale construction is an eco-friendly building technique that uses bales of straw to create the walls of a structure. Straw bale buildings are highly insulated and energy-efficient, which is why most people utilize them in passive solar designs.

9. Aerated Concrete

Aerated concrete is a lightweight building material that is made by adding air to concrete. It is an excellent insulator and fire-resistant, and generally used for building structures.

10. Earth Blocks

Earth blocks are made from compressed earth and can be used to build walls. They are durable, energy-efficient, and have excellent thermal mass, all of which suit sustainable building practices.

Sustainable building materials offer a pathway towards environmentally responsible construction practices, promoting resource conservation and reducing carbon emissions. These options offer durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. By embracing sustainable building materials, construction projects can contribute to a greener future while creating healthy and comfortable living spaces for inhabitants.