The rise of environmentally friendly building materials

In the construction industry, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, but a necessity.

At a time of growing environmental concern, the construction sector is undergoing a remarkable shift towards environmentally friendly materials, often referred to as "green" or "sustainable" building materials. They are redefining the way we build structures and shape our environment. 

They are essential for setting up environmentally friendly construction sites.

What are the main environmentally friendly building materials? What are their benefits and challenges? Here are the answers to all your questions.

What are environmentally friendly building materials?

Groupe Bellemare contributes to the recycling and the creation of sustainable materials through its sorting center.

Green building materials are a category of construction materials that focus on environmental sustainability throughout their life cycle. These materials aim to minimize the negative impact of construction on the planet and reduce the consumption of raw resources. 

They fall into three main groups:

1. Renewable materials

These materials regenerate naturally when used responsibly. Not only are they environmentally friendly, they also offer excellent options for sustainable construction.

• Wood: One of the most iconic sustainable building materials, wood is renewable, biodegradable and energy-efficient. It stores carbon and can be purchased responsibly.
• Bamboo: Known for its rapid growth and versatility, bamboo is a sustainable alternative to hardwood, with applications in flooring, scaffolding and more.
• Cork: Harvested from the bark of cork oaks, cork is a natural insulator used in floor and wall coverings.
• Hemp concrete: Hemp concrete is a mixture of hemp fibres, lime and water. It is a lightweight material used in wall construction. It provides insulation and regulates humidity in buildings.

2. Recycled Materials

The use of recycled materials in construction not only reduces waste, but also conserves the resources and energy needed to manufacture new products. These materials are becoming increasingly popular as the construction industry adopts green building practices.

• Recycled steel: The reuse of steel considerably reduces the energy required for production, making it an environmentally friendly choice for structural components.
• Recycled glass: Recycled glass can be used for countertops, tiles, mulch (for landscaping), pool filtration, insulation and much more.
• Recycled plastic: Recycled plastic can be used for roofing, insulation and various construction products.
• Recycled concrete aggregate: Produced by crushing and using old concrete structures, it is commonly used in road building and new construction.

• Recycled metal roofing: Roofing materials such as steel and aluminum can be made from recycled metal, reducing the energy and resources required for their production. Recycled metal roofing is durable and resistant.

• Recycled rubber flooring: Old tires and other rubber products are recycled to create rubber flooring, commonly used in gymnasiums and playgrounds. It provides comfortable, long-lasting cushioning.

• Recycled bricks: Bricks salvaged from demolished buildings can be cleaned, restored and reused in new construction projects. Recycled bricks often have a unique appearance that can be interesting for landscaping.

• Recycled plasterboard: Gypsum boards, commonly used for drywall, can be made from recycled gypsum, reducing the need to extract virgin gypsum.

• Recycled paper insulation: Insulating materials made from recycled paper and cardboard are used to insulate walls and ceilings. They are treated with fire-retardant substances to guarantee building safety.

3. Low-impact Materials

Low-impact materials are often favoured for their minimal environmental footprint, natural aesthetics and ability to contribute to energy-efficient, comfortable and sustainable building designs. Incorporating these materials into construction projects can significantly reduce environmental impact.

• Bamboo: In addition to being a renewable material, bamboo is also considered a low-impact building material due to its versatility and ease of cultivation.

• Straw bales: Straw bales, usually made from wheat, rice or barley straw, are used as a building material for walls and insulation. They offer excellent thermal performance and are a low-impact option.

• Hybrid materials: Some innovative, low-impact building materials combine traditional techniques with modern technologies. For example, hemp-lime composites are a blend of hemp fibres and lime, offering excellent insulation and low environmental impact.

Why green building materials are important?

The importance of green building materials can be attributed to a number of factors. Here are some of the reasons for their growing popularity:

Environmental sustainability: These materials reduce the carbon footprint of construction by using renewable or recycled resources. They promote responsible use of natural resources and help protect ecosystems.

Energy efficiency: Many eco-friendly materials offer better insulation and energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs in buildings.

Health and well-being: They often contribute to better indoor air quality and overall comfort for building occupants. This can lead to improved well-being, health and productivity.

Economic benefits: Although initial costs may be slightly higher, long-term energy and maintenance savings make eco-friendly materials a cost-effective choice.

The challenges of using green building materials

Adopting green building materials is not without its challenges:

Cost: The initial costs of some eco-friendly materials can be higher than those of conventional materials. However, the long-term savings often exceed the initial outlay.

Availability: In some regions, finding a steady supply of eco-friendly materials can be difficult, especially if local markets are not yet well supplied. Our eco-friendly materials are available at many retailers. Contact us to find out how to purchase them.

Codes and regulations: Building codes and regulations don't always allow the use of eco-friendly materials, creating obstacles for builders.

Durability and maintenance: Ensuring the long-term durability of eco-friendly materials, especially in extreme weather conditions, requires careful planning and maintenance.

What's the future of building materials?

The future of green building materials is very bright, as the construction industry continues to evolve in response to environmental concerns.

Here are a few trends that point to the future of green building materials:

Advanced research and innovation: Scientists and engineers are constantly exploring new materials with enhanced properties, such as advanced composites and bio-based materials.

Circular economic principles: The construction sector is increasingly adopting the principles of the circular economy. This means that materials and resources are designed to be reused, remanufactured or recycled, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources.

Carbon-neutral buildings: The more emphasis is placed on reducing carbon emissions, the more building materials will play a role in the development of net-zero energy buildings. Carbon-retaining materials, such as wood and other biogenic materials, will become even more important.

Smart materials: The integration of technology into building materials will continue to evolve. Intelligent materials capable of adapting to changing environmental conditions, monitoring structural health or improving energy efficiency will become more commonplace.

3D printing: 3D printing technology is making waves in the construction sector. Eco-friendly materials such as bioplastics and sustainable concrete mixes can be used in 3D printing processes, enabling faster, more efficient construction while reducing waste.

Certifications: The demand for third-party certification and labelling of sustainable building materials will continue to grow. Several forward-thinking organizations are playing a key role in setting and enforcing these new standards.

Local sourcing: Locally sourced, eco-friendly building materials will become a focal point of sustainable construction practices. Reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials will be a key consideration.

Education and training: Training and education programs related to green building materials will become more accessible and widespread. Architects, builders and construction workers will be better equipped to work effectively with these materials.

Towards a better future

Now it's up to you! Continue to implement ecological and sustainable actions in your construction projects, and above all … tell your friends and family!