The construction industry is currently witnessing a massive shift, thanks to the rising focus on environmental consciousness and reducing carbon footprint.

And perhaps the most promising aspect of this revolution is the emergence of green building materials in the industry. As the name suggests, these materials are crafted to mitigate negative impact on the environment, optimize energy performance and promote overall building sustainability.

In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the hottest trends surrounding green building materials and where they are leading the industry. Let’s get started!

What are Green Building Materials?

Green building materials are sustainable and eco-friendly during their entire life cycle; from harvesting and manufacturing to installation and disposal. They conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate minimal waste.

Green building materials are a key feature of sustainable building practices. The goal of sustainable or green building is to create buildings that are better for people and the environment. Green building is about the efficient use of resources during all phases of the construction.

Incorporating components and assemblies that work together to reduce the demand on energy and water, and to reduce the carbon footprint of the building are essential to achieving true green building. Choice of appropriate materials is crucial in green building but there is no one best option that will fit all and will depend on the building owner’s needs.

The Importance of Green Building Materials

The world is getting warmer by the day and there’s no escaping the fact that climate change is here. The construction industry as we know it is at a pivotal point. Materials such as concrete and steel are harmful to the environment. But there’s a sustainable alternative. Structurally sound, environmentally friendly, and better places to live and work.

For those involved in construction, it’s important to understand the significance of green building materials as they pave the way for a resilient and sustainable future.

• Environmental Benefits

The most obvious environmental advantage of green building materials lies in reducing carbon emissions. Many of the traditional building materials such as concrete and steel require huge amounts of energy to manufacture.

Green building materials on the other hand generally demand less energy for manufacturing and in some cases can even be made from recycled or sustainably harvested resources.

• Economic Benefits

Green building materials typically come with a higher price tag than their conventional counterparts. However, they can deliver substantial savings in the long run. Energy efficient materials lead to lower operating costs for a building and many of the green building materials used are durable.

• Health Benefits

The use of green building materials promotes better indoor air quality by eliminating toxic chemicals and other pollutants from interiors. This directly affects the health and well being of those occupying the building and ultimately leads to an increased quality of life.

Emerging Trends in Green Building Materials

New green building materials are taking the construction industry by storm as developers and builders adapt to a more sustainable way of creating structures that are environmentally responsible. From cross-laminated timber to recycled glass and even smart glass; here are some of the hottest trends that are sure to pave the way for more eco-friendly structures in the near future.

Here are a few top emerging trends in green building materials sharing the picture of the construction industry.

• Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)

Cross-laminated timber or CLT is the current darling of the construction industry and touts some very interesting features in the world of wood products. As the name suggests, the timber layers are pressed at right angles to each other which makes the final product extremely strong and stable.

Not only is CLT a renewable building resource but it also leaves a smaller carbon footprint than steel and concrete. CLT structures can also be prefabricated off-site which cuts down on construction time and waste.

• Recycled Materials

Recycled materials are slowly but surely becoming a major trend in sustainable construction. Following the principles of a circular economy, recycled steel, glass and plastic are now being transformed into value-added products for the building industry.

Recycled steel can be used in structural frames while recycled glass might be transformed into tiles and insulation materials. Using such materials diverts waste from landfills and reduces the need for raw materials.

• Green Concrete

Concrete is arguably the most used building material on the planet. However its manufacture is responsible for some of the highest carbon emissions in the industry.

Green concrete or alternatively, concrete 2.0 tries to mitigate this by using industrial waste materials like fly ash, slag and silica fume as cement replacements. These additives not only lower the carbon footprint of concrete but also improve its strength and overall performance.

• Hempcrete

Hempcrete is a bio-composite made from the woody core of the hemp plant and a lime-based hydraulic binder. This mixture produces a lightweight material that is insulating and possesses remarkable thermal properties.

Moreover, hempcrete is an extremely sustainable material as hemp is a fast growing plant that needs little pesticide and fertilizer during its growing season. Hempcrete structures are sure to gain more popularity in the future for energy efficient and low impact construction.

• Bamboo

Yet another rapidly growing plant, bamboo is finding numerous applications in the construction industry. Replacing timber, bamboo possesses high strength to weight ratio and can be used in flooring, wall panels and structural beams.

• Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

ICFs are a relatively new building technology that offer the structural strength of concrete with the insulation properties of foam. ICF walls are made of blocks or panels that interlock and are filled with concrete.

The resulting structure delivers a superior building envelope with high energy efficiency. ICFs offer excellent thermal performance along with superior sound insulation. Not to mention that ICF structures are highly durable and offer protection against fire, pests and severe weather conditions.

• Phase-Change Materials (PCMs)

Phase-change materials (PCMs) offer a high-tech but energy-efficient way to improve your building’s performance. PCM absorbs excess heat and turns to liquid. When it’s cool, it returns to a solid state, absorbing more heat.

This active process keeps interior temperatures comfortable by releasing heat at night and absorbing it during the day.

You can embed PCM into gypsum wallboard, plaster, and concrete — further reducing your building’s overall energy use.

• Solar Panels and Photovoltaics

Although photovoltaics aren’t typically considered a building material, the trend in green construction is to integrate solar panels and renewable energy production directly into the buildings we design and develop.

With recent innovations in solar technology, you can now embed solar panels into your roof, facades, and even your windows. These building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) produce renewable energy and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels.

• Smart Glass

Smart glass — also called electrochromic glass — is high-tech with the ability to toggle transparency on and off with electrical signals.

This feature helps reduce heat and light transmission through the skin of the building. In turn, it limits the need for artificial lighting and cooling, comforts occupants, and increases the overall sustainability of your structure.

• Living Walls and Green Roofs

A growing trend in urban development, living walls and green roofs insulate your building and create a healthier environment for occupants.

These sophisticated green systems use vegetation to cover the roofs and walls of buildings. Not only do they offer thermal insulation and limit the urban heat island effect, but they also boost local biodiversity.

Green roofs also aid in controlling stormwater runoff and enhancing air quality.

The Role of Technology in Green Building Materials

Innovations in technology are helping to develop and implement green building materials. Here’s how it works:

• 3D Printing

3D printing is offering groundbreaking opportunities for designers and developers to construct complex components with greater precision and efficiency.

This technology uses sustainable materials like bamboo, gravel, and various ceramics. And because 3D printing produces minimal to no waste by creating objects from solid materials, you can print exactly what you need, when you need it.

3D printing also speeds up project timelines and cuts labour costs.

• Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building information modeling, or BIM, is the practice of digitally recording a structure’s physical and functional characteristics.

Using this technology, design and construction team members — including architects, engineers, and builders — can collaborate more effectively and make informed decisions about environmentally friendly building materials and resources.

• Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology provides vast opportunities for the production of green building materials. For instance, nanomaterials can be mixed with conventional materials like concrete to make it stronger, lighter, and more durable.

You can also use nanotech to create low-friction coatings that enhance energy efficiency and prevent atmospheric deposits from damaging roofs and surfaces.

Challenges and Opportunities

Like any field, the world of green building materials comes with its challenges and opportunities. From initial expenses to legislative hurdles, it’s important to understand these barriers to embrace the opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.

• Challenges 

Although green building materials offer numerous advantages, certain barriers remain before they can be widely used by developers and homeowners alike.

For one, they’re often costlier to produce and acquire than their traditional, harmful counterparts. Their availability is also currently quite limited.

In addition, construction professionals and homeowners may not always be aware of these sustainable options. Regulatory frameworks can also hinder the use of novel materials in buildings.

• Opportunities

But these barriers present opportunities for innovation and expansion. The market for green building materials is expected to rise alongside the demand for sustainable buildings.

As the industry matures, costs should decline and supply should increase. Further, technological developments and industry collaboration can help break some of the legislative and practical barriers encountered today.

Conclusion

The future of construction is here. Green building materials offer architects and developers sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional building materials. From cross-laminated timber to recycled fly ash and bamboo to innovative technologies like phase-change materials and smart glass, the possibilities with green building materials are endless.

As technology advances, the industry will expand and provide even more opportunities to create functional, aesthetic, and environmentally friendly structures and interiors. Whether you’re a constructor, architect, or homeowner, it’s imperative you stay ahead of trends in green building materials to shape a safer, more sustainable world for future generations and adapt to meet the demands of an ever-changing environment.

Image credit: freepik.com

Read more: TOP 30 GREEN BUILDING MATERIAL