The Best & Most Sustainable Construction Materials in 2022
Are you a contractor looking to add some green products to your lineup? Sustainability is on many people’s minds these days, and the market for sustainable building materials has been on the rise. Northwest Builders is here with all the information you need on the best and most sustainable construction materials in 2022!
If you are in or around the Rice Lake, WI area and are looking for a building contractor to handle your next project, contact the experts at Northwest Builders today!
Recycled Steel
According to Napa Recycling, steel is the most recycled material in the world and is actually recycled more than paper, plastic, and glass combined. This makes recycled steel among the most available and prevalent eco-friendly and sustainable building materials. Steel is also a recyclable material that doesn’t lose any of its strength or durability during the recycling process. Steel can also help you save on energy costs!
Recycled & Reclaimed Wood
Recycled and reclaimed wood is one of the most used sustainable materials in construction. Not only does it boast great aesthetics, but is also very versatile and can be used for flooring, decks, patios, siding, and more.
Bamboo
Bamboo grows aggressively in the wild. It spreads quickly and can grow up to 3 feet in one day, making it readily available for use in the building process. It is not chemically processed, naturally anti-bacterial, and 100 percent biodegradable.
Recycled Plastics
Plastic products are among the most harmful to our environment as they can take up to 1000 years to decompose. Recycled plastic building materials can be made taking up only 5% of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by similar plants making concrete blocks. Recycled plastics are strong, great for sound control, and versatile.
Uses
- Roofing Tiles.
- Concrete.
- Indoor Insulation.
- Structural Lumber.
- PVC Windows.
- Bricks.
- Fences.
- Floor Tiles.
- And more!
AshCrete
AshCrete is made up of up to 97% of recycled materials, has smaller pores, and therefore, is stronger compared to traditional concrete.
Hempcrete
Hempcrete is an ultra-light building and insulation material made of hemp fibers, sand, and lime. Compared to concrete, hempcrete is not as strong but makes up for it with its above-average insulating power as well as its fire and pest resistance. It is porous, but will not shrink, and after the drying process, will not crack.
Clay
This 100% natural material is most often used in construction to make bricks. It is recyclable and needs no chemical processing to produce. Clay bricks are naturally insulating and therefore can help save on energy costs.
Timbercrete
Timbercrete insulates better than brick, clay, and concrete. Incredibly durable and highly fire-resistant, timbercrete is made of a mixture of traditional concrete and sawdust. It is lightweight, making it easier to transport, and can be made into bricks, blocks, and pavers.
Go Sustainable In 2022
There are many more sustainable construction materials than we are able to list here. As the population becomes ever more conscious of their impact on the environment, if you are not adding sustainable products to your offerings, you are doing your business a disservice. Many of these materials have more benefits than more traditional products, and adding some of these to your product line shows your community that you are dedicated to your efforts in staying or going green. If you are in the Rice Lake, WI area and looking for a dedicated building firm for your next project, contact Northwest Builders today to get the process started!