The need to choose sustainable and eco-friendly building materials is on the rise, especially with climate change posing a grave threat to the planet.
According to a report by the World Green Building Council, building and construction result in 39% of all carbon emissions in the world, with operational emissions (emissions from energy used to heat, cool and light buildings) making up 28% and embodied carbon emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the building lifecycle contributing 11%.
The emission levels and climate change make it essential to opt for sustainable and eco-friendly building materials that decrease greenhouse gas emissions and increase the energy efficiency of buildings.
What is a sustainable building material?
Sustainable building materials are also known as environmentally-friendly materials or eco-friendly materials, or green building materials. A building material can be called sustainable when it has a low impact on the environment, in its entire life cycle, right from extraction and performance to disposal. Furthermore, a material becomes sustainable when it is sourced locally and is created from natural resources or recyclable materials while offering benefits like durability, recyclability, and reusability.
Here are some sustainable building materials that are quite popular in eco-friendly houses in India:
Stone: Stone or rock, either on its own or mixed with soil, has been used for construction for ages. It is an effective building material.
Bamboo: Bamboo is known to be as strong as steel owing to its cylindrical form. Flexibility and ease of carrying make it a sustainable choice.
Clay: At least half of the world’s population live or work in a building made out of clay. Clay works excellent as a building material.
When compared to other building materials for eco-friendly construction, clay is the best and most preferred.
Clay as a building material has been around for centuries. It has many properties that make it the best fit for the environment, building material and people.
buy modafinil in australia Energy-efficient:Owing to its remarkable insulation properties, clay can absorb heat. This insulation feature helps reduce energy consumption in buildings.
Versatility:Clay can serve a variety of purposes, from crafting home decorations to constructing a building.
Durability:A building made of clay can last for more than 100 years. Clay also makes a building resistant to extreme weather conditions.
Stability in Value:Clay is an investment that brings great returns. A building made of clay appreciates in value over the years.
Natural:Clay is as natural as it gets. It comes from the ground and can be recycled or reused with minimum effort.
Healthy:Clay is a material with properties that ensure healthy living. It is not a food source for mould, which is the primary cause of many allergies.
Today’s world offers an architect or builder a plethora of sustainable choices for green and eco-friendly construction. With many people moving towards sustainable and energy-efficient alternatives, creating homes that last has become of prime importance. While one may not have an explicitly green home, opting for at least one or two sustainable solutions can significantly affect the climate and ecosystem. From Porotherm clay hollow bricks to clay roofing and façade solutions, Wienerberger India offers sustainable and eco-friendly options to build a green home.
Curated by editor at Wienerberger IndiaLike this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: gosmartbricks@gmail.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
