The 6 best green building materials

Sustainability and environmental friendliness are in, and new homes are increasingly reflecting this trend. An eco-friendly house — also known as a green or sustainable home — is a residence designed and constructed with a focus on minimizing its environmental impact and maximizing resource efficiency throughout its lifecycle. 

These houses incorporate various design elements, technologies and practices aimed at reducing energy consumption, conserving water, promoting indoor air quality, and utilizing sustainable building materials. 

Types of green building materials

If you’re considering building your own eco-friendly home, it’s important to learn more about specific building materials and potential barriers. Here are some of the best green building materials you can find, and which materials you should avoid.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource known for its strength and versatility. It grows quickly and can be harvested in as little as three to five years. Bamboo is used for flooring, furniture, wall coverings and even structural elements. Its sustainability lies in its ability to regenerate without the need for replanting, reducing pressure on forests. Bamboo also absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen compared to many other plants.

Recycled steel

Recycled steel is a sustainable alternative to virgin steel because it reduces the need for mining new iron ore and the associated energy-intensive processes. Recycled steel can be used in framing, structural elements and even roofing. Its use decreases the demand for raw materials and helps divert steel from landfills, thus reducing waste, and is one of the strongest green building materials available.

Rammed earth

Rammed earth construction involves compacting layers of soil to create durable walls. It’s energy-efficient, requires minimal processing, and utilizes locally sourced materials. Rammed earth walls have excellent thermal mass properties, which help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the need for heating and cooling systems. The method relies on earth as the primary material, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Hempcrete

Hempcrete is a bio-composite material made from the inner core of the hemp plant combined with a lime-based binder. It’s lightweight, insulating, and carbon-negative. Hemp absorbs more carbon dioxide during its growth than is emitted during the production of hempcrete. It’s used for insulation and non-load-bearing walls, contributing to energy efficiency, and reducing the reliance on energy-intensive insulation materials.

Cork

Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree, allowing it to regenerate. It’s used for flooring, wall coverings and insulation. Cork is an excellent insulator, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling. The process of harvesting cork encourages the growth of trees, which absorb carbon dioxide, and the product itself is biodegradable.

Recycled glass

Recycled glass, also known as cullet, is used in the production of glass countertops, tiles, and other building components. Using recycled glass reduces the demand for raw materials, conserves energy required for glass production, and diverts glass from landfills.

Cross-laminated timber

One of the strongest and most widely recognized eco-friendly building materials is engineered wood, particularly cross-laminated timber (CLT). CLT is an innovative building material that consists of layers of wood stacked at right angles and glued together to create large structural panels. It can be used for various applications, including walls, floors, and roofs in both residential and commercial buildings. CLT’s strength rivals that of traditional construction materials like concrete and steel, making it a viable alternative for many structural elements.

Which building materials are not considered eco-friendly?

Here are some examples of building materials that are not considered environmentally friendly:

• Vinyl (PVC) flooring: Vinyl flooring, often used in the form of vinyl tiles or sheets, contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is non-biodegradable and poses risks to human health due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dioxins.
• Formaldehyde-based insulation: Insulation materials that contain formaldehyde can release toxic fumes into indoor air, affecting indoor air quality and posing health risks to occupants.
• Conventional concrete: Traditional concrete production contributes a significant amount of greenhouse gasses, primarily due to the cement-making process. The extraction of raw materials, high energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions make conventional concrete a less sustainable choice.
• Treated wood: Wood treated with toxic chemicals like chromated copper arsenate (CCA) for outdoor use poses environmental risks due to the leaching of harmful substances into the soil and water. 
• Non-sustainable wood: Wood harvested from unsustainable sources, including old-growth forests and endangered species, contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction. Unsustainable logging practices can disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Virgin plastic building materials: Building materials made from virgin plastic, which is derived from fossil fuels, have a significant carbon footprint, and contribute to plastic waste in the environment. Examples include plastic-based siding and roofing materials.
• Asphalt roofing: Asphalt roofing shingles are commonly used, but their production involves the extraction of non-renewable resources and energy-intensive processes. Their short lifespan and potential for contributing to landfill waste make them less sustainable.
• Non-recyclable composite materials: Some composite materials, such as certain laminates and countertops, contain non-recyclable components, making them challenging to dispose of and contributing to landfill waste.

Related: What are sustainable cities?

Drawbacks to using green building materials

The advantages of using green building materials are obvious: they promote sustainable building, a lower carbon footprint and maximizing available resources. However, building an eco-friendly home also comes with several drawbacks.

• High initial investment: One significant drawback of eco-friendly homes is the high initial investment required for construction. While the long-term returns are promising, the upfront costs can be a barrier for many individuals. The incorporation of various eco-friendly technologies can further elevate the cost. Additionally, the scarcity of resources needed for green building construction contributes to the overall expense. 
• Obtaining the right materials: Sourcing materials for eco-friendly homes can be challenging. These specialized materials may not be readily available in all regions and might involve expensive shipping. This extends beyond construction materials to include the technologies necessary for the building’s functionality. 
• Longer construction time: Constructing an eco-friendly home often requires a lengthier planning and design phase due to the complexities involved. The incorporation of sustainable technologies, energy-efficient systems and environmentally conscious design considerations can extend the construction timeline. 
• Location considerations: Selecting the right location for an eco-friendly home can be complex, particularly due to the dependence on sunlight and specific energy sources. If a green home is built in an area with limited sunny days, reliance on solar energy could lead to potential energy shortages. This highlights the importance of choosing a suitable location that aligns with the home’s energy needs and climatic conditions.
• Expertise shortage. The relatively new nature of eco-friendly building practices can lead to a scarcity of skilled workers with the expertise needed for construction and maintenance. Finding experienced professionals who can construct and service eco-friendly homes might be challenging. 

Should you use green building materials?

Green building materials offer numerous benefits. They contribute to reduced carbon footprints by utilizing renewable resources, conserving energy, and producing fewer harmful emissions during production. These materials often promote healthier indoor air quality, and align with the growing global emphasis on environmental conservation. Moreover, using them can lead to long-term cost savings through energy efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements. 

However, all potential homeowners should consider whether the costs of building a green home outweigh the potential benefits. Depending on your budget and material considerations, it may be more prudent to renovate an existing home with sustainable materials and features.

FAQs

Here are more answers about green building materials.

Q: What materials do green buildings use?

Green buildings incorporate a variety of sustainable materials, like concrete made with recycled materials, fly ash, vegetated roofs that contribute to improved air quality, low VOC paints, and eco-friendly insulation materials like cellulose, recycled denim, or natural fibers such as wool.  

Q: Are green building materials more expensive?

A: While some green building materials may have a higher upfront cost, they often provide long-term savings through energy efficiency and reduced maintenance. Additionally, as demand for sustainable materials increases, prices are becoming more competitive.

Q: How can I determine if a building material is truly "green"?

A: Look for third-party certifications or labels, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which ensures a product meets specific sustainability criteria. Additionally, consider factors like the material's life cycle, environmental impact, and energy efficiency when evaluating its green credentials.

Q: Can green building materials be used for any type of construction?

A: Yes, green building materials can be used for various types of construction, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects. They are adaptable to different building designs and can contribute to sustainable construction practices across the board.

Q: Are there any government incentives or programs for using green building materials?

A: Yes, many governments offer incentives, tax credits, and grants to encourage the use of green building materials and sustainable construction practices. Research local or national programs to see what incentives may be available in your area.

Q: Can I retrofit my existing building with green materials?

A: Yes, retrofitting existing buildings with green materials is a viable option. It can improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall sustainability. Consult with a professional to determine the best retrofitting strategies for your specific building.