Buy environmentally preferable products
Buy fair labor and responsibly sourced products & materials
Buy locally extracted, processed, and manufactured products & materials
Reduce construction waste & divert what there is from landfill
Sustainable materials often outlast conventional ones, reducing costs long-term and enhancing a home's overall value and comfort.
Key Concepts:
1Sustainability
Sustainability stands at the forefront of crucial concepts in home materials. Sustainability means sourcing, manufacturing, and utilizing materials that have minimal negative impact on the environment, support conservation of resources, and promote health and wellbeing. Materials like bamboo, hempcrete, or cork are renewable, have low embodied energy (energy used in the extraction, manufacturing, and transportation), and are biodegradable or recyclable. This involves using materials with minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. These materials should be renewable, low in embodied energy, and biodegradable.
Fact: Using bamboo, which regrows 20 times faster than regular trees, could reduce deforestation by up to 70%.
- “Sustainable Materials without the hot air: Making buildings, vehicles and products efficiently and with less new material 2nd Edition” by Julian Allwood, Jonathan Cullen.
2Embodied Energy
Embodied energy is the total energy required to extract, process, manufacture, and deliver a material to your door. High embodied energy materials, such as aluminum or brick, have a more substantial environmental impact compared to materials like timber or straw bale. It’s the sum of energy consumed by a material, right from extraction to delivery. Lower embodied energy equates to less environmental impact.
Fact: Reclaimed wood uses 11 to 13 times less energy than producing new lumber.
3Indoor Air Quality
Many conventional building materials can emit harmful chemicals that negatively affect indoor air quality, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These can lead to health issues like allergies or respiratory problems. Sustainable materials typically have lower VOC emissions, contributing to a healthier living environment. Selecting materials that emit fewer VOCs results in healthier indoor environments.
Fact: Building materials and furnishings can be the source of up to 72% of indoor air pollution.
4Energy Efficiency
The materials used in a home can significantly influence its energy efficiency. Insulation materials, for example, play a critical role in maintaining a comfortable indoor climate and reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. Materials with high insulation properties, like cellulose or wool, help to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing both carbon footprint and utility bills. Insulation materials can significantly reduce energy use for heating and cooling, reducing carbon footprints and energy bills.
Fact: Homes can lose up to 35% of heat through uninsulated walls.
- “The New Net Zero: Leading-Edge Design and Construction of Homes and Buildings for a Renewable Energy Future” by Bill Maclay.
5Durability and Maintenance
The lifespan and maintenance needs of materials also factor into their overall environmental impact and cost. Materials that are durable and require less frequent replacement or repair can be more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run. Consider materials like recycled metal roofing or fiber-cement siding, which are known for their longevity. Longer-lasting materials with lower maintenance needs have less environmental impact and are more cost-effective.
6Recyclability and Waste
Waste generated by the construction and renovation of homes is a significant issue. Choosing materials that can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle, like steel or glass, helps to reduce this waste. Moreover, using materials made from recycled content, such as recycled glass tiles or composite decking, can further minimize the impact on landfill. Utilizing recyclable materials and those made from recycled content can significantly reduce construction waste.
Fact: Construction and demolition waste account for about 34.5% of all waste in the U.S.
7Local Availability
Sourcing materials locally can reduce the energy required for transportation, contributing to lower embodied energy. Moreover, local materials often blend better with the local climate and landscape, and their use supports local economies and reduces dependence on external supply chains. Local materials reduce transportation energy and support local economies, while offering better compatibility with local climate and landscape.
Fact: Local materials can cut down transportation energy by up to 30%.
8Climate Resilience
With the growing impact of climate change, homes must be built or renovated to withstand local climate conditions and potential hazards. This means selecting materials that are suitable for local weather patterns and potential natural disasters, such as flooding, hurricanes, or wildfires. For instance, using stucco in arid regions or hurricane-resistant materials in coastal areas. Materials should withstand local climate conditions and hazards, ensuring the durability of homes against climate change impacts.
Fact: Proper material selection can increase a home’s resistance to hurricanes by up to 80%.
9Social Equity
The production of some building materials can be associated with unfair labor practices or inadequate health and safety standards. It’s essential to consider the social aspects of the materials’ lifecycle, favoring those produced under fair trade and fair labor conditions. Favoring materials produced under fair trade and labor conditions can promote social justice in the construction industry.
Fact: The construction industry is one of the largest sectors employing forced labor worldwide.
10Aesthetic Appeal
Last but not least, the visual and tactile qualities of materials significantly contribute to the aesthetic appeal and comfort of a home. Materials like reclaimed wood or natural stone can add unique character and warmth to a home, enhancing its value and appeal. The appeal and comfort of homes are greatly enhanced by the choice of materials. Natural materials often add unique character and warmth.
Fact: Homes with natural stone or wood features can see up to a 6% increase in resale value.
These ten concepts form the core considerations for choosing materials for homes in the U.S. today. Keeping these in mind when selecting materials for your next construction or renovation project will not only lead to a more sustainable, healthier, and resilient home but also contribute to broader environmental and social goals. It’s an opportunity to take a stand against climate change, promote social justice, and be a part of the solution. For more detailed information, consider resources like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s page on sustainable materials management (https://www.epa.gov/smm) or the BuildingGreen website (https://www.buildinggreen.com), which offers abundant resources on sustainable building materials and practices.
Special Considerations for Affordable Housing Projects:
1Affordability
The cost of materials is paramount in affordable housing projects. Affordable options include prefabricated panels, cinder blocks, and recycled or reclaimed materials. It’s crucial to balance upfront cost with durability to ensure long-term savings.
2Durability and Maintenance
Long-lasting materials with low maintenance needs can significantly reduce future expenses, making homes more affordable in the long run. Materials like metal roofing, fiber-cement siding, and linoleum flooring are known for their durability and ease of maintenance.
3Energy Efficiency
Materials with excellent insulation properties, like cellulose or expanded polystyrene, can reduce energy costs for heating and cooling, resulting in long-term savings for the residents. Passive design principles also play a significant role in improving energy efficiency.
4Health and Indoor Air Quality
As many affordable homes are compact, indoor air quality becomes a significant concern. Using materials that emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can help maintain a healthier indoor environment, reducing potential health-related costs.
5Local Availability
Utilizing locally available materials can lower transportation costs, thereby reducing the overall cost of the project. Additionally, this contributes to local economies and promotes community acceptance of the project.
Affordable housing projects can still uphold sustainability by carefully selecting materials that offer both affordability and durability, promote energy efficiency, maintain good indoor air quality, and boost local economies.
