The construction industry is facing a major shift in how it takes up space in the world, moving away from toxic materials or ones which rely on emission-heavy processes.
As sustainability and resilience become the forefront of many individuals' and organisations' priorities, responsible building materials are one of the ways in which the construction industry is cutting emissions and transforming infrastructure.
With new innovations, or taking inspiration from cultures around the world, the construction sector is witnessing a significant change.
Construction Digital takes a look at the Top 10 building materials which are innovating the industry.
10. Recycled Plastic
Key fact: According to PwC, Europe uses 45% of post-consumer recycled plastics in building materials
Recycled plastics can be seen as a sustainable substitute for brick or steel, as they are lower emissions and they support enhanced recycling and the reuse of existing materials. Due to their light weight, plastics are easier to transport, handle and install than other materials.
Moreover, building materials made up of recycled plastics have a longer shelf life and are easier to recycle. Investing in the use of recycled plastics for construction also creates innovative research and development initiatives.
9. Mycelium Composites
Key fact: Mycelium is a more fire resistant material, which also burns more cleanly, releasing only water and CO₂
This network of fungal threads or hyphae is a renewable alternative to traditional construction materials, partaking in rapid growth on agricultural waste and a series of impressive physical properties. These products decompose naturally, leaving minimal environmental impact when they are no longer needed.
Mycelium in construction has already been successfully implemented in various projects around the world, including MycoComposite panels in architecture, to furniture. The material has excellent thermal and acoustic insulation and can be engineered to be stronger and more durable than traditional options.
8. Rammed Earth
Key fact: Rammed earth has been used as sustainable building technique for more than 6,000 years
Rammed earth is made up entirely of compacted earth, sourced from or near the grounds of a proposed building site. This technique creates a more circular construction process, particularly in a time calling for more sustainability across construction.
The material offers thermal mass, temperature regulation and moisture control, making it a strong choice for construction as regions are increasingly faced with rising temperatures. In case of demolition, unstabilised rammed earth can be returned to the ground.
7. Straw Bales
Key facts: Straw has a one-year growth cycle, making it more abundant and recyclable than timber, as trees have a 40-year growth cycle.
Straw bale construction involves tying straw into bundles, before stacking them on top of one another – treating them like bricks. An alternative approach is to use them as insulation, filling them into a structural frame.
The technique grew in popularity in the early 20th century, mainly by self-builders and eco-enthusiasts, but it is a strong contender due to its sound insulation, temperature insulation, resilience and renewable capabilities.
6. Self-Healing Concrete
Key fact: Carolyn M. Dry first introduced the concept of modern self-healing concrete in the early 1990s
Self-healing concrete is designed to repair cracks without human intervention, doing it by itself naturally. It is seen as a durable material, as it does not need to rely on human involvement for repairs and it is more carbon-friendly as there are limited CO₂ emissions from repairs.
The material relies on embedded bacteria, vascular networks or capsules to heal cracks through a chemical release when water enters.
5. Bamboo
Key fact: During the Ming Dynasty in the 1300s, bamboo began being used as an interior building material in China, for bedding and flooring
According to a report by the Institution of Structural Engineers, bamboo is the best alternative to steel and concrete. For centuries, the material has been used for traditional construction in countries like Vietnam, China and Indonesia. Now, engineers are starting to consider it around the world.
The material is a bio-based resource with strong sustainable credentials. Moreover, it is a flexible and pliable material that bends without breaking, making it a resilient option which can also look aesthetic.
4. Hempcrete
Key fact: Hemcrete absorbes approximately 165kg of CO₂ during its lifetime
Hempcrete is a biocomposite material which uses water, hemp hurds and a lime-based binder. It mixes together to create a lightweight, breathable and insulating building material. It lowers energy consumption by keeping buildings warm in winter and cool in summer.
It regulates humidity naturally, meaning it prevents mold growth and it does not release harmful volatile organic compounds. It also absorbs more carbon dioxide during its lifecycle than it emits, making it a carbon-negative material.
3. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
Key fact: Cross-laminated timber is estimated to be around 60% lower emissions than traditional construction
This material is produced from softwood timber, made up from sections which are laid across each other at right angles before it is then laminated. The material can be made to meet the individual structural needs of each piece, making it an adaptable resource.
It is a low-impact material compared to steel and concrete, with a lower carbon footprint. It is a regenerative material, lighter than its counterparts and is often a more cost-effective option.
2. Recycled Steel
Key fact: Recycling steel requires 75% less energy than producing steel from iron ore
As the demand for environmentally responsible material grows, the recycled steel emerges as a strong alternative to new materials. Derived from scrapped steel products, this material can be reused indefinitely, as steel does not degrade with recycling. As it maintains the physical and chemical properties of its original form, it is seen as an ideal choice for a range of construction applications.
As a result of its process, it reduces CO₂ emissions by 86%, as well as mitigating the industry's impact on landfills and decreases air pollution. The Pixel Building in Melbourne was constructed using recycled steel as a core element of its design, gaining the highest possible Green Star rating for its practical and environmental features.
1. Low-Carbon / Green Concrete
Key fact: Green concrete can reduces the carbon footprint of a project by 30-70%
Low-carbon concrete cuts emissions significantly while ensuring the strength and durability for a project remains. The material is made up of recycled materials and alternative cements, making construction more sustainable. It can be used for projects of all sizes, across residential buildings and large-scale infrastructure.
The low-carbon concrete can be used across foundations of buildings, for strong support, floors across industrial and commercial projects and walls to improve energy efficiency. Due to its ability to withstand heavy loads and environmental conditions, the material is ideal for bridges, large-scale projects and roads.
Its thermal properties ensure the regulation of indoor temperatures, reducing the need to extra heating and cooling, therefore cutting the costs and emissions.
Holcim is a major driver of low-carbon concrete, integrating ECOPact low carbon concrete into many of its innovative operations.
