Top 10: Sustainable Building Materials Companies

Sustainable building materials are growing in importance as the construction industry grapples with the drive to net zero carbon emissions. These materials are derived from renewable or recycled sources. Their emergence is driven by increasing environmental awareness, stricter regulations, and technological advancements.

Key sustainable materials include bamboo, recycled steel and engineered wood. These offer benefits including reduced energy consumption, improved indoor air quality, and lower lifecycle costs. The shift towards these materials is reshaping architectural design and construction practices.

The following are 10 companies leading the way in the manufacture of sustainable building materials. 

10 Owens Corning 

Capital Rev: $9bn
Country: US
Founded: 1938
Materials: Fibreglass composites, insulation, roofing materials
Owens Corning has transformed its product range to focus on sustainable building materials. The company developed an extruded polystyrene foam insulation with reduced global warming potential, and the company’s fibreglass insulation now incorporates recycled and renewable materials.

Its products have been used in projects such as the Empire State Building's energy retrofit. The company is exploring bio-based materials for future insulation products. Owens Corning joined the European Alliance to Save Energy in 2023 to advance energy efficiency initiatives.

09 James Hardie Industries 

Capital Rev: $11bn
Country: US
Founded: 1888
Materials: fibre cement siding, backer board
James Hardie Industries manufactures fibre cement to produce more durable and sustainable building materials. Its HardiePlank lap-siding is made from renewable resources and requires less maintenance than traditional wood siding. 

Its products were used in the construction of the sustainable Park Royal on Pickering hotel in Singapore. The company is developing new formulations to reduce the embodied carbon in its products.

08 Kingspan Group 

Capital Rev: $12bn
Country: Kingscourt, County Cavan, Ireland
Founded: 1965
Materials: Insulated panels, insulation boards, light & air solutions, water & energy solutions
Kingspan Group is a pioneer of insulated panel technology for sustainable construction. 

The company's QuadCore insulation core offers enhanced thermal performance and fire resistance. 

Its products were used in the zero-carbon Masdar City project in Abu Dhabi. Kingspan is currently investing in recycled plastic ocean waste for use in its insulation products and aims to achieve net-zero manufacturing by 2030.

07 Vulcan Materials Company 

Capital Rev: $23bn
Country: Birmingham, Alabama, US
Founded: 1909
Materials: Construction aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete
Vulcan Materials Company, established in 1909, has developed sustainable concrete and aggregates production methods. The company utilises recycled concrete and asphalt in its products and has implemented water recycling systems in its quarries. 

Vulcan's materials were used in the construction of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which achieved LEED Platinum certification. The company is now researching carbon capture technologies for its cement production processes.

06 Holcim

Capital Rev: $33bn
Country: Zug, Switzerland
Founded: 1912
Materials: Cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, sustainable solutions
Holcim is known for its low-carbon cement and concrete solutions. The company's ECOPact concrete reduces carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to standard concrete, it claims. Holcim's products were used in the construction of the sustainable Bosco Verticale towers in Milan. The company is now investing in 3D printing technology for more efficient and sustainable construction methods.

05 Saint-Gobain 

Capital Rev: $34bn
Country: Courbevoie, France
Founded: 1665
Materials: Glass, plasterboard, insulation, mortars, building materials
France-based Saint-Gobain is a leader in sustainable glass and building materials solutions. The company's Cool-Lite glass technology improves energy efficiency in buildings. 

Its materials were used in the renovation of the Palace of Versailles to improve energy performance, and the company is developing bio-based insulation materials and circular economy solutions for construction waste.

04 Heidelberg Cement AG 

Capital Rev: $35bn
Country: Heidelberg, Germany
Founded: 1874
Materials: Cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt
HeidelbergCement is focused on reducing the carbon footprint of cement production. The company developed Vertua, its carbon-neutral concrete. HeidelbergCement's products were used in the construction of the energy-efficient European Central Bank headquarters in Frankfurt. The company is investing in carbon capture and utilisation technologies for its cement plants.

03 CRH

Capital Rev: $37bn
Country: Dublin, Ireland
Founded: 1970
Materials: Cement, aggregates, asphalt, glass, building products
CRH is currently expanding its sustainable building materials portfolio. The company's Tarmac division produces low-carbon asphalt using recycled materials. The company’s products were used in the construction of the environmentally friendly Leadenhall Building in London, and it is developing cement-free concrete solutions, and investing in renewable energy for its production facilities.

02 Sika AG 

Capital Rev: $40bn
Country: Baar, Switzerland
Founded: 1910
Materials: Concrete admixtures, specialty mortars, sealants and adhesives, waterproofing systems
Sika AG's Sika ViscoCrete technology reduces cement content in concrete while maintaining performance. Its products were used in the construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, enhancing durability and reducing maintenance. The company is researching bio-based polymers for its construction chemicals.

01 CEMEX

Capital Rev: $42bn
Country: Mexico
Founded: 1906
Materials: Cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates
CEMEX, is a specialist in low-carbon cement and concrete production. The company's Vertua Ultra Zero concrete achieves carbon neutrality through novel mix designs and carbon offsetting. CEMEX's products were used in the construction of the sustainable BBVA headquarters in Madrid. The company is investing in hydrogen technology for its cement kilns to reduce emissions.