The Environmental Impact Of Different Building Materials
From design to timeline to budget, there are countless factors to consider when starting a new building or construction project. Some of the most significant in today's reality? Sustainability and environmental impact.
According to a recent scientific literature review, construction industry and demolition waste account for approximately 30% of global waste, 35% of which ends up in landfills—and these sobering statistics don't even touch on the numerous other ways that our homes and buildings can negatively impact the planet.
Fortunately, sustainable materials are becoming more readily available and environmentally responsible building practices and regulations are more common. That being said, there's still a lot to navigate when it comes to sourcing and understanding the environmental impact of different building materials, so let's take a closer look at some considerations to keep in mind:
Measuring Method
There are many different types of environmental impacts and just as many ways to measure the sustainability of building materials.
Broadly speaking, environmentally responsible building practices take into account the ways materials are harvested or extracted, transported, refined/processed and manufactured. Also considered are the direct impact those materials may have on the health and safety of people in the home or building, the immediate area surrounding it, and the broader environment at large. Finally, sustainable building practices are proactive in considering the full life cycle of building materials, including how they'll ultimately be disposed of.
Environmental Impact
Below, we've listed some of the major areas of potential to keep in mind when considering a particular building material:
Global Warming Potential
Also referred to as carbon footprint, this refers to a product's greenhouse gas emissions or potential to counteract them.
Ozone Depletion Potential
Gasses released during the manufacturing of highly processed products can damage the ozone layer and negatively impact the health of our planet.
Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential
Ozone released at ground level can also be toxic and dangerous to the environment. Lumber and plywood products are low in photochemical ozone emissions.
Acidification Potential
Acidification occurs when the ocean or other ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide and this can impact soils, waterways, flora, fauna, and the immediate environments around buildings.
Eutrophication Potential
Increases in nutrient concentrations, which can cause detrimental ecosystem imbalances, are often caused by phosphates and other similar chemicals.
Sustainable Building Materials and Methods
As you embark on your next building or construction project, here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider what materials to purchase and how to take the most sustainable approach:
- How were the various components in the construction materials you're considering harvested, extracted, or otherwise sourced?
- How were they refined, manufactured, and produced?
- How far did components or products have to travel to get to you, and how were they transported?
- How will different materials contribute to your home's overall emissions and sustainability?
- Will they pose any risks to you, the immediate environment around your home, or the broader environment?
- How long will they last, and how will they ultimately be recycled or disposed of?
- Are there more sustainable products available that would meet your needs just as effectively?
At STAR Building Materials in Winnipeg, we're committed to providing sustainable construction material options and supporting our clients in reducing their carbon footprint.
To learn more about which products and approaches may offer the most sustainable solutions for your upcoming building or construction project, visit our store today!