Building with eco-materials and products

Many critically important choices about environmentally-concious design, building products, energy and water efficiency will be made by proxy (i.e., by your builder, contractor or architect), and you are often led to believe that you cannot question these. If you are serious about achieving a more sustainable outcome, this is a critical step. 

Make a concerted effort to influence such decisions every step of the way. When selecting contractors, builders, designers and retailers, use criteria such as willingness to be transparent about product certification and specification listings (which outline the manufacturing process and materials used).

Eco-building considers the use of materials in the following ways:

Total impact. From extraction, processing and manufacturing to transport, operational lifespan to end-use (recycling and disposal), materials make up the major environmental impacts of a building. Careful selection, waste minimisation and use of more sustainable materials are therefore very important. While some materials have high embodied energy (such as concrete or steel), their use in providing thermal comfort or structural integrity may outweigh the use of a low-embodied alternative. Equally, you may be able to dramatically reduce the embodied energy of that material by re-using it or using recycled material.

Total building performance. This is about combining different materials to create the smallest eco-footprint, while providing the highest performance. Every material used should be considered from both perspectives in relation to the construction systems being considered. To understand what you should be looking for, visit:

Product specifications - looking for an environmentally-friendly product?

Common products and building materials - quick guide to eco-smart choices