Due to the variety of environmentally friendly building materials and professionals skilled in energy and resource sustainability, there has never been a better time to use eco-friendly building materials. Many homeowners are unaware that, even after the initial costs, they can end up saving money over the long term by investing in eco-friendly materials and solutions that will reduce living expenses and cut maintenance and replacement expenses.
We recently had the opportunity to interview Dern Marano of Adaptibuild. AdaptiBuild is a multinational firm with a presence in over 20 countries and has serviced over a thousand properties since its inception in 2014. It has over 60 branches around the United Kingdom, and its employees are professionals in outdoor improvement.
The firm works on both home and business properties and utilises some of the industry’s most ecologically friendly techniques. Dern has been with Adapt Build for over two decades as a home improvement consultant and environmental specialist. He’s in charge of developing the company’s sustainability strategy and reducing the company’s building projects’ environmental effects.
We asked Dern about the best eco-friendly building materials and their environmental benefits. Here are some of the key points from our interview.
Composite Decking
Composite decking can be classified as eco-friendly because it is sourced from renewable materials. It is one of the most widely available sustainable decking materials available in the United Kingdom.
Composite decking is a synthetic building material composed of wood fibres, polymers, and a limited amount of bonding chemicals.
“When it comes to strength and structural capabilities, composite wood is recognised to have characteristics that are distinct from typical wood.’ Dern explained.
Composite decking is recognised for lasting longer due to its resistance to humidity-induced shrinking as well as damage from numerous bacteria.
“Manufacturers such as Ultradeck are known to use environmentally acceptable processes to create composite decking boards that are free of toxins and harmful chemicals,” he added.
Rammed Earth
Gravel, mud, and cement are used to create rammed earth building material. Dern said, “It isn’t just elegant, but it’s also fire retardant, a good insulator and noise absorber, doesn’t attract pests, and will last for decades.”
On the flip side, it’s pricey and doesn’t work well in wet surroundings.
According to him, “If you reside in a particularly rainy environment and wish to utilise rammed earth, make sure there are no uncovered parts. It is challenging to find skilled builders to produce, shape and install rammed earth”.
Green roof and walls
Green walls and rooftops are constructed from steel, plants, geotextiles and pebbles. They are organic and have very good heat insulators. They can also be used to smoothen the sharp edges of a building.
“Always remember that they are living materials and will require regular watering and maintenance,” Dern said. “They are affordable to install, but you will need a skilled professional to construct the roofing standards. This eco-friendly solution will provide your home with a distinct and fresh appearance.”
Concrete
Concrete is manufactured with aggregates or gravel and cement. It’s a long-lasting material that has low upkeep, resistance to fire and durable features. It can be utilised in any architectural design. ‘Concrete is a man-made material that is not as environmentally beneficial as many people believe. It requires more time to dry and reach its ideal toughness, and it necessitates the use of sealants,’ said Dern.
‘To increase concrete’s eco quality, use it in combination with other eco-friendly materials to reduce your home’s carbon impact,’ he added.
Mud Brick
Bricks have a classic appearance and are among the most environmentally friendly building materials when utilised properly. “Mud-brick is a clean, affordable, fire-resistant construction material that also offers strong insulation,” according to Dern. ‘It’s simple to use and makes for a wonderful DIY task if you have the patience and willingness.’
Mud brick is a versatile building material that can be used across the country. It comes in a lot of different colours and has a picturesque appearance to it. But it may necessitate the use of sealant to prevent damp penetration.
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