Being kind to the earth involves more than buying an electric car. Heating and cooling our homes and commercial buildings now creates more carbon emissions each year than the transportation sector. Using sustainable building materials can reduce the amount of energy we consume to to keep those building comfortable and save money in lower utility…
Tag Archives: sustainable materials
29
Aug
Aug
This post is part of the Green Materials Report series. GBE is providing information on various building materials and what makes them green. Each post focuses on one material. We will be looking at the ingredients in the material, how it is used, what makes it green, and any green product certifications that it has earned. We…
24
Jun
Jun
The lifespan sees practical application of Mycoform blocks used for housing in third-world countries. Planetary ONE has sought out grants to send its building materials and development plan to emerging economies to encourage startup manufacturing of the Mycoform bricks. Initially potential manufacturers spend $150 on a hydraulic press and $50 for the steel mold used to shape the aluminum. Manufacturers also need to build a greenhouse for growing the spores.
30
Apr
Apr
North Face of House in Straw Bales – Strawbale House Build in Redmond Western Australia
A good line of green composite building products can be found through Elma, WA-based NewWood Manufacturing. The company’s innovative composite panels provide a glowing example of putting waste and scrap to good use. Panels are made using 50 percent recycled plastic and 50 percent recycled wood.
28
Jun
Jun
Bamboo has gotten a lot of accolades in the green building and construction. They are renewable, has natural antibiotic properties, and are biodegradable. The biggest perk is that renewable factor; it only takes three years for bamboo to reach their maturity whereas a tree can take up to 150 years. Another reason to celebrate Bamboo…
The newest structural element has been used in Asia for years. Now it is tested and certified for use in the western world. It can be grown and harvested in three years, and is actually good for the environment. But, will it catch on?