The best place to start when trying to appreciate what sustainable materials are-is to first appreciate what the expression "sustainable" refers to. Sustainability means consuming quantities and categories of resources in such a way that will make sure that the resource will be there for generations to come. An alternate way to think about this is as resources that renew themselves. This concept can be better understood through illustrations. Building with wood is an excellent example of sustainability. Through a concentrated effort, a forest can be re-grown. Then wood can once again be used as a building material. A counter example would be the use of steel for a building. Although steel cannot be replenished, it can at least be recycled.
Better resources to use when renewable ones are not available or won't fit the job are recycled materials. This includes the majority of metals. Consider using metals in other applications, such as for a wall, floor, or countertop. You can also obtain recycled stone to employ in your home as well.
Part of achieving sustainability is to watch your energy consumption. When you are considering which materials to buy for your building project, consider the amount of energy it may take to transport such a material. If you truly want something like granite countertops, try purchasing granite from a company that is located nearby, rather than from another country. Think about all of the unnecessary energy that goes into transporting a piece of granite from Malaysia. A local manufacturer will use much less energy to get the material delivered.
Making sure that an environmentally friendly property is on target takes more than just using sustainable materials. Employing the ideology of sustainability is only one part of the process. The rest of it includes using the right materials with the right architecture and correct construction techniques to make an entire system. Manage your water consumption, the energy efficiency of the property, and integrate your building site with the rest of the surrounding property. Remember, that your goal is to construct a home that takes as little as possible from nature.
Keep in mind that you shouldn't expect to make your home sustainable all at one time. It's just a matter of considering different materials than you might have thought of before. When you need new countertops, think about using cork as an alternative for granite. Instead of tile for your floors, think about bamboo. Instead of paint, think about covering your walls with natural fibers, which will in fact improve your air quality. In a matter of time you will have created an eco-friendly and sustainable home to call your own.
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April 9th, 2010 | 
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