Materials
Buildings consume 32 percent of the world’s resources, including 12 percent of its fresh water and 40 percent of the world’s energy.
Home builders and renovators are increasingly being encouraged to use green building materials. But what makes a given product "green"? How do you evaluate the relative greenness of different products? How do you find green products?
For building materials to be considered green or sustainable, you must consider:
- Where the material comes from
- How it has been made
- How it will be used
- How it can be disposed of when the structure is no longer needed.
In many cases you have to rely upon the manufacturer's claims and published statements, but independent assessment systems, such as the energy star rating, R-rating for insulation, star water rating and product-specific ratings such as lifecycle analysis can be used to help your decision.
Getting the most out of building products
Key to "greener" renovation or building projects are:
- Selecting sustainable construction materials and products by evaluating characteristics such as reused and recycled content, zero or low off-gassing of harmful air emissions, zero or low toxicity, sustainably harvested materials, high recyclability, durability, longevity, and local production. Such products promote resource conservation and efficiency.
- Planning to use the least amount of materials to do the job, and to use materials that reduce energy costs both during construction and in service.
- Reusing and recycling construction and demolition materials. For example, using demolition materials as a base for foundations keeps materials out of landfills and reduces costs.
Choosing the right materials can help reduce environmental impacts and create healthy, practical and affordable living environments.
Suppliers or services mentioned are not necessarily endorsed by the DERM.