Eco-Friendly Construction Materials: Everything You Need To Know

Sustainability and being more environmentally conscious are significant focus areas for many trade businesses in 2024. If you're in the construction industry and you’re looking for eco-friendly construction materials, this is everything you need to know.

From recycled plastics and wood to bamboo and everything in between, these are the eco-friendly construction materials you should become familiar with if you want to switch to more sustainable practices. 

Sustainability Isn’t Just A Trend

When it comes to sustainability and the drive for companies to use eco-friendly construction materials, it’s easy to assume it is simply a fleeting trend, but that’s not the case.

There’s been a big emphasis on sustainability, and using greener materials for your business can give you a leg up on your competitors. If you’ve been wanting to get into the eco-friendly space but are unsure exactly where to start, we can help. If the cost of more environmentally-friendly materials is holding you back, our Powered Now Job Management Software could help you keep a closer eye on your finances when you make the switch. You can plan projects and track your expenses in one place so you always know exactly how much you’re spending and can budget accordingly.

This is our guide to the types of eco-friendly building materials on the market and the benefits of switching to a more sustainable business model.  

Types Of Eco-Friendly Materials For Building

Several environmentally friendly materials are available that trades may want to familiarise themselves with. These are some of the most common ecologically friendly materials used in everyday construction work.

Wood

It might seem like a no-brainer, but wood is one of the most sustainable materials in the building industry. Building with wood refers primarily to using timber during construction. This could be for frames, beams, floors, and everything in between. One of the positives of using wood primarily during construction is that it is a renewable resource that can be sustainably harvested and managed.

Bamboo

Bamboo has made a name for itself in eco-friendly construction due to its fast-growing properties. It can grow up to 3.8 centimetres in a single day, and with an incredibly high strength-to-weight ratio, bamboo is one of the most sustainable construction materials there is.

Plastics

Plastics, specifically recycled plastics, are an eco-friendly building material that is frequently used in the construction industry. Since single-use plastics are one of the largest threats to the environment, using recycled plastics in construction is a huge opportunity for sustainability. Recycled plastics can be used to create a wealth of materials, including plastic sheets, concrete, pipes, roofs, flooring materials, and PVC.

Recycled Steel

It may come as a surprise, but steel is one of the most recycled building materials because it’s so durable. Used steel can be just as good as new steel. Whilst the initial production of steel can be quite harmful to the environment, using recycled steel is a great way to be more eco-conscious. Steel is also water and pest-resistant, so it’s a long-lasting material that doesn’t need any regular maintenance.

The Benefits Of Investing In Eco-Friendly Materials For Building

When it comes to sustainability in trade businesses, it’s so much more than just a buzzword. Running your business with sustainability in mind can pay off in a big way.

Using greener materials wherever possible can help reduce your company's carbon footprint and attract new customers who prioritise sustainability. Although using environmentally friendly materials may seem more costly initially, they can actually save you money in the long run by encouraging you to reduce waste and recycle your building materials wherever possible.

To summarise, there are several different eco-friendly construction materials on the market, and switching to greener alternatives may help improve the reputation of your trade business.

Switch to more eco-friendly building materials and ensure your trade business is always ahead of the competition.