Here are the latest sustainable construction materials

According to the U.N. Environmental Program, the construction industry is not making enough efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. While all sectors are making efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the construction sector is still to get an organized strategy. Today, up to 50% of the world’s climate change is caused by the construction sector. The same industry is responsible for up to 40% of the pollution in water bodies. These figures just go to show, how significant the construction industry is in regards to environmental impact.

Construction effects the environment in diverse ways. Some of the effects are so easy to control and prevent. For instance, most construction projects often require land. Having proper land use planning can prevent issues such as deforestation and human-wildlife conflicts. At the same time, individual choices with a perspective of the future could reduce such issues.

Related: How sustainable is using salt as a building material?

Every person has a role to play in reducing construction-based pollution. The biggest role, however, lies with the developer. Whether you are building a home, a business premise or any other development, consider the idea of sustainability.

Sustainable construction is one which caters to today’s needs while considering the future of the ecosystem and the world at large. Developers can turn their projects into sustainable ones by selecting sustainable materials, avoiding unnecessary waste and considering energy efficiency.

A sustainable building can be described as one that is built with renewable and recyclable resources and one that reduces energy consumption. There are many factors that go into making a building sustainable. The good news is that there is no one rule-fit-all approach to sustainability. All you have to do is ensure that you think about the planet in the process.

Sustainable construction materials

The first step to sustainable construction is getting the right materials. 

If you are planning to start a construction project, there are many sustainable materials to consider. Most of these materials are more affordable than traditional construction ones. Further, they have been tested and are likely more durable. Let us look at the options you have for sustainable construction.

Ferrock bricks from recycled steel dust

Ferrock is a type of brick that is created by combining steel dust with silica obtained from ground glass. The brick is attained upon a reaction with carbon dioxide to create an iron carbonate. This carbonate is helpful to the ecosystem since it binds some atmospheric carbon dioxide. Secondly, it provides an alternative to pollution intense concrete walls. 

The other benefit is that these bricks are cheaper than traditional concrete stones since they are made from waste materials. However, the bricks are not yet available in the market on a large scale. If you are doing a small construction, Ferrock is something you may consider.

HempCrete bricks from hemp fiber

Hempcrete is a new type of building block developed from hemp fiber. This type of building material is rare and only just found its way into the market. However, it is quickly picking up pace due to its benefits. Hempcrete is estimated to have a lifespan of at least 300 years, way longer than traditional concrete. Most modern homes have a lifespan of 50 to 1000 years. This is an indication that hemp-based building blocks are actually better compared to traditional options.

Hempcrete is made from hemp fiber, which is very strong. Hemp grows very fast and can be produced in mass quantities. These blocks are also used without the need for concrete. They use special glue, which is more eco-friendly than cement.

Most importantly, the blocks offer good insulation, which reduces heating and cooling costs. Concrete is known for being a very poor insulator and hence high heating and cooling expenses.

Plant-based polyurethane rigid foam(PRF) for insulation

Rigid foam, a popular insulation option, is made from plastic and other CO2-intensive emission processes. Besides emission, the main components of the foam are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which have diverse side effects. The option of Plant-based Polyurethane foam eliminates the negative effects of traditional foam. Rigid foam has been in use since the 1970s and has been quite instrumental in providing home insulation. However, it is time to advance to a more friendly option of foam.

Plant-based polyurethane rigid foam is made from a combination of hemp, kelp and bamboo. This foam is environmentally friendly since it is made from readily available plants. Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on earth and can be grown almost anywhere. Hemp can also be produced in large quantities. 

The main environmental benefit of plant-based foam is that it protects the house from mold and pests. Secondly, it has a high thermal value than traditional foam. This simply means it is more efficient as an insulator.

Smart glass windows for controlled lighting

Smart glass windows and doors are now becoming very popular. Most people who opt for these windows do not even know how sustainable they can be. Smart glass is made with PDLC liquid crystal film, which can transform your regular glasses into a tinted one or something similar. The smart windows use electricity, but it is worth the effort.

When these windows are used, they block direct UV and IR rays from reaching the house on hot days. This, in effect, controls the heat in your house and reduces heating costs. On cold days, they automatically allow UV rays to warm the house.

Besides temperature control, these glasses are good for personal privacy control. This technology is quickly developing and is an option you may consider for your sustainable construction.

Solar panel roofing

Solar panels are one of the sustainable construction materials that have been around for a long time. However, solar panels are no longer limited to just generating electricity. Today, there are diverse roofing options equipped with solar cells. A good example is solar panel roofing shingles. These are shingles just like the traditional ones except that they are equipped with solar cells. They generate electricity and power your home helping reduce power costs. 

Cross laminated timber (CLT)

CLT is a miracle construction material that is taking way longer than necessary to be embraced. Although some companies are already using it, it has failed short of expectations. CLT is a wood product developed in Europe in the early 1990s. It is made up of structurally graded lumber bound with glue. While the material may look like regular wood on the surface, it is structurally way stronger and more durable.

CLT boasts of strength to weight ratio equal to concrete. What this means is that the weight that concrete wall can sustain is equally sustainable by CLT. However, CLT is five times lighter in weight. Effectively, CLT can provide a faster and cheaper way of construction compared to concrete.

The upside of CLT is that it replaces concrete, a major contributor to carbon pollution. Secondly, it is a good insulator which reduces heating costs. On the downside, it relies on lumber, which could cause problems for our forests if fully embraced. 

These materials give us an idea of what it takes to attain sustainable construction. When we talk about sustainability in construction, it is necessary to have an open-minded approach. All of the above materials touch on various aspects of sustainability. Even so, when you choose a material, make considerations and weigh its pros versus cons. Avoid materials that are likely to cause more harm than good. 

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These are 5 industries being propelled by 3D printing

When 3D printing first took off, it was difficult to imagine how diverse the field would grow. Nowadays, the realm of additive manufacturing is growing daily. In particular, five sectors are advancing rapidly as a result of developments in additive manufacturing. These are healthcare, food, fashion, motorsports and aerospace. Based on estimates, it is believed that soon these industries will incorporate 3D printing as a key component of their operations.

How rapidly is 3D printing growing?

Typically, we think of 3D printing as a very recent advancement in manufacturing. However, it actually has its roots in the 1970s. In the early 1970s, a man named Johannes F. Gottwald filed the first patent for the liquid metal recorder. This process involved producing objects from liquified metal, which solidified layer by layer, just like modern 3D printers.

Related: 3D-printed recycled waste can be turned into insulated walls

Gottwald’s concept was built on by Dr. Hideo Kodama in the 1980s, who suggested using polymers instead of metal, which could be cured using ultraviolet (UV) light. In 1986, Charles Hull and his company, 3D Systems Corporation, released the world’s first commercially-available 3D printer. Since then there have been significant advancements in 3D printing. These are typically to refine the additive manufacturing process to improve speed, efficiency, scale, costs and sustainability.

Based on a study carried out in early 2023 by Hubs, an online manufacturing platform, 3D printing is only set to grow in the coming years. In fact, the study showed that out of 1,035 participants, 71% of respondents indicated that they had increased the use of additive manufacturing in their companies in 2022, compared to 2021. Based on data from this study, the 3D-printing market is projected to grow by 17% to a whopping $19.9 billion in 2023.

Using additive manufacturing to enhance industries

Five industries are being transformed by innovations in 3D printing. Each of these are adopting the tool increasingly and it is likely to be a key component of these industries in the coming years.

Healthcare

Healthcare is an industry where 3D printing is beginning to play a key role. This is already being researched through bioprinting. 3D-bioprinting uses additive manufacturing as a tool to “print” living cells. This is done using bio-inks, which are made of natural or synthetic biomaterials and living cells. These inks are “printed” in layers, just like other 3D-printing systems, to emulate the structures of natural cell tissues.

3D bioprinting can be used across the healthcare field such as in bioengineering and even pharmaceutical development. For example, 3D-printed skin and bone grafts, implants and even organs are being researched for efficacy. Within the realm of pharmaceutical research, 3D-printed tissues can be used to accelerate drug testing. Though these fields are still undergoing much research and development, it is likely that in the next decade, 3D bioprinting will be more prevalent in the healthcare industry.

Food

While 3D-printed food has been around for a while, it has only been used on relatively small scales. Nowadays, with the lowered costs of 3D printers, the technology is being used to create customized foods. This includes producing foods with different textures and flavors, but also controlling nutrient profiles to benefit medical patients and the elderly.

3D-printed meats are also gaining speed. Since the animal agriculture and fishing industries are highly resource-intensive, 3D-printed meats/meat substitutes could be a potential substitute. Through these 3D-printed products, there would be less animal husbandry, which would consequently put less strain on the environment.

Fashion

3D-printed garments and shoes allow for greater design freedom and customization, as well as less material waste. Footwear is one area that 3D-printing has had a growing role in. For example, in 2021 Adidas revealed their 4DFWD running shoes. These feature 3D-printed midsoles to boost runners’ speed and agility.

Besides footwear, designers such as Julia Koerner and Bastian Müller are now exploring the realm of 3D-printed textiles. These have been developed in recent years and are now being featured at large-scale couture events. For example, the 2019 Met Gala featured a 3D-printed dress by Zac Posen in collaboration with Protolabs and GE Additive.

Motorsports

Since 3D printing allows for enhanced customization and design opportunities, teams from NASCAR, Formula 1 and MotoGP are adopting this tool. They are using additive manufacturing to produce prototypes, tools and even components for their cars. In doing so, they can create components that are lightweight and aerodynamic, thus boosting speed and performance in races.

Aerospace

The aerospace industry has been using 3D printing for a long time, across different realms. This includes manufacturing spare parts and even satellites for space exploration. Research and development is also exploring the possibilities of “printing” lunar and/or Martian habitats.

Currently, 3D printing is being used to speed up rocket production. One such example is the space launch startup Relativity. They have produced their first 3D-printed rocket called Terran 1, which is set to launch in late 2023.

What does the increase in 3D printing mean for sustainability?

As mentioned earlier, modern advancements in the realm of 3D printing are to enhance efficiency and scale, as well as to lower costs and boost sustainability. But how can 3D printing be good for the environment? There are several reasons.

Firstly, 3D printing allows for optimization. This means that items can be designed and manufactured to suit the specific needs of the final product. For example, in the aerospace industry, components are 3D-printed so that they are lightweight, which consequently results in less fuel consumption. By reducing an aircraft’s weight by just 20% leads to 10% improved fuel efficiency. Overall, this has immense benefits for the environment, especially since jet fuels come from fossil fuels that emit harmful greenhouse gases.

Another key reason why 3D printing can be sustainable is because of the nature of additive manufacturing. These processes are typically very efficient and tend to produce less waste than subtractive manufacturing technologies, such as CNC routing.

Additionally, depending on the material(s) used, products can be broken down at the end of their lifetimes. This material can be salvaged and re-manufactured into 3D-printer filaments, which contributes to a circular economy and prevents 3D-printed materials from ending up in landfills.

3D printing also allows for local production to take place on smaller scales. This prevents the reliance on larger production entities, which often require complex logistics and transportation. Through 3D printing, people can create what they need (especially at low volumes) in shorter time frames and without incurring extra costs.

Overall, through advancements in the realm of additive manufacturing, we can push the boundaries of design and production without putting excess strain on the environment.

via Hubs, UPM Biomedicals,

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In Finland, people get prizes for their unwanted textiles

In the quest for a more sustainable future, the Finnish city of Lahti has taken a remarkable step with an innovative pilot program called the Textile Deposit scheme. This incentivized recycling program aims to encourage locals to actively sort and recycle their textile waste instead of sending it to the landfill. 

Inspired by Finland’s successful deposit system for beverage containers, the Textile Deposit has been making waves with its impressive results and potential for wider implementation. It works by offering citizens a small reward for their efforts. In this case, the prizes are coffee vouchers and passes to the local pool. It’s enough motivation to get the job done. During the initial pilot program, textile returns catapulted to levels 500% higher than without the incentives.

Related: Bottle recycling in Oregon hits 90 percent record high 

The birth of the textile deposit pilot program

As a leading environmental city and the European Green Capital of 2021, Lahti is committed to becoming a zero-waste city by 2050. With these long-term goals in mind, administrators launched the Textile Deposit scheme as an experimental project to explore whether small incentives could significantly boost the recycling rate of textile waste. 

“As a pioneer in urban environmentalism, Lahti has set a goal of being a waste free city by 2050. The textile deposit is a great example of an everyday innovation that directly aims to minimize the amount of waste and showcases the potential of discarded textiles as a raw material for industries and design,” said Veera Hämäläinen, the communications director for the City of Lahti.

Textile waste is a massive worldwide problem, as evidenced by the mounds of clothing left behind as a result of fast fashion and other consumption. But this doesn’t have to be the case because clothing and household linens can be converted into recycled fibers for countless applications. 

As a whole, the country of Finland has launched into a commitment to remedy this environmental issue. At the beginning of the year, it implemented legislation that required cities and municipalities to make separate collection bins for textile waste publicly available. The pilot program in Lahti was an extension of that policy aimed at encouraging high use rather than simply providing a drop point. 

The rollout of the textile deposit system

The city of Lahti collaborated with Salpakierto, a municipal company responsible for waste management in the region, to set up six collection points for textile waste.

In the past, a moderate number of people used the receptacles for textile collection, with each location regularly gathering around 70 kg of donated fabrics each week. Since the introduction of the Textile Deposit scheme, those same locations have begun collecting 350 kg of materials — a staggering 500% increase.

Hämäläinen expressed excitement about the results saying, “The Textile Deposit has been a runaway success. The results we’ve seen are a positive signal for systemic incentives for recycling. A nationwide deposit-based recycling system for textiles could give a significant boost to the recycling rate. In Finland, we’ve seen it with bottles and beverage cans, their recycling rate is well above 90% – could these kinds of incentives be applied across the board?”

Organizers hope so. The plan is to roll out separate collection receptacles for textile waste beyond Finland and across the EU by 2025. Mirroring the pilot incentive program success in Lahti could substantially increase the success of recycling efforts when they become widely available. 

“Our future depends on a circular economy, but it can’t just be the consumers’ responsibility to take care of recycling. With this pilot we want to ask what countries, cities and companies can do to help make recycling easier and more attractive to people. Deposits have worked well before, maybe there could be one for textiles in the future,” said Kimmo Rinne, development manager at Salpakierto.

Future industry opportunities

As Finland moves towards a circular economy for textiles, it also adds a new industry stream to the market. The Textile Deposit program coordinators reference research on the potential for future opportunities in the industry saying, “According to a report by McKinsey & Company, fiber-to-fiber recycling at scale could be achieved by 2030, creating a new and sustainable circular industry in Europe.”

A sustainable recycling model

Like Finland, many other locations have initiated bottle deposits to encourage similar behavior. In the United States, bottle returns began in Oregon in 1971 and have spread to only 10 states since that time. The idea is simple: charge the customer a small amount when they buy an item in a recyclable container, then refund that money when they return the container. It’s a highly effective practice that offers an incentive without additional costs so it stands to reason we could scale the idea not only to textiles, but to all types of recyclable items. 

The positive reinforcement creates a shift in consumer behavior that we desperately need while we battle pollution and waste around the globe. 

The bigger picture in Lahti

As the Textile Deposit scheme continues to inspire positive change in Lahti, the city is also launching a national design competition to find innovative uses for discarded textiles. This competition, organized in collaboration with the Sustainable Lahti Foundation, LAB University of Applied Sciences and Salpakierto, aims to foster creativity and entrepreneurship in the circular economy and offer a future for the textile recycling industry.

+ Salpakierto Ltd 

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