What are Green building materials?
I’ll expand on already mentioned items. Things that do not harm the environment or won’t create excess waste would be considered “Green”. Ex., if I were to build a cabin tomorrow, I would use the following:
- Recycled or reclaimed wood as my structure and border. (be sure the wood is in overall good health if it’s going to be load-bearing).
- Solar panels for power. This not only could (potentially) put you off the grid, but it also keeps wires having to be dug and placed to your house.
- A Green/Grass Roof. Originating in Scandinavia, this is the practice of planting small bits of foliage on a slightly inclined or flat roof. This provides great, natural insulation for all seasons. It simply grows and feeds like normal vegetation. Heck, you could even grow a garden on your roof! Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHDhWH2r6Dc
Really, it’s just a practice of using what’s readily available. You’d be surprised what you can build/make due with if you weren’t able to buy conventional materials.
Generally a raw material is extracted, processed into construction materials & productions, used disposed after use.
Instead of this linear flow if it is made into cyclic flow i.e., Materials that we think conventionally waste if it becomes raw materials for other processes and products then that material is called as Green material
How to select a green building material :
1 That will not adversely affect the human health
2 that contributes to operation energy efficiency
3 it is durable with minimal maintenance
4 it is locally manufactured
5 it should have recycled content and that are recyclable