Renewable Resources Are Reducing the Environmental Impact of Construction
The materials we use to build our homes and offices matter. As natural resources become scarcer, construction companies and material suppliers are turning to sustainable alternatives. The idea is to decrease environmental harm, yes — but these same materials also optimize how buildings perform.
Bamboo as a renewable resource
Unlike traditional hardwoods that need 20 to 60 years to mature, bamboo is ready to harvest in just three to five years. And harvesting bamboo is healthier for the planet. Research has shown that bamboo puts out 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees, and that it can capture up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare.
From a performance standpoint, bamboo is strong. The material is tougher than steel when pulled and stands up to both compression and concrete. Combined with recycled plastics in products like composite decking, bamboo produces construction materials that resist moisture and sun damage far better than traditional hardwood.
From plastic waste to lasting value
The World Economic Forum believes that by 2050, our oceans could contain more plastic than fish by weight. Building manufacturers and suppliers hope to mitigate the problem by giving plastic waste a second life in construction materials.
When recycled plastics are used alongside bamboo fibers, they create composites that last for decades, and help keep plastics out of landfills and oceans. For every ton of plastic recycled into building materials, we save roughly 0.73 tons of carbon dioxide, or the same as taking a car off the road for 4,000 kilometers. Some leading companies now recycle over 26,000 tons of plastic each year, and turn what would have been 800 million 2-liter plastic bottles into products like composite decking and cladding.
Why prioritize responsible sourcing?
According to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), almost 40% of the world’s carbon emissions come from the building sector, with materials and construction accounting for 11% of the total. This means that buildings made with responsibly sourced materials can significantly cut their carbon footprint.
Companies looking to reduce their footprint are designing products that create minimal waste during installation. They use materials like bamboo and recycled plastics, or other renewable resources that need no chemical treatments throughout their lifespan. These composites also bring a warm, natural feel to the space, with clean, contemporary lines that require minimal upkeep.
See how Eva-Last is leading the way in green building solutions by exploring our full range of sustainable products.
