Regarding sustainability, we shouldn't be just considering our carbon footprints and expelled wastes. Our artificial structures must be included, too. Buildings consume 20–50 percent of the physical resources, as it is a great consumers of natural resources like wood, minerals, water, and energy. In addition, buildings continue to be a direct cause of pollution once built because of their emissions or land impact.
On the other hand, sustainable architecture considers the use of resources (energy, natural resources), their environmental impact, and the specific risks to people´s safety. Here are a few considerations when reconstructing or home staging.
Recycled Plastic
Reusing and recycling materials is an important part of sustainability. Construction professionals can promote these green principles by using salvaged materials. This reduces the required new materials and helps keep resources out of landfills. Additionally, using recycled materials in construction can sometimes be less expensive and provide a more attractive and functional result.
Using waste plastic, researchers are creating a more environmentally friendly concrete form. By repurposing plastic waste, they can reduce the emissions caused by sourcing and milling new materials. This makes construction more sustainable and provides an alternate purpose for the plastic that would otherwise take up landfill space.
Mass Timber
Mass timber products are constructed from layers of softwood joined together using mechanical fastening methods. These prefabricated wood parts can be found in various forms, such as CLT, LSL, LVL, NLT, and GLT. The components are designed to provide superior strength and stability for various structures.
Mass timber is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials like steel and concrete. It can help reduce the carbon emissions associated with construction and be built faster and with less waste, making it a more sustainable option.
Precast Concrete
Precast concrete is manufactured in a factory and delivered to the construction site. Unlike traditional mixed, cast, and set on-site concrete, precast concrete is cured in a controlled environment. This approach is more sustainable as it reduces the need for energy and materials and allows the reuse of moulds and forms to reduce waste. Well-known structures such as the Sydney Opera House have shells made of precast concrete, making them strong and long-lasting.
3D Printed Concrete
3D printing can revolutionise construction and make it more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective. It is being used to construct the world's longest 3D printed bridge in the Netherlands, with Royal BAM Group and materials company Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix leading the construction. It is expected to save time, money, and energy while producing less waste due to its reusable formwork, even for home staging.
Eco-Friendly Insulation
Insulation helps to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling, making it an eco-friendly option. However, not all insulation is created equal; some materials used for insulation may not be sustainably sourced or contain toxic chemicals, which can offset any energy-saving benefits.
An environmentally friendly option is gaining traction, which is hemp insulation. The same insulation value as regular fibreglass and cellulose is kept using an all-natural hemp material. Furthermore, it can be compressed to provide superior insulation for those willing to spend more.
To Close
Environmental preservation means more than adjusting our daily activities and looking for the materials we use to construct our dwellings. As we've seen today, using any of these alternatives will go long towards sustaining our planet for future generations.
Build a Better Future with ITSK Studio
Our company offers a comprehensive service for finding, purchasing, and remodelling a property for a Golden Visa. We will handle everything from searching for a suitable property, taking care of the legal aspects, and ensuring the interior is designed and rebuilt to your specifications, sustainable materials included. Book your free consultation at (351) 965-306-193, so we can start your home renovations in Lisbon!