Did you know that concrete is one of the most consumed substances globally and the most widely used construction material? From towering buildings to our humble homes, concrete remains as the core foundation of every infrastructure.
More than 70% of the world’s population takes refuge in a concrete structure. Its strength and durability are unquestionable. However, it has disadvantages. Cement, one of the significant components of concrete, is deemed as the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world. Therefore, its possible adverse effects have prompted many people to shift to environment-friendly materials.
This begs the question: Is it truly possible to adapt construction strategies and processes that are ecologically beneficial? If you want to know more about this, make sure to scroll further.

The good news

The answer to the previous question is definitely yes. With the rise of technological advancement in today’s modern lifestyle comes the industry’s efforts to change how construction processes are implemented.
According to the World Green Building Trends 2018 data from Dodge Data and Analytics, green building is a top, global trend, and energy conservation effort in the construction industry. The shift to environment-friendly construction efforts took place because of consumer demands, environmental policies, and healthier buildings. What’s even more impressive is that green building is expected to be in full blast in the succeeding years.
This information only goes to show how much people are willing to shift green. Here are some of the most revolutionary construction materials that help promote the wellbeing of our environment:

1. Green concrete

This type of eco-friendly concrete is developed using recyclable materials from various industries, thus requiring less energy for production. Green concrete produces cheaper, more durable, and emits less carbon dioxide when compared to traditional concrete.

1. Ashcrete

Developed using recycled fly ash, Ashcrete is an environment-friendly alternative to traditional concrete. The used fly ash is a mixture of water and lime, making this material more durable. The use of fly ash is known to benefit the planet since it produces less greenhouse gas emissions.

1. Bamboo

This gift from our nature is probably the most sustainable alternative to traditional wood. As a member of the grass family, bamboo grows exponentially as compared to trees—it is one of the fast-growing plants on the entire planet. The continuous utilization of bamboo in the construction industry has helped forests to regenerate their lush bamboo life.

1. Straw Bales

Developed using agricultural waste, straw bales are used as an alternative to still sequester carbon and lumber. However, when using straw bales, keep in mind that the walls will appear thicker than the typical stick frame home. Contrary to popular belief, straw bales are fire-resistant and can match almost any aesthetic you want for your home.

1. Micro silica

Commonly referred to as “silica fumes,” the micro silica is a fine powder that is a by-product of silicon production and ferrosilicon alloy coming from the condensation of silicon dioxide. This material helps add to the durability of concrete, bolstering its compressive strength and making it less porous.
BIO: Kenneth Reaves is an angler and outdoor guru who is passionate about protecting the environment. He shares his knowledge and passion over at www.perfectcaptain.com.
Resources:
https://www.specifyconcrete.org/blog/eco-friendly-alternatives-to-traditional-concrete
https://elemental.green/10-eco-building-materials-revolutionizing-home-construction/
https://nationwideconstruction.com/eco-friendly-construction-8-advantages-of-green-building/