How to Use Sustainable Building Materials

Using sustainable building materials is an important step in creating an energy-efficient, eco-friendly building. It will lower your energy costs and save raw materials. Sustainable building materials are renewable, used, refurbished, recycled, or recyclable.

Some sustainable building materials incorporate energy efficiency into their structure and design. Here are some of the types of sustainable building materials you can use, and how you can make use of these materials on your next building project.

Where to Find Sustainable Building Materials?

Here are some ideas for where to find sustainable building materials for your next home remodel.

1.       Recycled Building Materials: Look for building materials with more than half of their content recycled.

2.       Materials That Are Reusable: Building materials that can be reused or recycled after they have served their purpose are more sustainable.

3.       Materials that Are Made to Last: Products and materials that last a long time are more sustainable, since they do not have to be replaced as often.

4.       Antique, Second-Hand, or Refurbished: Used materials are a great way to enhance the sustainability of your building project. It reduces waste, and finds a home – sometimes quite literally – for building materials that would otherwise be thrown away.

5.       Raw Materials That are Locally-Sourced: Buying materials from local manufacturers saves fuel and supports your community.

What Kinds of Building Materials Are Sustainable?

1.       Lumber: Used lumber is much less wasteful than the raw version. If you do go for raw lumber, look for sustainable woods like mango or bamboo.

2.       Insulation: Insulation is important if you want to save energy. Sustainable options are available. Materials like denim, wool, cellulose, and even straw make energy-efficient choices.

3.       Roofing: For sustainable roofing materials, look for something that will last a long time, such as metal roofing. Even better, use metal roofing made from recycled metal. Other options are recycled rubber (which can be molded into various shapes, including traditional shingles), cedar shingles, or lightweight concrete.

4.       Windows and Doors: These can often be found used. Just make sure they are energy-efficient and properly sealed with weather stripping. If you are using new windows, double or triple-pane glass is a more eco-friendly option than single-pane.

5.       Poured or Rammed Earth: This ancient building material – soil – is very sustainable. So are pressed earth blocks made from soil. These are building material options that take the place of the traditional lumber frame, drywall and siding.

Glass Cube House – Canadian Lakehouse

Inside and out, this contemporary glass cube house by Canadian architects GH3 is not your typical lake house. Set on Stoney Lake, Ontario, this cube structure boasts a glass-enclosed upper area featuring a stunning two-storey living room and open concept interiors (kitchen, dining room and an upper bedroom loft). All featuring glass walls, this is the perfect place to take in these breathtaking views and a sure favorite of the photographer who calls this place "home" and "studio." While many urban homes feature attached garages, this lakefront locale fittingly calls for a built-in boathouse! Below the glassed-in upper level, the lower level offers instant access to the lake.

Saint-Gobain India and the Habitat Strategy

“Habitat” means buildings, spaces or environments where people live, work or spend their time.
The Saint-Gobain Group offers Habitat Solutions to deliver spaces which are Energy Efficient, Comfortable and Environmentally friendly. With this objective in focus, Saint-Gobain Glass, Saint-Gobain Gyproc and Saint-Gobain Weber are the three companies under Saint-Gobain India which have commenced activities within the India Habitat group. The companies under the India Habitat group offer Green Building solutions (also known as green construction or sustainable building) by promoting the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction. This approach ensures health and comfort of the building occupants through the use of sustainable building materials. All products under this initiative adhere to improving efficiency for energy and natural resources, offer high insulating properties, low embodied energy, reduce environmental impact, improve the indoor environmental quality and are a means of water efficiency construction. They are also part of the Sustainable Development initiative. …And together they offer “Sustainable solutions for every Habitat”

Checklist – Environmentally Sustainable Building Design Requirements

1. Energy

Goal: To ensure that the building is designed to minimise the consumption of energy. 

Solar Design

The building design should:

1.1 Maximise heat gain from the sun in winter and minimise heat gain from the sun in summer.

1.2 Use materials with high thermal mass such as concrete floors, masonry walls, stone, ceramic surfaces etc to assist with the overall thermal efficiency of the building.

1.3 Consider outdoor patios and decks with wind protection, winter solar access and summer shade.

1.4 Provide ventilation to the roof space. 

Insulation

1.5 Provide roof and ceiling insulation with a minimum “R” rating of 2.5.

1.6 Provide wall insulation with a minimum “R” rating of 1.5.

1.7 Provide door and window seals to minimise high wind entry.

1.8 Consider floor insulation for suspended floors and on-ground slabs.

1.9 Consider specialised glazing and window treatments to control heat loss and heat gain (eg double glazing, louvres etc). 

Hot Water

1.10 Provide hot water systems having a minimum 4-Star rating and incorporating solar heating where practical.

1.11 Locate hot water storage systems as close as possible to “wet areas” (ie bathrooms, kitchens, laundries).

1.12 Cluster wet areas to minimise pipe runs.

1.13 Insulate hot water tanks and pipes 

Lighting

1.14 Ensure maximum natural light access without creating major heat gain or heat loss pathways.

1.15 Consider skylights in appropriate areas.

1.16 Design lighting fixtures to suit the purpose of specific areas (eg bright lighting may be required in kitchens or work stations, while task or effect lighting may be appropriate for leisure areas).

1.17 Provide separate switches for special purpose lights.

1.18 Incorporate energy efficient lamps and fittings (eg fluorescent lighting).

1.19 Locate switches at exits to rooms/lobbies etc to encourage switching off.

1.20 Incorporate dimmers, motion detectors and automatic turnoff switches where appropriate. 

Ventilation Systems

1.21 Consider the use of natural ventilation systems through:

a.       location of external openings for intake and exhaust;

b.      use of windows which are lockable in a partly open position;

c.       minimisation of internal obtrusions;

d.      use of convection air flows;

e.      use of external vegetation to cool incoming air. 

1.22 Where air conditioning is proposed, consider reverse cycle air conditioning.

1.23 Ensure design incorporates zoning (or the ability to close off certain areas), so that only those areas which need to be, are heated or cooled.

1.24 Ensure ducting is insulated to at least R1.5 and that any refrigerant lines are insulated with at least 20 mm of foam insulation.

1.25 Ensure there is no likelihood of airborne odour or pollutants being transmitted between specific work or recreation areas.

2. Water

Goal: To ensure that the development maximises water conservation.

2.1 Provide a rain water tank to harvest roof runoff for re-use. The tank must be fitted with a first flush diversion and overflow connected to the stormwater system. Consider using tank water for irrigation, toilet flushing and washing. Incorporate a mains top up facility where appropriate.

2.2 Provide AAA-rated water efficient taps and shower fittings.

2.3 Specify a AAA-rating for any washing machines or dishwashers.

2.4 Provide dual-flush toilets to all WC's.

2.5 Consider the reuse of sewage or grey water in accordance with Council guidelines. 

3. Landscaping

Goal: Landscaping should enhance the operation and use of the building, while promoting biodiversity and providing habitat for native species.

3.1 Plant species should:

a.       be tolerant of local climate, natural water availability and soil type.

b.      not create unwanted shadows as they mature, particularly in respect to windows and any solar panels.

c.       not require pesticide or fertiliser application.

d.      provide food and habitat for native wildlife.

e.      include groundcovers and mulching to conserve soil moisture.

f.        be species which do not adversely effect the structure of the building.

3.2 Plant species with similar water requirements should be grouped together (hydrozoning).

3.3 Where possible topsoil removed during construction should be reused on-site.

3.4 Design landscaping to screen against cold winter winds, channel summer breezes and provide summer shading.

3.5 Minimise impervious surfaces by selecting porous paving materials and minimising the extent of paved areas.

3.6 Impervious areas should be graded towards pervious areas &/or separated with turf, gravel or vegetation to increase infiltration. 

4. Construction Materials

Goal: To ensure the development promotes the sustainable and efficient use of resources.

4.1 Consider the use of salvaged materials from demolition sites where this does not compromise the appearance of the building.

4.2 Building materials should be low-maintenance. Where possible, select building materials that will require little maintenance (painting, retreatment, waterproofing etc), or whose maintenance will have minimal environmental effects.

4.3 Design and select materials for ease of deconstruction, reuse and recycling, either upon major refit or demolition.

4.4 All timber used during construction and fit out should be from plantation or sustainably managed re-growth forests.

4.5 Select materials and finishes with a low environmental impact during manufacture, application and use.

4.6 Non chemical based termite treatments must be incorporated in the building design.

5. Finishing Materials

Goal: To minimise the health and environmental impacts associated with the use of finishing materials.

5.1 Ensure VOC levels, heavy metal content and the presence of carcinogenic and other toxic substances are considered during the procurement of paint products.

   5.2 Ensure correct storage, clean-up and disposal procedures are undertaken to minimse environmental impacts.

6. Waste

Goal: To ensure that the development's design, construction and operation maximise the use of recycled materials and minimise waste generation.

6.1 Ensure that the development complies with the provisions of Council's Waste Minimisation and Management Development Control Plan.

6.2 Provide composting and mulching facilities to enable the reuse of all green garden waste on site. 

7. Noise

Goal: To ensure that the acoustic design of the building is appropriate for all intended uses.

7.1 All proposed uses of the building (and their acoustic impact) should be considered during the design phase.

7.2 Where appropriate, acoustic enclosures may be required around any external equipment.

7.3 If the building may be used for noisy activities increased attenuation of openings, ceilings, walls and other architectural components must be included in the building design.

Nine Tips for Developing a Sustainable Building

Most of us seem to know that we should be doing what we can to be environmentally friendly and reduce our environmental footprint. We hear much about environmental damage and increasingly, ‘green’ buildings and practices are showcased as examples to aspire to. Ranging from use of water to flooring and heating and cooling systems to future proofing, there are ten good tips for developing, building and using a sustainable building.

Tip #1: Conserve Water

Appliances and fittings that are water efficient (and rated with 3 or more stars) should be used and this includes showerheads if showers are a feature of your building. It is worthwhile and important to install devices to limit water pressure and use rainwater tanks to supply water for gardening, toilets and laundry facilities.

Tip #2: Use Natural Heating and Cooling Processes

Natural approaches to heating and cooling (known as passive solar design) allow a building to respond to its local climate by way of natural heating during the winter months and natural cooling when summer heat is experienced. This sounds good, but what are some of the ways that natural heating and cooling take effect?

Consideration of orientation and room zoning is required, so that breezes and cross ventilation can be maximised. Having adequate and suitable insulation is important as is shading (such as eaves), appropriate building materials (that are lightweight and have a sufficient thermal mass) and fixtures and finishes (these may include, skylights, blinds and curtains).

When passive solar design is integrated, dependence on heaters and air conditioning can be significantly reduced. Added benefits include increased use of natural light, improvements in air quality and circulating breezes offering fresh air.

Tip #3: Ensure Efficient Water Heating is Used

Although it may seem that your business uses only limited amounts of hot water, it is wise to install an energy and greenhouse efficient hot water system, (such a system could be powered by solar energy or natural gas). Energy and greenhouse efficient water heating can drastically reduce energy bills and limit greenhouse emissions.

Tip #4: Consider and Build for the Future

While you will not have a crystal ball, think of the future as far as possible. What will your needs be years down the track? How do you expect your business to have grown, evolved and changed? Some foresight into what your needs down the track may be is important and worthwhile. Similarly, if you think that your business may well move on from the premises, try to envisage what the needs of future tenants may be.

Tip #5: Think about Flooring

Sustainable interior design is just as important as the structure and facilities of the building and flooring is one of your building’s most important features.

As far as possible, it is advisable to have step-free floors and floor surfaces that are safe and slip resistant.

You also want to have flooring that is durable, robust and visually appealing. Carpet tiles present a great option as they are cost effective, hard wearing and available in a range of attractive designs and colours. Carpet tiles can be easily replaced and arranged to form unique designs and patterns Note – check the company’s product LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) to ensure the carpet tile has been manufactured using the most sustainable practices.

Tip #6: View from the Street

Few things are more frustrating than trying to locate the number of a building when numbers are disguised or just not present! Display a clear, easy to read number and invest in good external lighting. For safety, it is also a good idea to have a drive way that is separate from the entrance used by pedestrians.

Tip #7: Reduce Maintenance Costs in the Long Term

The use of low maintenance, environmentally sustainable materials is a great way to reduce costs incurred for repairs and ongoing maintenance.

Tip #8: Enhance the Quality of Indoor Air

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are quite often found in paints, varnishes and adhesives. Products that contain VOCs should be avoided as they can cause allergies and irritation and have negative health impacts.

Tip #9: Provide Outdoor Areas

Sustainable buildings often have permanently covered outdoor areas and the best of these are well positioned to indoor areas.

Environmental responsibility and positive impact certainly extends to sustainable buildings. Components of sustainable buildings include: quality carpet and flooring, heating and cooling systems, use of water and external spaces. Genuinely sustainable buildings need to be carefully planned and designed in order to yield real environmental benefits while still being fit for purpose.

SAVING ENERGY Flat glass, invisible yet essential

Flat glass is a fundamental part of insulation. As the world leader in coated glass, Saint-Gobain is continuously improving its products’ performance. The insulation qualities of double or triple glazing are comparable to those of protective walls. And because glass is transparent, it helps heat the house by letting in the sun. Solar control glass also helps to reduce energy consumption in air-conditioned buildings.


Double glazing made with advanced insulation SGG PLANITHERM ONE from Saint-Gobain Glass is three times more effective than standard double glazing and six times more effective than single glazing. Thanks to its low-emittance (Low-E) coating, SGG PLANITHERM ONE double glazing reflects 99% of interior heat back into the room. At the same time, it lets in 71% of visible light and 49% of solar heat, for the best energy
efficiency performance in Europe. A study by the Glass for Europe association underlines that replacing every window in the 27-member European Union with advanced, low-E double glazing would cut CO2 emissions by up to 90 million metric tons annually–equivalent to one third of the European Union’s greenhouse gas emissions target for buildings.

Bioclean: SGG Bioclean® self-cleaning glass from Saint-Gobain makes window washing easier and reduces water use. Depending on the type of house and number of windows, the water savings for a home equipped with SGG Bioclean® can range from 4,500 to 16,000 liters over an average 60-year lifetime. This corresponds to 30 to 100 days of drinking water for an average European.


THE WINDOWSOF THE FUTURE: As the world leader in coated glass, Saint-Gobain is continuously working on more energy efficient products to deliver even better performance. To give an example, the triple glazing developed by our teams insulates seven times more efficiently than conventional double glazing and lets in the same amount of heat from the sun as advanced Low-E double glazing. At the same time, it lets in 74% of visible light for maximum clarity–almost the same amount as double glazing. Saint-Gobain has also developed electrochromic glass that actively adapts to seasonal changes. By limiting the sun’s impact in the summer and maximizing it in the winter, this glass helps cut down on air conditioning and heating needs while delivering enhanced visual comfort and preserving the building’s architectural style.

SG Glass India wins for its Environmental Project

Saint-Gobain Glass India (SGGI) was recognized as the company with the “Most Innovative Environmental Project’’by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in a competition held at Hyderabad on 28th & 29th January2011.

Over its decade long operations, SGGI has constantly strived to implement various environment friendly projects. It has been keen to change the way glass is packed, stored and transported. Adopting a system where despatches are made without a wooden crate packing and several other initiatives to reduce the quantity of wood, has helped the company save over 373,000 CFT of wood equivalent to 25000 trees in 2010.

This initiative of SGGI was among 400 nominations received from over 300 renowned companies