Green Materials

The choice of building materials is important for sustainable homebuilding because of the extensive network of extraction, processing and transportation they require. Activities to produce building materials may pollute the air and water, destroy natural habitats and deplete natural resources. Construction and demolition wastes constitute about 40% of the total solid waste stream in the United States.

Good design decisions, particularly in the framing of homes, can significantly reduce demand for framing materials, as well as the associated waste and embedded energy. Without even changing the home design, a project can save framing materials and reduce site waste by planning appropriately and communicating the design to the framing team through detailed framing documents and/or scopes of work.

Green Material Ideas & Suggestions:

• Sources should be evaluated when materials are selected for a project.
• Reclaimed materials can be substituted for new materials, saving costs and reducing resource use.
• Recycled-content materials reuse waste products that would otherwise be deposited in landfills.
• Use of local materials supports the local economy and reduces the harmful impacts of long-distance transport.
• Use of third-party-certified wood promotes good stewardship of forests and related ecosystems.
• Use of low-emitting materials will improve the indoor air quality in the home.