Characteristics of Sustainable Building Materials

A commitment to sustainable building involves a wide variety of strategies spanning all phases of a building’s life from conception to final use. One important strategy is the incorporation of sustainable building materials into the design of a building.  So what exactly are we talking about when we call a building material sustainable?  Based on the famous Brundtland Commission’s definition of sustainability there is a simple question you can use to ask yourself:  Does it meet my needs without compromising the ability of my children or my children’s children to meet those same needs in the future?  

More specifically sustainable building materials are:

•           Affordable

•           Non-Toxic

•           Recycled and Recyclable

•           Renewable

•           Locally Sourced

•           Standard Sizes

•           Durable

•           Responsibly Manufactured

•           Resource Efficient 

Naturally not all of the above characteristics apply to all sustainable building materials.  For this reason, your specific goals should be taken into consideration when evaluating which products to use.  Regardless of your objectives, the following attributes should be considered when evaluating whether or not a product meets the characteristics of sustainable building materials outlined above. 

Sustainable Building Materials Can Be Affordable?

You’re probably surprised to see affordability listed as a characteristic of sustainable building materials.  One of the biggest criticisms of sustainable building is that it is more expensive than traditional building.  This does not have to be the case.  In fact, in order for sustainable building to be a sustainable practice in a free market economy, it simply must be affordable. 

To analyze the affordability of a sustainable building product you have to take a different approach to cost analysis.  Life cycle analysis must be used to evaluate the true cost of ownership over the life of the material.  One well known example of life cycle analysis catching on in the mainstream is the case of the compact fluorescent light bulb.  These bulbs cost more than traditional bulbs upfront, but are widely known to be more affordable than “cheaper” incandescent bulbs due to their longer life and lower operating costs. 

Non-Toxic Building Materials

Using non-toxic and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emitting products improves building occupant health and productivity.  Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can be maximized by selecting products that are certified by their manufacturers to not emit carcinogens, irritants or chemicals.  Moisture resistant products also help to maintain Indoor Air Quality by inhibiting the growth of mold and other biological irritants.