If you’ve landed on this article, chances are you’re one of millions of property owners looking to design your home more sustainably. With concerns about climate change becoming more serious, sustainable building materials have soared in popularity. Not only do these materials reduce a home’s environmental impact, but they also have long-term benefits for homeowners.
From bamboo floors to Colorbond steel fence panels, sustainable building materials are versatile and durable, helping you save energy and money and avoid the hassle of repairs. In this article, we’ll suggest some of the best building materials for eco-friendly properties that will be great for you and the planet.
Why Sustainable Materials Matter in Australia
Australia has experienced more than its fair share of climate disasters in recent years, from devastating floods to destructive wildfires to major droughts. Our country produces high carbon emissions, but choosing sustainable building materials means you can help reduce the construction industry’s contributions to the climate crisis. By opting for materials that reduce deforestation and resource extraction, shorten the supply chain and stand the test of time, you can minimise your environmental impact – even while designing the home of your dreams.
Natural and Renewable Materials
Bamboo
Bamboo is an incredible (and affordable) building material. This strong, durable and versatile material isn’t just well-suited for building – it’s also great for the planet. Bamboo is a renewable material that thrives when grown in warm climates like Australia. As one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, some kinds of bamboo can be harvested in just three years, meaning bamboo deforestation is of little concern. Bamboo can be used in roofing, flooring or to reinforce other materials like mud or concrete.
Sustainable Australian Timber
From the rich hues of Brushbox to the timeless beauty of Tasmanian oak, Australia produces some of the most stunning natural materials you can use in your build. To ensure you are using sustainable wood, look for FSC-certified providers. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organisation that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. Their certification guarantees the wood you buy comes from healthy forests and responsible forest managers.
Recycled and Upcycled Materials
Reclaimed Brick
For every new brick produced, 0.7kg of carbon dioxide is emitted. By purchasing reclaimed brick for your build instead, you can actively contribute to reducing carbon emissions. Whether you want to build your entire home out of Cottage Reds or a garden walkway from Prague Grey, a reclaimed brick supplier can provide everything you need.
Recycled Concrete
Did you know that concrete is the most destructive building material on earth? Concrete is responsible for up to 8% of carbon emissions, significant resource depletion, biodiversity decline and more. You can make a difference by selecting recycled concrete for your home. Recycled concrete can be just as high-quality as newly produced concrete, so you have nothing to lose by choosing the more sustainable option.
Innovative and Energy-Efficient Materials
Hempcrete
If you’d prefer to forgo brick or concrete in favour of a more innovative material, look no further than hempcrete. Made of a mix of water, lime and hemp hurds, hempcrete is a carbon-negative material that traps more carbon than it emits. While it’s unwise to use hempcrete for a load-bearing wall, the material makes excellent insulation and is a great choice for Australia’s humid climates.
Solar Roof Tiles
As a sustainable homeowner, you may consider adopting solar energy. Like traditional solar panels, solar roof tiles capture sunlight and convert it into eco-friendly electricity. But while solar panels are like an accessory to your home, solar roof tiles are a part of your build – made to blend into your home’s design like a typical roof tile. While slightly more expensive than solar panels, solar roof tiles may be more cost-effective for Australian homeowners, thanks to their ability to withstand cyclones and hail better than solar panels.
Durable and Eco-Friendly Materials
Structural Steel
Steel can be recycled and re-used indefinitely, making this sturdy material one of the most sustainable around, which is why it’s commonly used in durable sheep handling equipment designed to withstand the demands of farming operations. Steel structures are stronger than timber ones – and exponentially more fire-resistant. Steel’s inability to burn will help keep the flames from spreading further. A steel-framed building is easier to repair after a fire, giving you greater peace of mind in the event of a wildfire.
Steel Fencing
Once your home is complete, fencing your property may be the next thing on your mind. In Australia, timber fences are prone to warping, discolouring and being eaten by pests. Colorbond steel fence panels are a more sustainable alternative because of their impressive resistance to fire, chipping, fading, rust and water. Steel fencing comes in various styles and colours to protect your property in style.
Insulation and Thermal Materials
Sheep’s wool
Properly insulating your home can reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bills. To insulate your home against summer’s heat and winter’s bone-chilling temperatures, sheep’s wool is an excellent natural insulator—breathable, fire-resistant, and sustainable. Bonus: sheep’s wool is a great sound absorber, helping keep the sounds of the outdoors where they belong.
Straw bales
Straw bales are a natural, renewable material that can insulate your home as well as fibreglass batts—but at a lower cost. This simple insulator is highly sustainable, capturing CO2 to help combat global warming. Best of all, straw can be sourced locally, so the supply chain between you and the supplier is short and easily traceable.
Sustainable building materials are best for those hoping to design an eco-friendly property. From the frame of your home to the details inside every room, many planet-friendly alternatives can help you build sturdy, stylish and sustainable homes. We encourage you to explore options like reclaimed brick, solar roof tiles and Colorbond steel fencing when planning your home design. These small, sustainable choices can contribute to a greener, better future for Australia.