For today’s environmentally astute consumers, the words ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘sustainable’ are regarded as highly as price in the purchase decision. The construction industry hasn’t been immune to these evolving demands, but meeting them can sometimes get a little tricky.
So what do the terms ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘sustainable’ involve, and is there a difference between the two?
Eco-friendly construction can be considered the marriage of modern technology and traditional building materials. Materials are designed to be environmentally friendly, yet simple and readily accessible to the average Joe.
Energy-efficient windows, lights and insulation are some of the most prolific developments in eco-friendly materials we use today. Water recycling systems, solar panels, chemical-free paints and programmable thermostats are also continually advancing.
Using these materials is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of the structure, often saving the occupant a bunch of money in the process.
But are ‘eco-friendly’ designs actually sustainable?
Beyond the specific materials used, sustainable construction refers to the overall lifecycle of a structure. From design to demolition, sustainable building puts environmental considerations at front-of-mind at every stage of the construction process.
Environmental consultants, architects and ecologists are often enlisted throughout the build. They advise on the location of the site itself, the section of materials, the design of the structure, and the predicted ecological impact of the construction process.
Sustainable construction doesn’t end when the tools are down - it looks beyond completion all the way to the eventual demolition or repurposing of the structure.
In a sentence, eco-friendly construction deals with the now, and sustainable building deals with the future.
While using a few eco-friendly materials in your build is a commendable first-step to environmental responsibility, they alone may not render your structure ‘sustainable’. Sustainable buildings contribute to a broader positive impact on the environment, community and even the economy - for the duration of the structure’s life and beyond.
Sustainable products don’t just minimise environmental impact to the point of neutrality. Take timber for example. While some woods, like Bamboo, may be regarded as an eco-friendly product because it’s responsibly harvested, the extensive transportation needed to ship the material nullify these benefits.
No matter how ‘green’ the product is at point of collection, if it travels by truck, train and ship to get to your site, it can’t be considered sustainable.
Achieving an entirely sustainable build takes time, money and careful research. You need to study the origins of each material you use, the unique environment surrounding your structure, the potential impact your materials will have - and of course the distance these materials travel.
While it’s a big project, there are a few simple ways to put you on the right path for a sustainable construction.
The bottom line is, you don’t need to knock-down and rebuild with environmentally-neutral products to make a positive change. Eco-friendly materials like we listed above are fantastic initiatives, and if recent developments are anything to go by, they will continue to advance.
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