The Challenges of Sourcing Sustainable Home Construction Materials
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment, sustainable home construction materials are becoming more popular. Sustainable home construction materials are those that are produced and used in a way that minimizes their environmental impact. They are often made from renewable resources and often require less energy to produce than traditional building materials.
There are many benefits to using sustainable home construction materials. They can help to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and improve the indoor air quality of homes. They can also save homeowners money on their energy bills and increase the value of their homes. However, in recent years, it has become difficult to source sustainable home construction materials because of the following challenges.
Limited Availability and High Costs
According to DenisMarie Akabogu, one of the primary obstacles to sustainable home construction is the limited availability of eco-friendly building materials. While traditional construction materials such as concrete, steel, and wood are easily accessible and widely used, sourcing sustainable alternatives can be challenging. Materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, rammed earth, straw bales, and recycled steel often have limited supply chains, making them less accessible to builders. Additionally, specific sustainable materials may only be available in certain regions due to geographical constraints, further limiting their distribution.
Another significant challenge is the higher costs associated with sustainable home construction materials. Compared to conventional materials, eco-friendly alternatives often come with a premium price tag. Factors contributing to the increased costs include the limited availability mentioned earlier, additional expenses for processing or treating materials to meet sustainability standards, and sometimes the need for specialized skills or equipment for installation.
Lack of Industry Standards and Certifications
Sustainable home construction materials are becoming increasingly popular. However, according to DenisMarie Akabogu, there is a lack of industry standards and certifications for it, which can make it difficult for homeowners and builders to know which materials are truly sustainable.
There are a number of reasons for the lack of industry standards and certifications for sustainable home construction materials. One reason is that the definition of "sustainable" can vary depending on the source. Another reason is that the manufacturing process for sustainable materials can be complex and difficult to regulate. Additionally, there is a lack of demand for sustainable home construction materials, which makes it difficult for manufacturers to invest in the development of new standards and certifications.
There are a number of things that can be done to address the lack of industry standards and certifications for sustainable home construction materials. One thing that can be done is to develop clear and consistent definitions of "sustainable." Another thing that can be done is to develop regulations for the manufacturing process for sustainable materials. Additionally, there needs to be an increase in demand for sustainable home construction materials.
Limited Consumer Awareness and Demand
There is limited consumer awareness and demand for sustainable home construction materials. A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders found that only 17% of homebuyers are willing to pay more for a home that is built with sustainable materials.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the limited awareness and demand for sustainable home construction materials. One factor is that consumers are often unaware of the environmental impact of their homebuilding choices. Another factor is that sustainable home construction materials can be more expensive than traditional materials.
Despite the challenges, there are a number of things that can be done to increase consumer awareness and demand for sustainable home construction materials. One important step is to educate consumers about the environmental impact of their homebuilding choices. Another step is to make sustainable home construction materials more affordable. Increasing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable home construction materials is essential to reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry.
Why We Should Shift to Using Sustainable Home Construction Materials
If you are considering building a new home, I encourage you to choose sustainable materials. It is a small change that can make a big difference for the environment and your health. These materials can help to reduce our environmental impact, improve our health, and save us money in the long run.
Sustainable home construction materials can also help to create jobs in the green economy. As more and more people demand sustainable homes, the demand for sustainable materials and construction workers will increase. This can help to boost the economy and create a more sustainable future.
BillionBricks supports sustainability by using sustainable home construction materials in building our net zero homes and communities. To know more about our BillionBricks and our net-zero homes and communities, please email us at hello@billionbricks.org
Sources
Aranca. (2020). The Need for Sustainable Building Material. Retrieved from https://www.aranca.com/knowledge-library/articles/business-research/the-need-for-sustainable-building-material
Akabogu, DenisMarie. (2023). The Struggle to find Sustainable Materials: Challenges and Solutions for the Construction Industry. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/struggle-find-sustainable-materials-challenges-denismarie-uche
Lombard R. It’s not easy being green: Difficulties in sourcing sustainable building materials. Retrieved from https://www.qscience.com/docserver/fulltext/connect/2017/2/connect.2017.qgbc.10.pdf?expires=1684766895&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=A8DB4A3AF201418D63D798F502DE74A9
National Association of Home Builders. (2021). What home buyers really want. Retrieved from https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/news-and-economics/docs/housing-economics-plus/special-studies/2021/special-study-what-home-buyers-really-want-march-2021.pdf
