Author: Anita Zeba Bakhtiar

With the rise of global warming impacts, focusing on reducing carbon emissions is crucial. Additionally, construction professionals are dealing with material shortages and supply chain gaps due to pandemic-related shifts. This is an ideal time to reassess the sourcing of building materials and progress towards more sustainable, eco-friendly processes. 

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries account for around 40% of the world’s carbon emissions, the highest for any specific industry. If we want to preserve our Earth so that at least our future generations can reap some of its benefits, we need to be mindful of the main source of our raw materials. 

An emphasis has recently been put on the importance of sustainable or green construction materials. Sustainable materials promote resource conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, and are usually made from renewable materials such as wood, cork, bamboo, etc. 

Another way to minimize the carbon footprint in this sector is by making sure the techniques used are eco-friendly compared to the previous traditional ones. In the case of hollow or solid blocks made of cement, the cement in question has to be ethically sourced, and contain materials like slag or fly ash to reduce waste. Finding a trusted supplier for raw materials is also crucial to ensure that the end products are of the highest quality and create the lowest waste. Look for suppliers with accreditations and certifications that are internationally recognized. A great way to ensure the sourced raw materials are green is to choose a local manufacturer renowned for sourcing ethically and sustainably. 

To make sure fewer building products are wasted, another idea or concept is used in partial renovation or redecoration. This will allow us to reduce product wastage, minimize the use of brand-new products that are costlier, and use environmentally hazardous or harmful substances to cut down on total costs 

With our Earth’s natural resources slowly but surely diminishing, we must make sure that we reduce our carbon footprint. It is the only way we can at least try to save some of our current resources for future generations to enjoy. By opting to go the green route for ethically sourced building products, it is possible to cut down on a majority of our carbon emissions. Since sustainable or green architecture is also where our future will ultimately lie, the sooner industries like building and construction will be able to adapt to these changes. This will also be the more feasible route of action, since making typical clay bricks tends to cause more pollution, as do the steel rods used to reinforce the structures of buildings. Materials like bamboo, wood, cork, etc. can be reused to increase the efficient use of energy in construction. 

There are many ways in which we need to make the most out of our situation with regard to using raw materials that have been sourced ethically and have zero to low carbon emissions. Green building materials will not only be better for the environment, but they could potentially allow us to save some resources that future generations could get great use out of. Add to that the benefits to our environment, and the potential for green building materials to create a brighter future for upcoming generations are endless.

We are currently living in a world where we are slowly but surely moving towards a future that has far fewer and finite natural resources. After years and years of overusing and exploiting the Earth’s resources, we have finally managed to come to a point where we are suffering the consequences of our actions. Now more than ever, it has become absolutely critical to look for innovative building solutions that harness sustainable raw materials to take us towards a greener future.

Sustainable or green building has a lot of advantages. It reduces the negative impacts of construction on the environment while also offering multiple benefits. Some of these are: energy efficiency, cost efficiency/ savings, as well as improved occupant health. Many companies across the world are already using materials that hold promise and are currently revolutionizing the construction industry. This article shall look into some of these materials and how they are impacting us. 

• Bamboo: The Versatile Wonder of Nature

When it comes to sustainability, perhaps bamboo is the one material that reigns supreme. It is exceptionally durable and has been used in the construction industry for centuries, if not longer. For those of us looking for an alternative to regular timber, either because trees aren’t abundantly in supply locally, or because you’re looking for something with better qualities. The rapid growth of bamboo, as well as its renewability and strength make it an excellent alternative to timber. Some key advantages of using bamboo in building projects are:

• Bamboo is highly renewable as it has a growth rate of up to three feet per day. This means that it can be harvested within a shorter period of time compared to trees. 
• Bamboo can be used to create frameworks or structures as it is a naturally strong material. In many cases, it can be used to replace concrete and steel in many instances.                                                                                                                          
• Since bamboo is naturally resistant to pests and diseases, there is less need to use chemical treatment on bamboo to be used for construction. 
• The flexibility of bamboo allows designers and architects to create unique and aesthetically appealing structures.

When bamboo is used in the foundation of a construction, it gives us an opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint in buildings, which in turn leads to a greener future. 

• Recycled Materials: Turning Trash into Treasure

Using recycled or upcycled materials is becoming increasingly popular, especially since more builders are switching over to sustainable building solutions every day. Discarded materials are often given new life by being recycled or reused; which means that we are helping reduce the total amount of waste created and sent to landfills. Here are some of the more commonly used construction materials that are recycled: 

• Recycled concrete: Using crushed concrete helps to conserve natural resources while reducing the demand for gravel and sand, both of which are often overexploited and even wasted.
• Salvaged wood: Reclaiming wood from trees damaged by natural causes or  old structures reduces deforestation and adds character and uniqueness to new construction projects.
• Recycled plastic: Bottles and bags are counted as waste plastic. These can be transformed into more long lasting building materials, including insulation, roofing tiles, and composite lumber.

There are a number of benefits to be enjoyed by making recycled materials commonplace in regular construction practices. For example, the overall consumption and extraction of raw materials can be reduced, and the carbon footprint we have on the environment can also be diminished. 

Other than these two kinds of materials, it is also possible to use materials that are made to be more eco-friendly; such as the building products produced by bti. Not only do these use the best concrete, cement and clay, these bricks and tiles are produced in a way that is eco-friendly and sustainable in nature. The hollow bricks serve as an insulating layer in construction, while pavement tiles and unipavers can be customized according to the area to be covered. 

Conclusion:

As we move towards a greener future, the construction industry must adopt innovative building solutions that use sustainable raw materials. By making use of bamboo, recycled materials, and building products from bti, the benefits we can achieve are: 

• Reduced impact on the environment: The renewability of bamboo, reduction of waste volume due to using recycled materials, and sustainable concrete blocks and tiles contribute to a greener built environment.

• Cost savings: Sustainable materials often need fewer resources to produce, resulting in cost savings for construction projects.
• Aesthetically pleasing designs: Bamboo’s flexibility and unique textures, along with the character-rich reclaimed wood, offer architects and designers opportunities to create visually appealing structures.
• Improved energy efficiency: Hollow blocks minimize heat loss, enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Embracing and eventually completely switching over to sustainable materials not only helps fight environmental challenges, but also lays the foundation for a greener future. By making conscious choices today, we can create buildings that synchronize with nature and contribute to a more sustainable world.

When we invest money in our own apartment, it is expected that we will spend a substantial amount of time choosing outdoor paving; especially since we dedicate a lot                                                                                           of time choosing the interiors of our home. However, selecting outdoor paving can be a daunting task, since there are so many designs available to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to start. 

There are several things that need to be taken into consideration before incorporating pavement tiles into the creation of an aesthetic outdoor space. First, you need to choose a tile that is suitable for all different kinds of weather, be it rain, heat or cold. The colour and size of tiles must also be decided upon. If you use bti building products’ pavement tiles and Unipavers, you can customise the size, shape and even the colour of your tiles. 

Thematically, it is a good idea to match the colour theme of your landscaping to that of your pavement tiles. Your pavement tiles should also match the rest of your interior. This will help all of your decor to have a smooth flow. 

1. 1. Locally sourced= environment-friendly option

Locally sourced pavement tiles are not only cost-efficient, but also often have environmentally friendly options like ceramic, slate or sandstone. If possible, buy from somebody who ethically sources their products. 

2. Intersperse your pavement with greenery where possible

Adding planting to your hard landscaping scheme is a great way to demonstrate a greener approach to garden design. This will allow you to plot a more naturalistic look whilst offering an additional layer of colour and texture. You could space out your pavers to create a stepping stone effect, with small plants nestled in the gaps of the paving.  

3. Keeping it neat

For a simple splash of colour that adds style to your outdoor space, run a strip of greenery (long planting boxes with succulents or flowering shrubs could work) for a gorgeous accent. 

For a more orderly and unmistakably modern look, create a simple strip of greenery that runs across your patio.

4. Use beige tones to add warmth

If your home is decorated with natural wood and cane furniture, you could use beige or cream coloured pavement tiles for your outdoor area. It will complete the look of your interiors, as well as adding warmth to the outdoor area.  

5. Create a decorative design

Use different coloured pavement tiles in a chequered style to create a decorative design. You can even choose colours that complement the rest of your interiors to give your home a polished look. If you want a more subtle pattern that does not overpower the rest of your home, you can go for a slightly monochromatic look. Darker tiles could give your outdoor space a more contemporary feel.

6. Use Unipavers to create an interlocking design

Unipavers can be customised, so you could choose larger ones in contrasting colours to create a unique, eye-catching pattern that makes your outdoor area more fresh and modern. 

Similarly, if you want to divide your outdoor space into different zones, say one for entertaining and the other for relaxing in seclusion, you can colour-code each of the areas to make it easier for people to locate each space. 

7. Fill in the gaps with gravel

To create a pathway that is interesting and break the monotony of plain tiles, leave larger gaps between the tiles, filling in the gaps between them with a mix of gravel or small, light-coloured stones. It will give your outdoor space an ultra-modern look to give the tiles an edge, or to signify a pathway from the indoors leading to your outdoor space.  

8. Mixing materials for a bespoke look

For those of you that are looking for an individualistic look, you can choose to mix different patterns and styles of pavement tiles for a look that is very you. You could ask your landscaper/ architect to bring samples so that you can make sure the pattern suits your idea and looks attractive. You could also just choose to limit the pattern to one section if you are curious about a patterned outdoor area, but do not want to commit to an entirely patterned space. 

9. Get creative with paint

If you want to add a rustic look to your outdoor space, you could try out painting your pavement tiles. You could first put on a white base, then add random splatters of different colours for an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. Add water sealing paint over the tiles to protect it from the elements. 

There are multiple methods of creating an aesthetic outdoor area using pavement tiles. Consult your architect or landscaper to come up with a fresh new perspective to give your home an edge over the others.