Thinking about using eco-friendly building materials but not sure if they’re worth it? You’re not alone. The building world is having a good hard look at how it affects our planet. Since 1978, SAS Projects has been helping people build better, and we’d love to share what we know about green building.
Why Our Planet Needs Better Building Stuff
Let’s be honest – normal building has been terrible for the environment. The construction industry creates over 35% of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. That’s like everyone in the UK driving to Scotland and back twice!
New sustainable building materials are changing this picture. Take engineered wood. This clever material can trap about 582kg of carbon dioxide in every cubic metre. Yes, you read that right – building materials that actually help reduce carbon emissions instead of making them worse.
It’s not just wood doing good things. Hempcrete (made from hemp plants and lime) keeps trapping carbon its whole life while keeping your home warm. When you learn that normal concrete uses nearly 10% of the world’s industrial water, these eco-friendly options start looking pretty brilliant.
Money Matters: Saving More Than You Spend
Let’s talk about costs – because we know that’s what often decides building choices.
Yes, sustainable materials can cost more at the start. No point beating around the bush about that. But only looking at the starting price is like judging a video game by its loading screen – you’re missing all the good stuff.
The numbers show that energy-efficient buildings can save you 14-19% on running costs over time. That’s not pocket money; that’s proper cash staying in your bank instead of going to energy companies.
What’s more, green buildings sell for more money. Studies show they can get about 6% more rent and 8% better selling prices than normal buildings. In today’s crazy housing market, that’s the difference between doing OK and doing brilliantly.
Cool New Materials Changing How We Build
The sustainable materials we have today would blow your mind. They’re changing building in ways that help both the planet and your wallet.
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is as strong as steel but much lighter. This isn’t just good for the environment; it’s super useful in real life. CLT pieces can be made in factories and quickly put together on site, potentially cutting building costs by up to 15%.
Another game-changer is engineered wood, which uses wood that might otherwise be wasted. These products don’t just save natural resources – they often work better than old-school materials, staying strong through our famously bonkers British weather.
At SAS Projects, we use these innovations in our building refurbishment services, creating spaces that look great, work well, and help protect our environment.
Healthier Homes and Schools: Not Just Planet-Saving
While helping the environment feels good, the health benefits of sustainable buildings give you even more reasons to smile.
Traditional building materials can release harmful chemicals for years after they’re installed – not exactly what you want your family breathing. Environmentally friendly alternatives usually contain fewer nasty chemicals, giving you better air inside and potentially fewer sick days.
There’s also growing proof that natural materials like timber create spaces that help reduce stress and improve focus. Who wouldn’t want a classroom or bedroom that actually helps you think better? It’s like having a brain boost built into your walls!
Getting Ahead: Why Sustainable Construction Matters Now
Perhaps the biggest reason to use sustainable building materials is that they’re quickly becoming the normal way to build, not the special way.
Government rules are increasingly requiring sustainable construction. Those who start using these materials now won’t be rushing to catch up later – they’ll be showing others how it’s done.
For businesses, showing you care about reducing carbon footprint can make your reputation better and appeal to customers who care about the environment. It’s not just good ethics; it’s smart business.
At SAS Projects, our solar panels and eco-systems services work perfectly with sustainable materials, creating complete environmental solutions that show our clients are forward-thinking.
How Do They Compare? Green vs Traditional Materials
To help you see the differences, here’s how some common sustainable materials stack up against their traditional counterparts:
Material Type
Environmental Impact
How Long It Lasts
Keeping Warm/Cool
Cost
Cross-Laminated Timber vs Steel
40% smaller carbon footprint
Similar lifespan with proper care
Better insulation
5-10% more at first, cheaper long-term
Hempcrete vs Normal Concrete
Takes carbon from air vs makes emissions
100+ years
Much better insulation
15-20% more upfront
Recycled Steel vs New Steel
Uses 75% less energy consumption
Just as strong
Same
Similar or cheaper
Bamboo Flooring vs Hardwood
Grows back in 3-5 years vs 50+ years
Similar with proper care
Similar
10-15% cheaper
How to Start: Easy Steps Without Spending Too Much
Using sustainable materials doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Here are some simple ways to begin:
Start with insulation, where eco-friendly options often work better than normal ones while saving energy.
Mix and match, using sustainable materials where they make the most sense for your budget and goals.
Think about how long things last – sometimes the most sustainable choice is simply the one that doesn’t need replacing for ages.
What We’ve Learned at SAS Projects
Having been in the construction and self-storage business since 1978, we’ve seen building trends come and go faster than British summer weather. Our experience with sustainable building materials has been incredibly positive, especially in our custom steel projects, where using recycled steel and eco-friendly insulation has created buildings that are both good for the environment and super long-lasting.
Our clients regularly tell us about lower energy bills, healthier indoor spaces, and how proud they are of their eco-friendly buildings. These aren’t just nice stories; they’re real benefits that save money and improve life quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aren’t sustainable materials just a passing trend?
Not at all. With stricter environment rules and growing awareness of climate change, sustainable building is becoming the normal way to build, not the exception. Materials like engineered wood and recycled steel have proven they work really well and are here to stay.
How much more expensive are sustainable materials really?
It varies a lot depending on what you’re using. While some eco options cost 10-20% more, others like recycled steel can cost about the same as new raw materials. More importantly, the energy saving benefits over a building’s lifetime typically make up for higher initial costs.
Do sustainable materials work as well as traditional ones?
In many cases, they work even better. Cross-laminated timber, for example, offers excellent strength for its weight and better insulation than concrete and steel. Always look at how materials perform rather than just whether they’re labeled “traditional” or “sustainable.”
How do I know if a material is truly sustainable and not just pretending?
Look for trusted certifications like FSC for wood products, Cradle to Cradle certification, or Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These provide independent proof that the environmental claims are genuine, not just clever marketing.
The Bottom Line
The question isn’t really whether you should invest in sustainable building materials – it’s whether you can afford not to. Between saving on energy costs, increasing property values, keeping up with new regulations, and helping the environment through a circular economy approach, sustainable materials have moved from “nice to have” to “must consider” for smart builders and property owners.
At SAS Projects, we’re committed to helping our clients reduce the carbon impact of their projects, combining our decades of construction experience with cutting-edge sustainable practices. Whether you’re planning a new build, refurbishment, or exploring solar energy, we’re here to help you make choices that benefit both planet and pocket.
After all, the greenest building is the one that’s built to last – both environmentally and financially. And that’s not just good sense; it’s common sense.
