The way our buildings are built has changed a lot in recent decades. But have you ever wondered what future constructions will look like?
Here are 5 eco-friendly materials that will definitely be found in our future homes and that stand out for their low environmental impact.
Cement that is Gentle on the Environment
Popular and practical, cement has a reputation for emitting a large amount of greenhouse gases. This is why different companies have put sustainable alternatives on the market. For example, Cemfree, cement-free concrete, which emits 88% less CO2 than conventional cement, and Concrete Canva, a strong and flexible concrete that requires 95% less material. Both of these products are perfect for constructing a solid foundation for buildings.
Panels Made from Potatoes
Here is a particularly ecological option since this material is made from potato particles that would have ended up in landfills! We are thus killing two birds with one stone by using them wisely! Stemming from the circular economy, this concept developed in the United Kingdom reduces the scourge of food waste while creating sustainable panels that can be used to erect walls.
Insulating Mushrooms
Have you heard of mycelium? It is the underground and plant part of mushrooms, and it can be particularly useful when it comes to insulating your home. The concept is simple: you allow the fungus to grow by letting it feed on a substrate, and once its growth is over, you simply let it dry, sand it and paint it. Once integrated into the walls of the house, the fungus acts as a thermal insulator. It is also safe for your health.
A Façade That Can Purify the Air
How does a façade material that not only avoids polluting, but purifies the air around it sound? This is what Neolith has developed in collaboration with Pureti, a subsidiary of NASA. Since its surface is photocatalytic, it neutralizes free radicals and other surrounding pollutants by improving air quality. Tests have even proven that it reduces carbon monoxide levels by up to 80%!
Ultra Resistant Wood
This type of wood could easily replace steel and concrete in skyscraper construction, and it has a lower carbon footprint! It is made from small pieces of wood glued under extreme pressure in order to create new panels with unimaginable strength. It can even include wood residue that has been affected by drought or insects and that would normally have been discarded.
As you can see, the construction industry is working to find sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to minimize its negative impacts on the planet. We can definitely congratulate the ingenuity of their ideas!