Low-footprint living: Top building materials that support a sustainable home
Homeowners are increasingly concerned about their environmental impact, particularly those beginning construction on new builds. Enter low-footprint living.
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The concept of low-footprint living encourages people to minimise the impact their choices have on the earth by reducing natural resource depletion, water waste, and carbon emissions.
Low-footprint building starts with choosing sustainable materials.
From reclaimed timber to Colorbond fencing and concrete alternatives, this guide will share the greenest options for those looking to build a home – and a brighter future.
External Materials With Long Lifespans
One of the most vulnerable areas of our properties is the exterior – these building materials have to face the elements day in day out and against the extremes of the seasons.
Being strategic with the materials you use in your home’s exterior and landscaping means you can find solutions designed to withstand the variations of the climate while protecting your property for years to come.
The result?
Fewer replacements and materials are used in the construction of your home, and fewer resources are spent on maintaining and installing your landscape.
Colorbond fencing is one of the best examples of this.
Particularly for Australian homes, it’s designed to withstand the high temperatures of the Aussie sun and volatile storm conditions.
Colorbond steel is durable with a high UV rating contributes to its long lifespan, helping preserve resources and energy that would otherwise be invested in shorter lifespan products.
What's more, Colorbon contains recycled content – the steel is 100% recyclable, which can be used even without reprocessing, saving even further on energy and resources.
Thoughtful, sustainable products that have a long lifespan are one of the easiest ways to lower the overall footprint of your property.
Recycled and Reclaimed Timber
The reuse of old timber reduces the demand for virgin forest products.
By choosing reclaimed wood, you can give new life to existing timber, reducing the emissions associated with transportation and preserving the integrity of forests.
Recycled and reclaimed wood not only reduces your carbon footprint but also brings a unique, one-of-a-kind charm and history to your home's interiors and exteriors.
It is ideal for floors, beams, walls, and decks.
Bamboo and Engineered Timber
Fast-growing bamboo is renewable and versatile. It’s also incredibly strong and flexible, making it an excellent choice for various aspects of building construction, including structural support, flooring, wall cladding, and roofing.
An engineered timber (such as cross-laminated timber) offers similar benefits and usage options, designed to minimise warping and maintain its stability over time.
Sustainable Roofing and Cladding Materials
There are several ways to build a low-footprint roof.
For example, steel roofing is durable, recyclable, and thermally efficient, but clay tiles and recycled materials are also eco-friendly options.
These materials reflect heat, reduce cooling costs, and last for decades.
If you’d like a double whammy of eco-friendly roofing, solar roof tiles are energy-efficient, resistant to harsh weather conditions, and easier to maintain than traditional solar panels.
Low-Carbon Concrete Alternatives
Concrete has been called the most destructive material on earth, contributing massively to carbon emissions and consuming substantial amounts of natural resources. However, newer alternatives are more sustainable.
For example, hempcrete is lightweight, fire-resistant, and carbon-negative, meaning it actually absorbs more carbon than is emitted during its production.
Rammed earth is also fire-resistant, as well as pest-resistant, and is as beautiful as it is sustainable.
These alternatives significantly reduce emissions and offer excellent thermal mass.
Natural and Recycled Insulation
Sheep’s wool, recycled denim, and cellulose (which is made of recycled newspaper) are great options for sustainable insulation.
These provide superior thermal and acoustic insulation without the use of synthetic chemicals.
In addition to being effective, non-toxic, and safe to handle, these forms of insulation are also biodegradable.
By keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer, they also reduce overall energy use.
Low VOC Paints and Finishes
Traditional paints release volatile organic compounds – chemicals that, when released into the air, can contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution and have potential health effects.
Choose low-VOC or VOC-free paints to improve the air quality in and around your home.
When possible, consider using natural oils to seal woodwork and flooring rather than synthetic sealants.
Eco-Friendly Exterior Solutions
Finally, sustainable fencing, doors, and windows complete a sustainable home.
Colorbond fencing contains recycled content and is a low-maintenance, totally recyclable material that is durable and resilient to Australia's harsh climate.
Its long lifespan helps conserve resources and energy that may otherwise be invested in products with a shorter life span.
Double or triple glazing and weatherstripping on doors and windows help keep temperature-controlled air inside your home, reducing your energy consumption in extreme weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
In a nutshell, we’re all capable of making more sustainable choices, even when building a home.
If you’re interested in low-footprint living during the construction process, consider using these materials:
- Fencing and exterior materials with a long lifespan like Colorbond fencing
- Recycled and reclaimed timber reduces emissions, preserves natural resources, and adds a charming touch to the home.
- Bamboo and engineered timber, with their sturdy and robust nature, are environmentally friendly options that provide confidence in your choice of framing and flooring materials.
- Steel roofing, clay tiles, and solar roof tiles are all great options for a sustainable homeowner, reflecting heat, reducing energy consumption, and lasting for years.
- Low-carbon concrete alternatives, such as hempcrete and rammed earth, reduce emissions and offer excellent thermal mass.
- Options like cellulose and sheep’s wool offer solid insulation to regulate temperature without the use of toxic chemicals.
- Low-VOC or no-VOC paints and natural oils are excellent choices for improving the air quality in your home.
- Sustainable fencing, such as Colorbond fencing, is a low-maintenance, resilient, and recyclable option for completing your build.
Don’t forget that these sustainable materials offer more than just environmental benefits for low-footprint living.
By choosing materials that are sturdy, weather-resistant, and energy-efficient, you also choose a future that saves you money and enhances your personal comfort in the long run.
Low-footprint living is a win-win-win for you, for the environment, and for those who may live in your home far into the future.
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