An eco REVOLUTION

A home built from eco-friendly materials is as good for you as it is for the planet, writes Guinevere Davies

- Guinevere Davies

These days, when it comes to building green, the options are almost endless. It’s only going to become more popular thanks to incredible innovations that aim to cut down on building time and other valuable resources. While eco-friendly building materials are still pricier than most, the long-term benefits far outweigh the cost.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

If you’re looking to build a home environment that has as little negative impact on the environment as possible, it pays to do your homework first, says AfriSam’s Richard Tomes.

“Sustainability should be viewed from a holistic perspective. In other words, don’t just consider a product for its eco-friendliness in its end state, but also consider the impact of the product on the environment during its manufacturing process as well as the disposal and possible recycling thereof.”

Saint-Gobain’s Craig Sprighton and Christo Pretorius add, “Look for building materials that improve comfort, health and well-being while simultaneously reducing their environmental impact. This means taking a ‘fabric first’ approach to building and finding the most sustainable way to improve energy performance.

“The ‘fabric first’ approach revolves around building an airtight and thermally effective envelope before adding renewable technologies into the building. The best type of building is, after all, one that is so efficient and comfortable for its occupants that it needs very little energy to maintain overall comfort.”

For AfriSam’s Tomes, it’s important to always keep the quality, durability and origin of the products you choose in mind too.