The construction industry is hard at work with scientists, engineers, and architects alike trying to find new materials that are cheaper, stronger, and better for the environment.
1. Mass timber
One of Google's new office buildings was built with sustainability in mind; constructed entirely out of mass timber which is renewable, lighter, and reduces carbon pollution by 96%. Mass timber can also help store carbon throughout the building's lifetime.
Other sustainable features of the building include solar panels and smart technology to minimize energy consumption.
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2. Green concrete
A new "green concrete" made of recycled materials is being used to bring the concrete industry's pollution levels down. Currently, concrete manufacturing is responsible for 7% of all carbon pollution every year.
Rebetong, an European construction company's branded green concrete, creates 12% less air pollution than traditional concrete and the company hopes to increase that number as the technology improves.
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3. Structural insulated panels
With increasingly intense extreme weather events, construction companies are focusing on finding new materials to disaster-proof homes. One such invention is structural insulated panels or SIPs, which are resistant to mold and termites and also stronger against natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and fires.
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SIPs are also much cheaper than conventional construction materials as they can be built off-site and assembled like Legos.
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4. Seaweed
Taking inspiration from ancient construction materials, seaweed is making a comeback as insulation. The material is nontoxic, moisture-absorbing, antibacterial, and fire-resistant while maintaining a consistent temperature within the home.
Structures using seaweed insulation are built with wooden frames which are then covered in the seaweed, giving them a unique look.
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5. Automotive waste
New exterior building panels that look like marble are being constructed from a surprising material: melted plastic waste from Detroit's auto industry. The architects not only wanted to make a more sustainable material, but also find a way to make it look attractive.
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Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Hitting two birds with one stone, the project is reducing both carbon pollution from the construction industry and the massive amounts of plastic waste from the automotive sector.
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