EXISTING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS AND THEIR APPROACH TO

SUSTAINABILITY:

1. OSLO AIRPORT, GARDERMOEN, NORWAY

- “Oslo Airport, the focus was on procurement of environmentally friendly
building materials, innovative energy solutions and waste management”
- Goal: cut energy consumption in half
- Sustainability and green practices:
 The use of locally sourced stone and wood from sustainably managed
forests are used generously throughout the building
 Materials used are reused steel and environmentally friendly concrete
mixed with volcanic ash (This is said to be more environmentally-friendly
than standard modern Portland cement-based concrete by its proponents,
in part due to the lower temperatures required to mix it and an expected
longer lifespan.)
 The use of snow-based cooling system: (won the airport an ‘excellent’
sustainability rating under the Building Research Establishment
Environmental Assessment Method standard.)
 During winter, snow is collected and stored in a depot. The
meltwater which was collected will be used to cool down the entire
building during summer
 Roofing: Oak cladding
Around 20 centimeters beneath this is an additional protective roof
that deals with water run-off and keeps the external wooden façade
well ventilated. A transparent and UV-resistant paint is the only
treatment used to protect the oak cladding. The wooden façade
gives the pier an attractive aesthetic, but its most important function
relates to airport safety.
The signals they send to the aircraft on the ground are highly
sensitive to distortion and can easily be reflected, for example by
metal, which creates false signals that can lead the plane astray.
But with a wooden façade, the signals die when they hit the pier,”
says Christian Henriksen.
Source:
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/oslo-airport-worlds-greenest/index.html
https://www.terramai.com/blog/sustainably-designed-airports/

Ros, M. (2017). Why is Oslo Airport called the world’s greenest? Retrieved from
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/oslo-airport-worlds-greenest/index.html
Demaria, K. (2018). Can airports be constructed with sustainable design? We think so.
Take a look. Retrieved from https://www.terramai.com/blog/sustainably-designed-
airports/
 1. VIRACOPOS-CAMPINAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SAO PAULO
STATE, BRAZIL
- Sustainability and green practices:
 The use of “Photovoltaic Glass”:
It has been awarded as the best glass in 2015 by American Glass
Association. This glass is capable of filtering out 99% of UV rays and
up to 95% of IR rays while permitting the entry of daylight. These
properties make this glass the ideal candidate when designing a
building with high standards of energy efficiency and thermal
comfort.
SOURCE:
https://medium.com/the-belnor-blog/the-worlds-most-sustainable-airport-so-far-
49fad5eca4c3
2. DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, DENVER, COLORADO, UNITED
STATES
- In 2004, this was the first commercial airport in the United States to design
and implement an Environmental Management System encompassing the
entire airport that was successfully certified to meet the requirements of the
EMS international standard known as ISO 14001.
- The environment was clearly a prominent consideration during the design and
construction of the airport. This is evidenced by the underground fuel hydrant
system, sophisticated leak-detection system for the fuel distribution network,
designated aircraft deicing pads, on-site glycol-recycling plant, cardboard
compactor rooms, and a dedicated industrial stormwater collection,
conveyance, storage, and discharge system, to name just a few.
- Sustainability practices:
 Alternatively fueled, hybrid, and electric vehicles in the airport fleet (DEN
maintains 293 alternatively fueled vehicles, including 172 buses,
 sweepers, and other vehicles using compressed natural gas, and 121
electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Alternative vehicles make up 51
percent of the airport’s light duty fleet.
 Reduced access fees charged for hybrid taxis and vans
 A greenhouse gas emissions inventory for DEN in 2010
 Employee carpool and bus pass programs
 Maintaining an aircraft deicing fluid applied-to-collected ratio of at least 68
percent (among the best in the world)
 Low-flush toilets and waterless urinals
 Stormwater and erosion management programs
 Composting food and other organic wastes
 Recycling or reusing 21 different types of materials
 250 recycling containers in the public areas
 Five solar power installations, including one solar array used as covered
parking at 61st and Pena
 Fleet vehicle retrofits and replacements provide energy savings
 EcoStart motor controllers installed on escalators and moving walkways,
which reduce the power draw of the motors 24 hours a day (total savings
of about 1.7 million kWh per year)

SOURCE:
https://www.flydenver.com/about/press_kit/investing_sustainability *
https://www.internationalairportreview.com/article/899/world-class-environmental-
management/

Barrilleaux, J. (2008). World class environmental management. Retrieved from

https://www.internationalairportreview.com/article/899/world-class-environmental-management/
 3. BOSTON LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, US
- features the world’s first air terminal to win a Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design accreditation
- Sustainability practices:
 roofing and pavement surfaces designed to reflect heat from building
 use of friendly asphalt in the airport's runaways which could be heated at a
significantly lower temperature during construction, leading to a 2000t
reduction in carbon emissions during the course of the project
 installation of wind turbines are placed on top of the airport's offices,
generating around 3% of the energy required for its operation
- The airport incorporates day-lighting, recycled materials, water conservation
measures, and a reflective roof into its design. There are recycling bins
throughout its facilities, including containers for bottles and cans at the
entrances to all security checkpoints. Logan was the first airport in the United
States to use “warm-mix” additives in asphalt to repave runways, saving fuel
and reducing emissions by 20 percent.
- Boston’s Logan Airport was thinking about sustainability long before many
others; it earned LEED certification back in 2006 when it redesigned its
Terminal A. Led by the renowned design firm HOK, the redesign incorporated
more natural daylight, water conservation, and waste recycling. Solar trees
and wind turbines help to generate greener power for the airport, and the
roofing membrane and paving reflect heat and reduce stormwater runoff.
SOURCE:
https://www.airport-technology.com/features/worlds-environmentally-friendly-airports/
http://ehsjournal.org/http:/ehsjournal.org/diane-bucka/sustainable-airports-boston-
logan/2011/
Baker, J. (2018). The world’s most environmentally friendly airports. Retrieved from
https://www.airport-technology.com/features/worlds-environmentally-friendly-airports/

Bucka, D. (2011). Sustainable airports: Boston Logan. Retrieved from

http://ehsjournal.org/http:/ehsjournal.org/diane-bucka/sustainable-airports-boston-
logan/2011/
 4. GALÁPAGOS ECOLOGICAL AIRPORT, GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
The Galapagos Islands are among the most environmentally precious -- and
sensitive -- regions on earth. Airports, by contrast, tend to leave a pretty
disastrous carbon footprint. It should come as no surprise that the Galapagos is
also home to what has been hailed as the world's first "green" airport.
Galapagos Ecological Airport (formally Seymour Airport) was built in 2012 to
run solely on solar and wind power, and 80% of its infrastructure is made from
materials recycled from the old building. It even has mechanical shutters that
open and close depending on the building's heat and CO2 levels. Fresh water
comes care of the airport's own desalination plant, which converts local
seawater.
The U.S. Green Building Council gave the $40 million project a thumbs up
last November by awarding it the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) Gold certificate.
One of the most shocking characteristics is that the Galapagos Ecological
Airport works 100% with renewable energy (solar and wind), 35% generated by
photovoltaic panels installed on the terminal walkways and the remaining 65%,
by windmills strategically located in the airport area. One of the most shocking
characteristics is that the Galapagos Ecological Airport works 100% with
renewable energy (solar and wind), 35% generated by photovoltaic panels
installed on the terminal walkways and the remaining 65%, by windmills
strategically located in the airport area.
SOURCES:
- https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/galapagos-ecological-airport-wind-and-solar-
power/index.html
- http://www.ecogal.aero/en/ *
First Ecological Airport in the Word (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.ecogal.aero/en/
Cooper, M. (2015). This airport runs on wind. Retrieved from
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/galapagos-ecological-airport-wind-and-solar-
power/index.html

5. QUEEN ALIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AMMAN, JORDAN

One of the clearest examples of the idea is Queen Alia International
Airport, (completion in 2012). Located in Amman, the airport serves around 8
million passengers per year, which places it in the group of mid-size regional
transit airport. Due to climatic conditions at the airport’s location, implementation
of the idea was targeted mainly at the efficient use of Sun energy and maximum
reduction of heat gains (overheating) from sun rays at the same time. This is why
the architect decided to design a canopy roof as a system of modular concrete
shells, covered with PV cells and equipped
96 with small skylights that allow light penetration into the building.
Sunrays accessing interior of the terminal reach bright floors that reflect rays
towards ceiling in order to spread the natural light throughout the interior (see
 Fig. 2). The use of natural light limits the necessity of additional artificial light
support to minimum. A concrete sun barrier (canopy roof) limits heat gains,
stabilizes humidity on the right level and allows air-conditioning units to work as
an additional installation, occasionally and locally lowering interior temperature.
The building is also equipped with integrated system of collection and usage of
rainwater. Those noticeably decrease ecological footprint of the terminal, causing
substantial operational savings at the same time.

Fig. 2. Cross section of Queen Alia International Airport (Amman, Jordan): (A)
photovoltaic panels collecting solar energy, (B) lightweight concrete shell roof structure
capturing sunrays and preventing from building overheating, (C) skylights allowing
sunlight penetration into the building, (D) interior bright floors reflecting sunlight for
better micro-climate, (E) patios for better natural light distribution on all building levels,
(F) bright ceilings for better natural light dispersion
SOURCE:
file:///C:/Users/Tenten/AppData/Local/Packages/Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bb
we/TempState/Downloads/Budownictwo-Zeszyt-4-B-(28)-2015-14%20(1).pdf

Duliński, W. (2015). Sustainable Airport Passenger Terminal Design – The Review of Selected Examples.
Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/document/370178094/Budownictwo-Zeszyt-4-B-28-2015-14

6. ZURICH AIRPORT, SWITZERLAND

Zurich Airport has reduced its carbon emissions by approximately 30% since
1991, and aims to reduce this even further by 2030. Photovoltaic systems are
fitted on the roves of aircraft docks and car parks, while underground energy
piles are used to heat and cool its terminals.
Water consumption at the airport has also decreased, with domestic
wastewater being channelled to an offsite treatment plant, and rain being
collected for use in toilets. Water from de-icing operations is also recycled via
a unique natural process, during which specialised micro-organisms are
deployed to break down solid residues in the liquid.

Zurich’s stance on noise emissions has also been praised, as it charges airlines
for aircraft noise based on their category and calculates the level of noise
exposure from flight movements using a highly detailed mapping program.

7. Tom Bradley International Airport

An international airport in Los Angeles, has achieved LEED Gold certification. The building,
designed by Fentress Architects, features a dramatic arching roofline, daylighting, energy-
efficient design and eco-friendly materials. The terminal is not only sustainable, it is also
among the most technologically-advanced airports in the United States.
Several recycled and regionally sourced materials were used in the construction of
the building, while sustainable building techniques were used, including using specific
routes to and from the site for construction vehicles, and recycling construction materials
and demolition debris. The concourse features low-E glass which minimizes heat gain,
while different lighting controls reduce energy use.

The terminal has a roof line which references the form of crashing waves and a ceiling
which reduces solar glare and heat from the ocean, while providing additional lighting.
The ceiling is supported by a skeletal framework of structural ribs and frames a spacious
interior that resembles the inside of a whale. Other environmental measures undertake
include:
 Low-flow water fixtures that have reduced water use by 47 percent compared with
baseline predictions;
 The building structure and finishes utilized regional and recycled materials;
 The project recycled or salvaged more than 80 percent of construction and demolition
waste;
 The terminal includes efficient lighting fixtures and controls with occupancy sensors to
reduce lighting costs and save energy during off-peak hours;
 The terminal has heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls that reset temperatures
to maximum efficiency without sacrificing occupant comfort; and
 The terminal’s interior uses materials made of recycled content, and low-emitting paints,
adhesives, carpets, and sealants.
 Recycling or salvaging more than 75 percent of construction and demolition waste
 Using interior finishes with materials made of recycled content
 Using low-emitting paints, adhesives, carpets and sealants used in the terminal’s
interior
 Using low-flow plumbing fixtures in restrooms
 Retrofitting construction equipment with emission- and noise-reduction devices that
were not available at the time of the equipment’s manufacture
 Maintaining concrete mixers and other equipment on-site to reduce the number of trips
construction vehicles must make to and from the work site

https://www.lawa.org/-/media/lawa-web/projects-and-reports/files/09-environmental-
fact-sheet-final.ashx?la=en&hash=14A9F5E8202505114B67C7411E2ED85DA0A5C514

https://www.lawa.org/en/lawa-sustainability/projects

https://inhabitat.com/fentress-architects-new-tom-bradley-international-terminal-
receives-leed-gold-certification/

New Tom Bradley International Airport Environmental Sustainability (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.lawa.org/-/media/lawa-web/projects-and-reports/files/09-environmental-fact-sheet-
final.ashx?la=en&hash=14A9F5E8202505114B67C7411E2ED85DA0A5C514

Grozdanic, L. (2015). Fentress Architects’ New Tom Bradley Terminal receives LEED Gold
Certification. Retrieved from https://inhabitat.com/fentress-architects-new-tom-bradley-
international-terminal-receives-leed-gold-certification/
Fentress Architects’ new Tom Bradley
Terminal receives LEED Gold
Certification

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

San Francisco International Airport is a leader in mitigating the environmental

impact of airport operations and in adopting sustainability facilities and practices.

From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to building LEED-certified terminals to

providing habitats for endangered species, the San Francisco International

Airport has long set the standards for sustainability for large and small public and

private agencies and organizations.

The goal SFO is to replace a structure that was once the heart of the airport with

a 587,000-square-foot building that sets new standards for the comfort and

safety of travelers and environmental responsibility.

To achieve the rating, the terminal will incorporate energy and water efficiency
elements and other resource-saving features that are expected to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by 1,667 tons each year.

The measures are to include:

 Lighting and other building systems that are expected to annually reduce
energy use by 2.9 GWh, natural gas consumption by 116,00 therms and
carbon dioxide emissions by 1,640 tons.
 Plumbing fixtures that use 40 percent less water and a dual plumbing system
that will enable use of reclaimed water from the airport's water treatment
plant for toilets and other non-potable purposes.
 Use of building materials, coatings, flooring and furniture made with recycled
content and low-emitting substances.
 A displacement ventilation system that brings filtered, fresh air into rooms
and displaces existing warmer air by pushing it up and out through exhaust

points.

http://media.flysfo.com/media/sfo/community-environment/sfo-dc-sustainability-
guidelines-sm.pdf
https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2016-04-19/san-francisco-
international-airport-leader-environment-and-sustainability
https://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2010/05/06/green-design-takes-flight-san-
francisco-international-airport
Bucka, D. (2011). Sustainable airports: Boston Logan. Retrieved from
http://ehsjournal.org/http:/ehsjournal.org/diane-bucka/sustainable-airports-boston-logan/2011/

First Ecological Airport in the Word (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.ecogal.aero/en/

Cooper, M. (2015). This airport runs on wind. Retrieved from

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/galapagos-ecological-airport-wind-and-solar-
power/index.html

Duliński, W. (2015). Sustainable Airport Passenger Terminal Design – The Review of Selected Examples.
Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/document/370178094/Budownictwo-Zeszyt-4-B-28-2015-14

New Tom Bradley International Airport Environmental Sustainability (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.lawa.org/-/media/lawa-web/projects-and-reports/files/09-environmental-fact-sheet-
final.ashx?la=en&hash=14A9F5E8202505114B67C7411E2ED85DA0A5C514

Ros, M. (2017). Why is Oslo Airport called the world’s greenest? Retrieved from
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/oslo-airport-worlds-greenest/index.html

Demaria, K. (2018). Can airports be constructed with sustainable design? We think so. Take a
look. Retrieved from https://www.terramai.com/blog/sustainably-designed-airports/

Grozdanic, L. (2015). Fentress Architects’ New Tom Bradley Terminal receives LEED Gold
Certification. Retrieved from https://inhabitat.com/fentress-architects-new-tom-bradley-
international-terminal-receives-leed-gold-certification/
San Francisco International Airport: Sustainable Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines
(2015). Retrieved from http://media.flysfo.com/media/sfo/community-environment/sfo-dc-
sustainability-guidelines-sm.pdf

Martin, J. (2016). San Francisco International Airport: A Leader in Environment and

Sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2016-04-19/san-
francisco-international-airport-leader-environment-and-sustainability
Gueverra, L. (2010). Green Design Takes Flight at San Francisco International Airport.
Retrieved from https://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2010/05/06/green-design-takes-flight-san-
francisco-international-airport

Barrilleaux, J. (2008). World class environmental management. Retrieved from

https://www.internationalairportreview.com/article/899/world-class-environmental-management/

Baker, J. (2018). The world’s most environmentally friendly airports. Retrieved from
https://www.airport-technology.com/features/worlds-environmentally-friendly-airports/
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION:
Sustainable Construction is the adoption of materials and products in buildings
and construction that will require less use of natural resources and increase the
reusability of such materials and products for the same or similar purpose, thereby
reducing waste as well.
Sustainable construction also enhances the resilience of the industry as such materials
are readily available in the world market. Steel, other metals, glass and prefabricated
parts using combinations of these, as well as recyclable substitutes for concrete are
examples of sustainable materials and products.
Sustainable materials are materials used throughout our consumer and industrial
economy that can be produced in required volumes without depleting non-renewable
resources and without disrupting the established steady-state equilibrium of the
environment and key natural resource systems. Such materials vary enormously and
may range from bio-based polymers derived from polysaccharides, or highly recyclable
materials such as glass that can be reprocessed an indefinite number of times without
requiring additional mineral resources. The goal of this center is to understand the
fundamental science behind new forms of sustainable materials and, once promising
opportunities are identified, to engineer new materials needed by industry and
commerce to reduce adverse environmental and sociological effects of traditional
petroleum intensive materials.

1. STEEL
Steel is an excellent reusable material. Independent agencies (and some steel
producers) around the world have performed life-cycle analyses on the
environmental impacts of using steel. Based on the results, informed designers
can confi dently specify steel products in their various forms for projects of all
sizes, from single storey, low rise to high rise buildings.
Steel can be recycled repeatedly without any degradation in terms of properties
or performance in quality.
Steel construction has excellent low waste credentials during all phases of the
building life cycle. It generates very little waste, with the byproducts of steel
production widely reused by the construction industry. Any waste generated
during manufacture is recycled. There is virtually no waste from steel products on
the construction site.
Benefits:
Strong and light
Steel has one of the highest strength to weight ratio of any construction
material. Steel framing can weigh only one-third as much as traditional
construction materials. When connected by fasteners, a steel frame is
stronger than traditional systems. This provides savings in the foundation
and to the amount of cranage needed on site.
Similarly drywalls are strong and yet lightweight. The drywalls are only 10-
15% of the weight of masonry walls, but they can support plasma TVs and
kitchen cabinets just as well as conventional masonry walls.
Labour Saving
Lightweight steel framing systems are generally simpler to erect than
conventional systems. Once the workers are experienced with steel,
labour time and costs will be reduced considerably. In addition, framing
members are manufactured with pre-punched holes for running pipes and
electrical wirings, minimizing preparation work for such trades.
Design Flexibility
Because of its strength, steel can span greater distances offering larger
open spaces and increased design fl exibility without requiring
intermediate columns or load bearing walls. For instance, an opening in a
fl oor can be created by removing the desired number of steel beams with
minimal hacking.
Such flexibility also extends to drywalls. Remodeling can be easily
accomplished with non-load bearing drywalls. They can be readily
relocated, removed or altered. Because studs are attached with screws,
they can be moved easily to ensure accurate attachment of wall board and
other components. This fl exibility is very useful as home and offi ce lay-
outs need to be changed over the useful life of the building.
Better Construction Quality
Steel sections and joists are all manufactured according to international
standards of strength and consistency under closely controlled factory
conditions, resulting in uniform quality. No reworking is necessary at site.
Steel does not suffer from creep or shrinkage and when properly
protected, does not rot or decay.
The other prefabricated components like drywalls are manufactured in
factory under stringent quality control. The walls will always be straight
and smooth without the need of plastering.
Speed
Steel buildings can be erected in much shorter time as compared to
concrete buildings. Time saving in the construction period can be up to
40%.

Minimal disruption
Steel construction can dramatically reduce the impact of building activities
on the surrounding area. This is particularly important in city locations or
sites close to residential areas. Steel construction minimises noise and
dust, shortens the construction period and reduces waste generation.
Buildability
 Much of the components for a steel framed building are pre-fabricated
and pre-assembled in the factory. This reduces the amount of site work
and increases the quality and precision of the site installation works.
Environmentally Friendly
Steel offers a clean, efficient and rapid construction method, which
reduces the impact of building activities on the environment.
All steel products are 100% recyclable. Today, around 40% of steel is
produced from recycled materials.

2. Recycling of Waste Materials

To enhance sustainability in the construction industry, wastes can be
turned into resources to reduce disposal problems in Singapore. A few types of
waste are being studied, such as incinerator ashes from domestic refuse, spent
copper slag fi nes which are residue from sand blasting and waste concrete from
construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) of old buildings.
Copper Slag
The application of copper slag in non-structural components like partition
walls and road has proven its efficiency as a sand replacement. For structural
usage, the use of copper slag as partial replacement of sand in concrete is
allowed for up to 10% by mass. Tests have to be conducted to ensure that
chloride and sulphate contents in the slag are within the allowable limits. Further
research is necessary if the percentage replacement for sand is to be increased.
The technology and process will involve the treatment and re-constitution of the
spent copper slag to satisfy all the requirements for its use in making concrete.

CRD Waste
Concrete from construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) of old
buildings can be recycled. However, there is difficulty in separating the stone,
known as aggregate, from the cement for reuse in new structural concrete
components. The cement-coated old concrete may weaken the new concrete if it
is not treated properly. There are new technologies around the world to separate
the old cement from the waste concrete. The local researchers are currently
conducting studies for local usage. Nevertheless, the use of waste concrete for
non-structural concrete components such as partition walls, road kerbs, paving
blocks are possible. Such application has been proven to be efficient and
economical.
Incinerator Ash
Singapore faces an unique challenge due to our limited land area and high
rate of waste generation. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is generated everyday
and the waste is disposed of by incineration. Incinerator ash or the MSW ash is
 the residual from the combustion of domestic waste. It is expected to have a
variety of chemical species, some of which may pose environmental problems if
it is not disposed off properly.
A project is being carried out to recycle the ash into an aggregate product
using a technology which has been used in various countries including the United
States, Taiwan and Bermuda. The technology for processing the ash involved
proprietary systems to remove ferrous and non-ferrous metals, screening,
removing unburned materials, and treatment to mobilise certain heavy metals.
The aggregate product has been tested to be non-hazardous and is safe for use.
It has been used in diverse applications such as trench and backfill, shore
protection, land reclamation, concrete block, base and sub-base for road
construction.
SOURCE:
https://www.bca.gov.sg/SustainableConstruction/others/sc_materials_book.pdf

GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS

1. Earth
If you want to build with walls of rammed earth or adobe, the great advantage is
that the material is abundant, free and doesn't have to be transported to the job
site. The downside is that you'll have a hard time finding specialized craftsmen
who know how to build with dirt.
 Countries including China, Peru and New Zealand actually account for this type
of building in their codes, but the United States has not established codes for
building from the earth.

2. Vacuum Insulation Panel

In a 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) panel, the vacuum insulation panel (VIP) provides

as much as seven times the insulating protection as traditional products [source:
NAHB Research Center]. This technology may well be the ultimate insulation
panel. However, it's currently only available for commercial industrial refrigeration
and specialized container systems.

The VIP looks like something out of the old NASA films about spacecraft
technology. It's a textured silver rectangle that holds a core panel enclosed in an
airtight envelope. Manufacturers can make the panels in any size.

The National Association of Home Builders reports that the biggest installation
problem is the panel's fragile surface, which has to be encased in a protective
covering. The association is working with The Dow Chemical Company, the chief
manufacturer of the product, to make the panels available as insulation for attics
in future residential construction.

3. Low-E Windows

The "E" in low-E stands for emissivity, and a clear coating of metallic oxide on
these windows keeps the heat inside the house in the winter and outside in the
summer.

Typically, this coating is used on external storm windows in houses that don't
have double-pane windows. The technology comes in soft coatings and hard
coatings. The soft coatings go between layers of glass, while the hard coatings
go on the outside.

The cost is about 10 to 15 percent more than clear glass storm windows, but they
definitely have benefits: They can reduce heat flow through the glass by half, and
that will help reduce heating costs by 10 to 20 percent.

4. Recycled Wood/Plastic Composite Lumber

According to the National Association of Home Builders, this 50-50 combination

of wood fibers and waste plastics is more durable and less toxic than
conventional treated lumber. The material is also more rigid than pure plastic
lumber because the wood fibers add extra strength.
While it's more resistant to mold and rot, the composite lumber is more rigid in
the cold and more pliable in the heat than plastic lumber. It's also significantly
more expensive than conventional treated lumber products.
5. Structural Insulated Panels

SIPs are made from a layer of foam insulation that's sandwiched between pieces
of plywood, strand board or cement panels.
By some estimates, SIPs save 50 percent in energy costs over houses built from
conventional materials [source: NAHB Research Center]. But some people think
they're ugly, and architects generally don't have much experience using the
material.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the material is fire
resistant, and it can be used for foundations, floors, basements and load-bearing
walls. And as to the aesthetic issues, the association's research notes that the
surfaces can be given finished looks, such as wood grain or stucco. Siding,
bricks and stone can be installed on the panels, too.

6. Cool Roofing
The Cool Roof Rating Council explains it like this: If you want to stay cool on a hot
day, it's better to wear a white T-shirt than a black one because it reflects rather than
absorbs heat. A cool roof is like that white T-shirt: It reflects heat from the sun and
stays cooler, thus transferring less heat into the building.

In the past, the roofing materials themselves needed to be light-colored for this
concept to work. But new treatments allow consumers to choose darker materials
that will reflect heat back into the atmosphere, as well.

7. Plant-based Polyurethane Rigid Foam

The so-called rigid foam is used in insulation, wind turbine blades, furniture and, of
course, surfboards.

When used as insulation, the foam offers high moisture and heat resistance,
excellent acoustics and protection against mold and pests. It also has a higher R-
value than fiberglass or polystyrene, meaning that it has a higher thermal resistance
and insulates better [source: Malama Composites].

8. Insulating Concrete Forms

The Portland Cement Association, one of the top makers of concrete forms, defines
them as "cast-in-place concrete walls that are sandwiched between two layers of
insulation material." Concrete is poured into forms that serve as insulation layers and
remain in place as a permanent part of the structure. The technology is used in
freestanding walls and building blocks.
An industry-funded study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology issued a
report in late 2010 that said buildings made from insulated concrete forms saved 20
percent over the energy consumed by wood-frame buildings in cold climates.
9. Recycled Steel

According to the SRI, builders are simplifying the framing process by ordering
customized steel beams and panels to fit each specific design. The SRI touts the
durability of steel in areas subject to high winds and earthquakes. Further, it reports
that while a 2,000-square-foot (186-square-meter) house requires 40 or 50 trees to
build, a frame from recycled steel would require no more than the material that
comes from six scrapped cars.
At least 65 tons (59 metric tons) of scrap steel are recycled every year. Recycling
scrap reduces the energy produced in making the steel by 75 percent, and it saves
space in landfills as well [source: Steel Recycling Institute].

10. Bamboo

Bamboo might seem trendy, but it has actually been a locally-sourced building
material in some regions of the world for millennia. What makes bamboo such a
promising building material for modern buildings is its combination of tensile strength,
light weight, and fast-growing renewable nature. Used for framing buildings and
shelters, bamboo can replace expensive and heavy imported materials and provide
an alternative to concrete and rebar construction, especially in difficult-to reach areas,
post-disaster rebuilding, and low-income areas with access to natural locally-sourced
bamboo.

11. Wood

Plain old wood still retains many advantages over more industrial building materials
like concrete or steel. Not only do trees absorb CO2 as they grow, they require much
less energy-intensive methods to process into construction products. Properly
managed forests are also renewable and can ensure a biodiverse habitat.

12. AshCrete

AshCrete is a concrete alternative that uses fly ash instead of traditional cement. By
using fly ash, a by-product of burning coal, 97 percent of traditional components in
concrete can be replaced with recycled material.

SOURCE:
https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/green/10-
cutting-edge-building-materials1.htm
https://inhabitat.com/11-green-building-materials-that-are-way-better-than-
concrete/