How Local Sourcing Affects Sustainable Building
Using sustainable materials in building design is important, especially when we think about renewable and recycled options. The availability of these materials close to a project site can affect both the environment and how doable the project is. Let’s break down the benefits and challenges of local sourcing.
Less Pollution from Transportation: Using materials that are sourced nearby means less pollution from transporting them. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory says that transportation can create more than 10% of the harmful gases from construction. If materials come from within 500 miles, we can cut those emissions by up to 50%.
Boosting Local Economies: When builders choose local materials, it helps local businesses. The National Association of Home Builders reports that for every 585,000 stays in the community. This spending helps create jobs and support local growth.
Wood: Locally sourced wood is a great renewable building material. The Forest Stewardship Council says that by practicing sustainable forestry, we can produce 2.7 billion cubic meters of renewable wood each year around the world. This ensures a steady supply if sourced responsibly.
Recycled Materials: Recycling also plays a big role in finding sustainable materials. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mentioned that in 2018, about 35% of materials from construction and demolition were recycled. This means over 600 million tons of waste were kept out of landfills.
Limited Material Options: Sometimes, certain areas may not have good sustainable materials. For example, in deserts, there are fewer choices for eco-friendly landscaping. A survey by the U.S. Green Building Council found that 72% of architects said the lack of available materials is a huge barrier to using more sustainable options.
Higher Prices: While getting materials locally can save on transportation, some local sustainable materials can cost more. A report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that green materials might be 10-30% more expensive than regular materials, which can stop some projects from moving forward.
In short, local availability and sourcing have a big impact on how renewable and recycled materials are used in building design. By focusing on local materials, architects can help the environment and support the community. However, there are challenges like limited choices and higher costs that need to be dealt with.
How Local Sourcing Affects Sustainable Building
Using sustainable materials in building design is important, especially when we think about renewable and recycled options. The availability of these materials close to a project site can affect both the environment and how doable the project is. Let’s break down the benefits and challenges of local sourcing.
Less Pollution from Transportation: Using materials that are sourced nearby means less pollution from transporting them. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory says that transportation can create more than 10% of the harmful gases from construction. If materials come from within 500 miles, we can cut those emissions by up to 50%.
Boosting Local Economies: When builders choose local materials, it helps local businesses. The National Association of Home Builders reports that for every 585,000 stays in the community. This spending helps create jobs and support local growth.
Wood: Locally sourced wood is a great renewable building material. The Forest Stewardship Council says that by practicing sustainable forestry, we can produce 2.7 billion cubic meters of renewable wood each year around the world. This ensures a steady supply if sourced responsibly.
Recycled Materials: Recycling also plays a big role in finding sustainable materials. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mentioned that in 2018, about 35% of materials from construction and demolition were recycled. This means over 600 million tons of waste were kept out of landfills.
Limited Material Options: Sometimes, certain areas may not have good sustainable materials. For example, in deserts, there are fewer choices for eco-friendly landscaping. A survey by the U.S. Green Building Council found that 72% of architects said the lack of available materials is a huge barrier to using more sustainable options.
Higher Prices: While getting materials locally can save on transportation, some local sustainable materials can cost more. A report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that green materials might be 10-30% more expensive than regular materials, which can stop some projects from moving forward.
In short, local availability and sourcing have a big impact on how renewable and recycled materials are used in building design. By focusing on local materials, architects can help the environment and support the community. However, there are challenges like limited choices and higher costs that need to be dealt with.