1:In modern school design, it’s likely there will be a need to use materials that provide additional strength
and structural support, and with traditional building methods, these are typically metal and wood. The
former is undeniably a better long-term choice for durability and strength, yet wood is often more
affordable - although not in terms of the cost of forest degradation. A great alternative is to use recycled
metal instead that not only reduces the energy consumption and air pollution involved in the metal
production process, but also decreases over harvesting of trees, landfill waste and natural ore mining.
2: There are various ways recycled glass can be used as a building material. For example, as a
construction aggregate to strengthen the composite of other building materials like glass building blocks,
window panes or even as a decorative feature, creating glass tiles or splashbacks. As a durable and wipeclean material that can be recycled many times without affecting its quality, it makes an ideal building
material for areas where cleanliness and hygiene are crucial.
3:With some conventional building materials full of harmful chemicals and pollutants, sourcing natural
construction materials like bamboo will give you peace of mind, as this is a non-toxic and eco-friendly
material. As a fast-growing plant that can be grown almost anywhere, bamboo is highly sustainable and
minimises the environmental impacts of transportation. Furthermore, as a building material, it’s
incredibly versatile and strong, making it suitable for use in various guises, from structural elements to
aesthetic features.
4:Another popular natural construction material is cork, which offers numerous benefits for schools
looking to become more eco-friendly. Harvested from the bark of living cork oak trees that can live over
250 years, it’s a brilliant material to work with and highly sustainable, as one tree can be harvested
multiple times. With excellent thermal insulation, non-slip resistance, and impermeability, it’s hard
wearing and safe, making it the perfect choice for flooring and insulation and increasing a building’s
energy efficiency in the process.
5:If you prefer to use traditional building materials, then it’s still possible to do so in an eco-friendly way
with reclaimed or recycled bricks. Salvaged from building de-construction or recycled from other
buildings, bricks comprise of four common natural components that are readily available - oxygen, silica,
iron and alumina. Sustainable, natural, reusable and renewable, as well as very durable, they are still a
‘go-to’ building material for all kinds of construction.