Using sustainable resources for building materials is becoming increasingly popular.  Eco-friendly supplies help to preserve the environment and, in turn, reduce our carbon footprints. The follow are five popular choices of materials that can help transform both domestic and commercial buildings into ecological triumphs.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo has a quick growth rate taking about 3 – 5 years to fully grow, whereas traditional hardwood flooring takes 20 – 120 years. Bamboo doesn’t need to be replanted as the root is left intact when the plant is harvested making bamboo an ideal renewable source for flooring. As a material it is strong, durable and looks great meaning bamboo truly offers the best of both worlds.

Cotton and Denim Batt Insulation

Insulation is important when creating an eco-friendly building as insulators conserve energy. Cotton and denim are now being used for insulation as they can be recycled from industry scrap meaning they are more sustainable than traditional options. They don’t need formaldehyde or other toxic substances, unlike the more traditional insulator, fibreglass, and don’t emit harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Photovoltaic Roofing 

Poor quality roofing with bad insulation can contribute to unnecessary loss of energy. Photovoltaic roof tiles can replace your roof tiles, or be integrated with the ones you already have. They offer all the advantages of traditional roof tiles while also incorporating solar panels. This allows you to harness energy from the sunlight and reduce your energy bill, as well as your carbon footprint. And because of the seamlessness of their appearance, you can hardly tell they’re there.

Ecological Concrete

Concrete can be made more environmentally friendly by adding recycled materials added to the cement mixture. These include old concrete, crushed glass, slag, some plastics and recycled wood chips which can all help to make concrete more ecological by reducing waste and the amount of raw materials used.

Low VOC Paint

The strong smell from paint, almost like glue, is a result of volatile organic compounds. Long exposure to these VOCs can cause unpleasant symptoms for those with allergies or sensitivities. Paints with low VOC are not only better for air quality, but are more environmentally friendly as they are water based rather than oil based. Look for the Green Seal of approval for the most ecological paints.

If you’re looking to make your home or offices more eco-friendly, then Metrotile’s innovative photovoltaic roof tiles can instantly improve your carbon footprint. For more information on our lightweight roofing, please call 01249 658514 or fill in our contact form and we will respond quickly.