Green Building Materials and Products

This chapter explores the definition of a green material and natural versus synthetic materials. It also discusses low-emitting materials such as adhesives and sealants, the harmful effects of toxins, and the potential impact that building materials have on the environment. Characteristics of various flooring systems such as carpet, PVC/vinyl, cork, bamboo, earthen, building materials, and tile are explored. Building elements such as windows, gypsum wall board (drywall), siding, roofing (including green roofs), and wood products (e.g., MDF) are investigated. The reader is then introduced to advanced framing techniques, structural insulated panels (SIPs), insulated concrete forms (ICFs), and concrete applications. A number of green strategies are outlined (facilitates achieving LEED® credits) such as material reuse, construction waste management (to minimize materials going to landfills), material recycling, regional materials, rapidly renewable materials (bamboo, cork, insulation, linoleum, straw bales, wheatboard, wool, etc.), and straw-bale construction. In addition, the importance of using green office equipment that is ENERGY STAR® certified is emphasized. The purpose of forest certification and certified wood is explained as is life cycle assessment (LCA, also known as life-cycle analysis) of building materials and products.