Are Recycled Building Materials the Future of Sustainable Construction?
Sustainable construction has steadily become increasingly standard practice for many contractors over the last decade, especially those focusing heavily on reducing waste by going green and building smarter.
Recycled building materials have been a significant contributing factor to sustainable building. Whilst they’ve been marketed as eco-friendly aggregates that are better for the planet, are they the future of sustainable construction?
Materials like crushed aggregates and reclaimed wood cut waste and conserve resources, leading to less landfill waste and raw material extraction. But not everyone is convinced of their efficacy, and some contractors stick with the tried and tested materials, even if they’re more expensive.
While green building materials can reduce environmental impact, non-recycled materials also still come with their own set of unique advantages. Though this isn’t always the case, traditional materials often provide greater reliability and performance over time.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various benefits of adopting sustainable building solutions and how recycled building materials could shape the future of sustainable construction.
The Rise of Recycled Building Materials
For a long time, it was normal for construction companies to use traditional materials like virgin concrete, steel, wood, and timber. Green building materials weren’t a popular option, as contractors believed that virgin materials were more reliable for their projects.
Fresh materials were easy to source, and contractors were simply too accustomed to using them. Performance-wise, contractors knew exactly what they were signing up for when they bought new materials that weren’t recycled.
There were also concerns about recycled materials’ quality, availability, and consistency, so the industry stuck with what worked.
Over time, recycled materials have become an ever hotter topic of conversation, particularly as construction companies keep up with ever evolving compliance requirements.
Recycled materials offered clear benefits that were hard to overlook, and the construction industry started to investigate and understand how repurposed materials could work for their projects.
Benefits of Using Recycled Building Materials
It’s now relatively common for contractors to use recycled materials like crushed concrete and crushed asphalt in their projects. These materials have proven beneficial to both construction companies and the environment.
Some of the key benefits of using recycled materials in construction projects are:
1. Cost Efficiency
Recycled materials are usually cheaper than their traditional counterparts. They can be a practical solution if you need to save money when you’re buying aggregates and have a tight budget to stick to.
If you choose a local supplier for recycled aggregates, you can also cut down on transportation costs, which benefits the environment as well.
2. Green Certifications
Green construction materials can also help you secure green certifications. With sustainability only becoming a greater requirement, green certifications are now more valuable than ever. What’s more, you’ll be able to present your brand as reliable and responsible by demonstrating that you care about the environment.
3. Versatility
Recycled materials are versatile. They can be used for different kinds of construction and are rarely wasted. Roads, buildings, and landscapes are some of the many applications that can be constructed with recycled aggregates. The best part is that you can expect similar durability to traditional aggregates but at lower costs.
4. Resource Efficiency
Recycling saves raw materials. There’s no need to extract more when there’s already enough. Fewer materials end up where they shouldn’t, leading to reduced landfill waste.
The Future of Recycled Building Materials
Given the many benefits of recycled materials, you may think that they’re a clear winner. But there’s a reason why traditional aggregates are still being dominantly used for projects.
The future of construction is complex. It’s not as black and white as “recycled vs. traditional”. Instead, a combination of these materials may be needed for the best results.
In some projects, reliability might be the top priority. Given that fresh materials like concrete and steel guarantee consistent quality, they’re ideal for structures that demand maximum strength and durability.
Comparably, recycled aggregates can be a great fit in projects that allow for some material variability. They support sustainable building and can be sourced at lower costs, making them best suited for slightly less demanding applications.
So while recycled materials are great for sustainability purposes, non-recycled aggregates aren’t going anywhere either. You’ll need to use both options together in a balanced way to ensure the highest quality of your build.
Contact Middleton Aggregates For Recycled Aggregates
Both traditional materials and recycled ones are here to stay. They both have their place, and the key is finding the right balance. You’ve got to strategically make a choice that works for your project and the planet.
If you’re thinking about using recycled building materials for your next project, Middleton Aggregates can help. Our crushed aggregates, such as crushed concrete, crushed gravel, and crushed brick, are available to support your sustainability efforts.
We supply a wide range of durable aggregates and fill materials for various construction and landscaping projects. You can also make use of our plant hire service to meet all your construction needs.
Operating from Blackborough End, King’s Lynn, we serve Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and the wider UK. For any questions you may have, our team of industry experts is on hand to provide you with the best advice.
For more information on our products and services, visit our website or contact us to find out more.
