Enscape rendering of a modern school building with wooden facades and students walking into the building with their bicycles.
Jane Marsh

Jane Marsh

Last updated: September 19, 2025  •  20 min read

Top sustainable building materials for an eco-friendly future

Summary:

  • Eco-friendly materials, like bamboo, hempcrete, recycled sttel, and reclaimed wood, reduce environmental impact by being renewable, recyclable, or carbon-negative.
  • Sustainability is evaluated across the full life cycle: harvesting and/or production , usage, durability, and disposal or ruse.
  • Certifications and tools help architects and builders choose sustainable materials and verify their green credentials.
  • There are barriers like upfront costs, supply limitations, and industry inertia, but there are are incentives, evolving building codes, and education are helping overcome them.

 

Sustainable building materials are products made and used in ways that reduce harm to the environment, conserve natural resources and support healthier, longer-lasting buildings.

 

Table of contents

Introduction to sustainable building materials

The sustainability of a building material goes beyond just being “eco-friendly.” Truly sustainable items meet specific criteria that ensure their impact is minimal across their entire life cycle, from production to disposal.

Key attributes of sustainable materials

Sustainable materials are renewable, recyclable, have a low energy footprint and are nontoxic. They come from sources that can regenerate quickly, cause minimal pollution and pose no harm to human health, reducing environmental impact throughout their lives.

In the bigger picture, they are vital to climate mitigation because the construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions and resource depletion. By choosing materials that require less energy to manufacture, transport and maintain, builders can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Some materials, like responsibly harvested timber or bio-based composites, even act as carbon sinks, locking in carbon dioxide absorbed during their growth.

Construction accounts for approximately 40% of energy-related carbon emissions globally, making adopting sustainable materials a powerful lever for reducing the industry’s footprint. Beyond emissions, these materials promote resource efficiency by lowering waste, supporting recycling and reducing demand for energy-intensive raw extraction.

Integrating them into design and building practices makes individual structures more eco-friendly and contributes to healthier cities, resilient communities and a more sustainable built environment overall.

Why sustainability in construction matters

Sustainability in construction matters because traditional building materials like concrete and steel use a lot of energy to produce, create heavy pollution and deplete natural resources. The industry also generates massive amounts of waste. Sustainable alternatives can lower pollution, cut carbon emissions and reduce the amount of materials ending up in landfills.

Principles of sustainable material use

Using sustainable materials is not just about choosing greener products, it’s about applying principles that guide responsible decisions throughout a building’s life cycle.

One key principle is resource renewability. Materials should come from sources that can naturally regenerate, such as bamboo, cork or responsibly managed timber. Pairing this with local sourcing reduces transportation emissions and supports regional economies. Recyclability is equally important, ensuring that materials can be reused or repurposed instead of ending up as waste.

Another principle is life cycle thinking. This means looking beyond a material's initial use to consider its entire journey, from production to disposal. Choosing materials with high durability reduces the need for replacements, while paying attention to embodied energy, the total that's used to produce and transport them, helps minimize a project’s carbon footprint.

Materials should be designed for reuse, recycling or safe biodegradation at the end of their service life. This will keep resources in circulation and reduce strain on the planet.

Together, these principles ensure that construction materials meet immediate needs and support long-term environmental responsibility.

Green building standards and regulations

Green building standards provide clear frameworks for creating environmentally responsible and healthy structures. Certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and WELL offer guidance for evaluating materials based on sustainability criteria. 

These certifications consider factors like energy efficiency, material sourcing, waste reduction and indoor air quality, making it easier for architects and builders to choose materials that align with green building standards.

They also emphasize material transparency through tools like environmental product declarations (EPDs) and health product declarations (HPDs), which disclose materials' ecological and health impacts. Additionally, thresholds for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions help ensure healthier indoor environments, protecting both occupants and workers.

As awareness of climate change grows, so does the urgency to adopt eco-friendly building materials that reduce environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency. Selecting sustainable materials is crucial for minimizing construction's ecological footprint and improving the longevity of buildings.

Digital tools like Enscape Impact can be used for building performance analysis and can give architects access to insights that make sustainable design goals achievable by evaluating energy savings attained and the environmental benefits of building materials.

Natural and bio-based building materials

Earth-based and traditional materials

  • Adobe

Adobe is a traditional building material made from a mixture of earth, water and organic fibers such as straw, formed into bricks and dried in the sun. Its thick walls provide excellent thermal performance, absorbing heat during the day and slowly releasing it at night, which helps stabilize indoor temperatures.

This makes adobe especially well-suited to hot, arid regions where daytime and nighttime temperatures fluctuate dramatically. Because adobe relies on locally available soil and natural additives, it is affordable, accessible and deeply tied to the cultural heritage of many communities.

  • Cob

Cob is created by blending subsoil, water, straw and sometimes lime into a thick, clay-rich mixture that can be shaped by hand. It is naturally breathable, allowing moisture to pass through and reducing issues like mold while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Cob also offers solid thermal mass, keeping interiors cooler in the heat and warmer in cold weather. Its reliance on local soils and agricultural by-products makes it a sustainable option in rural areas, while its sculptural flexibility gives builders the freedom to create structures that reflect regional identity and craftsmanship.

  • Rammed earth

Rammed earth walls are made by compacting layers of soil, clay, and sometimes stabilizers like lime or cement into durable, solid forms. Their high thermal mass allows them to absorb and store heat, keeping interiors cool in hot climates and warmer in cooler seasons with minimal mechanical heating or cooling.

Rammed earth also provides excellent sound insulation and a striking, natural aesthetic. The technique uses locally available soil, reducing transportation impacts and reinforcing the value of building with materials that reflect the land and climate of a specific region.

Green roof systems

Green roofs consist of soil and vegetation and offer urban spaces several environmental benefits. They reduce rooftop heat, manage stormwater and support biodiversity. They can lower energy costs and promote cleaner air, creating healthier living environments in cities.

Enscape rendering of a bird's eye view of a green roof with vegetation and solar panels.

Green roof with vegetation and solar panels

Fast-renewable plant-based materials

  • Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable material, ready to be harvested in just three to five years, which is much quicker than conventional timber. It's known for its strength and durability and is ideal for flooring, cabinetry and even structural support. It's versatile, cost-effective and helps prevent deforestation, offering a sturdy yet sustainable alternative in construction.

Building facade made out of bamboo on top of a hill.

Great (Bamboo) Wall by Kengo Kuma, Beijing, China

ぷくぷく - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

  • Hempcrete

Hempcrete is made from the inner woody core of hemp plants and is a lightweight, breathable and carbon-sequestering material ideal for walls and insulation. It absorbs carbon dioxide as it cures, making it carbon-negative. Additionally, hempcrete offers excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, helping regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.

  • Straw bale

Straw bales, an excellent natural insulator, are typically used for walls in energy-efficient homes. They have a high thermal performance and help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling needs. This renewable resource is biodegradable and cost-effective, making it an eco-conscious choice.

Straw bales filling up a wall before installing formwork of a building.

GREB wall filling before installing formwork

Approchepaille - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Emerging innovations

  • Mycelium

Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, has gained attention as an alternative to traditional construction materials. This lightweight, carbon-negative material is grown rather than manufactured, requiring minimal energy to produce. Mycelium can be molded into various shapes, offering flexibility for structural or foundational uses.

It also has natural fire-resistant and insulating properties, making it suitable for safer, energy-efficient buildings. Mycelium can biodegrade completely at the end of its life cycle, supporting circular construction and reducing long-term waste.

  • Algae-based plants

Algae-based panels are created from rapidly renewable algae biomass, which can be processed into biopolymer materials or integrated into translucent panels. These panels are renewable and can also absorb carbon dioxide during growth, enhancing their environmental benefits.

Structurally, they can be used in facades, shading systems or interior wall panels while offering unique design aesthetics. Their potential for recycling and biodegradability supports circular construction models, making them a promising substitute for petroleum-based materials.

  • Bioplastics

Bioplastics are derived from renewable plant sources such as corn, sugarcane or algae instead of fossil fuels. They can be engineered for different levels of strength and flexibility, making them suitable for a range of applications, from finishes and fixtures to lightweight structural elements.

Unlike conventional plastics, many bioplastics are compostable or recyclable, helping close material loops and reduce plastic pollution. Their adaptability and circular potential position them as an eco-friendly replacement for traditional synthetic plastics in construction.

  • Composites

Sustainable composites combine natural fibers, such as hemp, flax or recycled cellulose, with bio-based resins to create lightweight yet durable materials. These composites can be used structurally in wall panels, flooring systems or even modular building components, offering strength comparable to conventional materials but with a lower carbon footprint.

Their design flexibility, coupled with the possibility of recycling or biodegrading at end-of-life, makes them valuable in advancing circular construction practices.

Recycled, reclaimed, and waste-derived materials

Recycled steel

Steel is infinitely recyclable, making it a prime choice for sustainable construction. Recycled steel is highly durable and structurally sound, suitable for everything from commercial buildings to residential homes. This material also reduces demand for newly mined steel, conserving energy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood repurposes lumber from old buildings, barns or other sources, reducing the demand for new timber. Each piece of reclaimed lumber carries unique character, adding rustic charm to any space. Beyond aesthetics, using reclaimed wood cuts down on waste and helps conserve forest resources.

Interior of the MASS MoCA Building 6 in Massachusetts, USA.

MASS MoCA Building 6 (Robert W. Wilson Building) with salvaged original wood floring

Bruner/Cott & Associates Archello.com

Ferrock

Ferrock is a unique composite material made from recycled steel and iron dust, providing a durable, eco-friendly alternative to concrete. This material is carbon-negative, as it absorbs carbon dioxide during its curing process. Its strength and resilience make it a viable option for projects that require heavy-duty, sustainable construction materials.

Reclaimed timber and engineered wood

  • Mass timber

Mass timber refers to a category of large, solid wood panels engineered for strength and stability, often used as an alternative to steel or concrete in structural applications. It is valued for being lightweight yet strong, reducing construction time through prefabrication.

As a renewable material that stores carbon throughout its life, mass timber significantly lowers a building’s environmental footprint. It also provides natural warmth and aesthetic appeal while delivering reliable fire resistance and excellent thermal performance, making it a key player in sustainable construction.

  • CLT

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a high-strength, engineered wood product, typically created by stacking and gluing layers of wood in alternating directions. The result is a sturdy, carbon-negative material that's increasingly used in mid to high-rise buildings. CLT also boasts excellent insulation properties, making it suitable for sustainable and energy-efficient structures.

Recycled aggregates and concrete

  • Crushed concrete reuse

Crushed concrete from demolition waste can be repurposed as aggregate for new concrete, road base or fill material. This reduces the need for virgin stone, lowers landfill waste, and cuts transportation emissions by reusing materials on-site or locally.

  • Geopolymer cements

Geopolymer cements are made from industrial byproducts like fly ash or slag instead of traditional limestone. They produce far fewer carbon emissions than conventional cement, offer high durability and can be used in structural applications ranging from precast panels to infrastructure projects.

Post-consumer reuse

  • Recycled plastics

Recycled plastic building blocks are an innovative solution to construction and waste management challenges. They are made from repurposed plastic waste and are durable, affordable and versatile, allowing them to be used in various building applications. 

By utilizing plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills, this material helps divert waste and supports environmental sustainability. For efficient landfill management, equipment like loaders can be used to gather and process plastic waste for recycling, reinforcing the cycle of converting discarded materials into valuable building products.

Corridor wall inside a corporate building made of recycled plastic, an Enscape material available in the Material Editor.

Recycled plastics material used on wall

  • Fabric or textile waste as insulation

Insulation made from recycled fabric and textile waste gives discarded clothing and manufacturing scraps a second life in construction. These fibers are treated, processed, and compacted into insulation panels or batts that provide excellent thermal and acoustic performance.

Beyond improving energy efficiency, fabric-based insulation is lightweight, breathable and nontoxic, making it safer to handle compared to some conventional insulation materials. By repurposing textile waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, this solution reduces environmental impact while offering a cost-effective and sustainable option for modern buildings.

Industrial waste byproducts

  • Fly ash

Fly ash is a fine powder produced as a by-product of coal combustion in power plants. When used as a partial substitute for cement in concrete, it improves strength and durability while significantly lowering carbon emissions. Its reuse also helps divert large amounts of industrial waste from landfills.

  • Slag

Slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing, can be ground into a powder and used as a cement replacement in concrete. It enhances durability, resists chemical attack and reduces the overall carbon footprint of construction. Utilizing slag supports circular use of industrial byproducts in building materials.

  • Glass cullet

Glass cullet consists of recycled glass fragments that can be melted and reformed into new glass products or used as aggregate in concrete and asphalt. It improves thermal and acoustic performance while reducing demand for virgin sand and raw materials. Repurposing glass cullet cuts landfill waste and supports closed-loop recycling.

High-performance sustainable materials

Low-carbon concrete

Concrete production is traditionally high in carbon emissions, but low-carbon concrete formulas incorporate industrial waste products like fly ash or blast furnace slag, significantly reducing the carbon footprint. Low-carbon concrete offers comparable strength to conventional concrete, making it suitable for foundations and infrastructure while supporting sustainable construction.

High-efficiency window glazing

High-efficiency window glazing improves insulation, reducing energy loss by minimizing heat transfer through windows. These windows allow natural light to enter while keeping interiors warm in winter and cool in summer, enhancing energy efficiency and keeping carbon footprint low. 

Low-carbon and carbon-sequestering concrete

  • LC3

Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) replaces a large portion of clinker, the most carbon-intensive part of cement, with a blend of limestone and calcined clay. This significantly lowers CO₂ emissions while maintaining comparable strength and performance. Its production also makes use of abundant, widely available raw materials.

  • Carbon capture concrete

Carbon capture concrete incorporates carbon dioxide directly into the curing process, where it mineralizes and becomes permanently stored within the material. This strengthens the concrete and reduces its overall carbon footprint. Locking away carbon turns a traditionally high-emission material into a tool for climate mitigation.

Advanced natural insulation

  • Cork

Cork is a renewable material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It's naturally insulating, lightweight and fire-resistant, making it well-suited for flooring and wall panels. Harvesting cork doesn't harm the tree, making it a highly sustainable choice. Plus, it's an excellent sound absorber, contributing to a quieter indoor environment.

  • Sheep wool

Sheep wool is a naturally renewable and biodegradable resource that provides excellent insulation for walls and attics. Wool regulates humidity, naturally repels pests and doesn't release harmful chemicals, making it a healthy and eco-friendly insulation option that performs well in diverse climates.

  • Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products, primarily newsprint, that is treated for fire and pest resistance. It provides strong thermal performance, is cost-effective and diverts significant waste from landfills.

  • Phase-change materials

Phase-change materials absorb and release heat as they shift between solid and liquid states, helping regulate indoor temperatures. They are integrated into walls or panels and reduce heating and cooling demands, boosting energy efficiency.

Smart and adaptive materials

  • Self-healing polymers

Self-healing polymers are advanced materials designed to repair small cracks or surface damage without human intervention. They extend components' lifespans, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing material waste. This makes them especially valuable in applications where durability and resilience are critical.

  • Reactive facades

Reactive facades are building exteriors that respond to environmental changes such as sunlight, temperature or air quality. They can adjust shading, ventilation or insulation properties in real time, improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort. These systems turn a building’s skin into an active participant in sustainable performance.

  • Thermochromics

Thermochromic materials shift color in response to temperature changes, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. In construction, they can help manage heat gain by reflecting more sunlight when it’s hot and absorbing heat when it’s cooler. This adaptability reduces reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems.

Hybrid and composite innovations

  • Bio-fiber reinforced polymers

Bio-fiber reinforced polymers combine natural fibers such as hemp, flax or jute with bio-based or synthetic resins. They deliver high strength-to-weight ratios while lowering reliance on fossil-fuel-based materials. These composites are lightweight, durable and recyclable, making them useful for panels, cladding and structural components.

  • Recycled-carbon composites

Recycled-carbon composites are made from reclaimed carbon fiber waste, which is processed and re-bonded into new composite materials. They retain much of the strength and stiffness of virgin carbon fiber while cutting energy use and costs. Their reuse supports circular construction by diverting high-value materials from landfills into new structural and architectural applications.

Implementation and future directions

How to choose the right material

A material's sustainability is best assessed through its life cycle, from production to disposal. A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates the energy and resources used at every stage, from extraction to manufacturing, transportation, usage and end-of-life disposal. Sustainable materials have a minimal impact across their life cycle, promoting long-term environmental health.

When making these evaluations, it’s also important to distinguish between embodied energy and operational energy. Operational energy refers to the power a building uses during its lifetime for heating, cooling and daily operation. Balancing both considerations ensures that material choices look sustainable on paper and perform efficiently in practice.

Each project has unique goals, so selecting materials that align with those objectives is essential for maximizing the positive impact. Evaluating factors like insulation, resilience, and appearance can help tailor material choices to meet design and sustainability goals.

Match materials with project goals

Understanding the goals of a construction project is essential in selecting materials. For instance, projects focused on insulation might benefit from materials like sheep's wool, while those emphasizing aesthetics may prefer reclaimed wood. Ensuring a cohesive, sustainable building design requires aligning materials with durability, insulation and aesthetic needs.

Two colleagues in the office, collaborating on an architectural project, using Ensacpe and having their project on the monitor.

Economic and practical realities

Despite the advantages, sustainable material adoption faces barriers, such as higher initial costs, limited availability and resistance to change within the industry. Upfront expenses can make green alternatives seem less attractive compared to conventional materials, but many options offer long-term savings through durability, lower maintenance and reduced energy use.

In addition, sourcing challenges, such as regional availability or supply chain gaps, can affect cost and project timelines, requiring careful planning and local solutions. However, several strategies have proven effective in overcoming these obstacles. 

Government incentives, such as tax breaks and grants, encourage builders to opt for sustainable materials. Building codes are also evolving to prioritize sustainability, setting minimum standards that require or encourage eco-friendly materials in new projects. 

Furthermore, educational initiatives aimed at architects, contractors and the general public help familiarize stakeholders with sustainable options, showing that eco-friendly choices can be feasible and beneficial. These combined efforts are gradually fostering a more sustainable construction landscape.

Case studies from around the world

Award-winning projects around the world highlight how sustainable materials and design can be applied in diverse contexts.

The Wales Institute for Sustainable Education in the U.K. uses hempcrete, rammed earth, and local timber to demonstrate low embodied energy and passive solar design. In Seattle, USA, the Bullitt Center shows how net-zero performance is achievable at scale, with solar power, rainwater harvesting and composting systems integrated into a commercial office.

Milan’s Bosco Verticale reimagines urban density through vertical forests that enhance biodiversity and air quality, a model now being replicated globally. Similarly, Stockholm Wood City in Sweden is set to become the world’s largest wooden district, proving the scalability of carbon-storing materials. Meanwhile, Earthship Brighton takes a circular approach. It's built from recycled tires, bottles and rammed earth and operates off-grid with passive solar and rainwater systems.

The lessons are clear across these examples, sustainable buildings succeed when they use local, low-carbon materials, prioritize performance and resilience, embrace circularity, and adopt certifications that validate and encourage replication. Together, they show that eco-friendly design is possible and adaptable across climates and cultures.

What's ahead in sustainable construction

As the demand for eco-friendly green architecture construction grows, so does the push for innovative materials and technologies that redefine what's possible in sustainable building. The future of sustainable building materials includes new approaches that leverage biology and technology to create solutions that minimize environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency. 

Emerging trends include AI-driven optimization, which helps architects and engineers model energy performance, material efficiency and carbon impact with greater precision. At the same time, climate-adaptive materials, such as facades that respond to temperature or humidity, are being developed to make buildings more resilient to changing weather patterns.

Another promising direction is urban mining, where materials are recovered from demolition sites and reused, supporting resource circularity and reducing dependence on virgin extraction.

From advancements in material science to the integration of cutting-edge software, the construction industry is embracing tools and innovations that make eco-friendly construction more accessible, durable and effective.

Enscape rendering of the facade of an apartment building, made out of wood, with the Enscape Material Editor dialog showcasing wood material.

The Enscape Material Editor demonstrated for an apartment facade

New frontiers in sustainable building materials

Emerging materials like algae panels and 3D-printed sustainable building elements are revolutionizing the construction industry. 

Algae panels are bio-based materials that generate energy by harnessing sunlight, providing a living, renewable source of power. These panels capture carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, enhancing air quality while providing a unique energy-efficient alternative for walls and facades.

3D printing is another major player in sustainable construction, allowing builders to produce complex forms that would be difficult or wasteful to create with traditional methods. By using sustainable materials such as recycled plastics, organic compounds and low-carbon cement in 3D printing applications, construction projects can be tailored to specific design and sustainability needs.

The role of technology in sustainable material selection

Technology is becoming an essential tool in identifying and evaluating sustainable building materials. Digital platforms like Enscape Impact and BIM (Building Information Modeling) management software provide architects, engineers and contractors with the insights needed to make informed choices. These tools offer features that simulate a building's or material's environmental impact, helping professionals visualize and compare options before construction begins.

For instance, these software tools can analyze data for carbon emissions, energy efficiency and life cycle performance, allowing builders to optimize their designs for maximum environmental benefits. 

Furthermore, digital technology enables seamless integration of material certifications like LEED and BREEAM, ensuring that projects align with international sustainability standards.

Enscape rendering of Enscape Impact checking the building performance data of an apartment building.

Enscape Impact analyzing building's performance

AI and digital tools for sustainable materials

How AI is shaping sustainable construction

AI is transforming sustainable design by enabling predictive modeling for material efficiency and waste reduction. Platforms like Tally and One Click LCA use AI-driven LCA to evaluate embodied carbon and environmental impacts, helping designers make informed material choices.

Generative design and material minimization

Generative design software applies algorithms to optimize structural form and minimize resource use, delivering lighter, stronger and more material-efficient buildings without compromising performance.

Visualization tools for sustainable concepts

Visualization platforms make sustainable design ideas tangible. Veras enables concept generation with eco-material prompts, while Enscape provides immersive real-time walkthroughs. Chaos' Enscape Impact tool integrates sustainability analysis, allowing designers to showcase materiality, daylighting, ventilation and embodied carbon in one workflow.

BIM and material tracking

BIM integrates with sustainability plugins to track energy use, material sourcing and environmental impacts. This creates a data-rich ecosystem where materials can be monitored from design through construction.

Final takeaways

Choosing sustainable building materials is essential for reducing the environmental impact of construction. These materials offer an exciting opportunity to shape a greener future, but success depends on the choices of stakeholders across the construction industry. By making thoughtful material selections and leveraging digital tools, architects, engineers and homeowners can help build a greener, more sustainable future.

The key is simple: choose smart, source local and reduce waste. Smart choices mean balancing performance, cost and sustainability, local sourcing cuts transport emissions and supports regional economies, and reducing waste ensures resources are used efficiently. Just as important, material decisions should align with a project’s broader sustainability goals and certifications, whether targeting LEED, BREEAM, WELL or other frameworks.

The field of sustainable construction is evolving rapidly, with new materials and technologies, from carbon-sequestering concrete to AI-driven design platforms, emerging every year. Staying informed and open to innovation ensures that today’s projects meet current standards and push the boundaries of what’s possible in green building. Each project, no matter the scale, is an opportunity to contribute to climate resilience and a healthier built environment.

FAQs

What is the most environmentally friendly form of building?

Passive design and net-zero buildings are the most eco-friendly, as they minimize energy use, rely on renewable sources and integrate sustainable materials.

What is a sustainable material to make a house out of?

Materials like timber, hempcrete, rammed earth and recycled steel are popular choices because they are renewable, low-carbon and durable.

What is the most sustainable construction type?

Mass timber and modular construction are leading approaches, combining low embodied carbon with efficiency and reduced waste.

How can I integrate sustainable materials into my designs without compromising aesthetics?

Opt for materials like reclaimed wood, natural stone or bamboo, which blend sustainability with visual appeal while enhancing the design narrative.

What are the cost implications of using sustainable materials in construction projects?

While upfront costs can be higher, savings come through lower energy bills, durability and reduced maintenance over the building’s life.

Which sustainable materials are best suited for home renovations?

Reclaimed timber, recycled steel, cellulose insulation, and low-VOC paints are practical and widely available for renovation projects.

What policies are driving the adoption of sustainable building materials globally?

Green building codes, carbon pricing, government incentives, and certification systems like LEED and BREEAM are accelerating adoption.

Can I evaluate the environmental impact of building materials in Enscape Impact?

Yes. Enscape Impact connects with sustainability tools to analyze materials, helping you assess embodied carbon and performance.

How can I visualize sustainable materials using Veras?

Veras allows you to render eco-materials in lifelike detail, making it easier to showcase sustainable design choices to clients.

Is Enscape compatible with sustainable material databases like EC3 or One Click LCA?

Yes. Enscape workflows can integrate with databases like EC3 and One Click LCA for accurate impact tracking and reporting.

Can I create immersive walkthroughs to showcase sustainable design strategies?

Absolutely. Enscape enables real-time walkthroughs that highlight material choices, energy strategies and overall sustainability features.

Can I prompt Veras to generate concepts using specific eco-materials like hempcrete or mycelium?

Yes. You can guide Veras with prompts to visualize design concepts featuring innovative materials such as hempcrete, mycelium or mass timber.

chaos logo
Get Chaos news, tips, and inspiration every month.
Modern living room interior with a light gray sofa, yellow throw blanket, wooden coffee table with a cup and biscuits, blue rug, patterned curtains, and potted plant.
Share
Jane Marsh
Jane Marsh

Jane works as the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co where she covers topics related to climate policy, net zero, biophilic, and more.

Enscape rendering of a bird's eye view of a green roof with vegetation and solar panels.

Green roof with vegetation and solar panels

Building facade made out of bamboo on top of a hill.

Great (Bamboo) Wall by Kengo Kuma, Beijing, China

ぷくぷく - Own work,

Straw bales filling up a wall before installing formwork of a building.

GREB wall filling before installing formwork

Approchepaille - Own work,

Interior of the MASS MoCA Building 6 in Massachusetts, USA.

MASS MoCA Building 6 (Robert W. Wilson Building) with salvaged original wood floring

Bruner/Cott & Associates

Corridor wall inside a corporate building made of recycled plastic, an Enscape material available in the Material Editor.

Recycled plastics material used on wall

Two colleagues in the office, collaborating on an architectural project, using Ensacpe and having their project on the monitor.
Enscape rendering of the facade of an apartment building, made out of wood, with the Enscape Material Editor dialog showcasing wood material.

The Enscape Material Editor demonstrated for an apartment facade

Enscape rendering of Enscape Impact checking the building performance data of an apartment building.

Enscape Impact analyzing building's performance