It seems like everywhere you turn, there is a new global effort to protect this certain species of bird or switch to e-billing so you can save the rainforest. Yet at the same time, new shopping malls and housing developments are springing up all around you, creating mountains of demolition and construction waste that inevitably ends up in our nation’s landfills.
Fortunately, there is a “green” solution that allows construction plans to progress on schedule while minimizing the negative impact on the environment: building with recycled materials. This highly-effective alternative to traditional building materials is quickly becoming the height of sustainable design. Here are several ways that an innovative construction company can use recycled materials to pave the way towards a sustainable future.
Creating building materials from recycled products
Recycling has come to mean a lot more than just throwing your empty soda can in the right bin. Many common building materials already have recyclable alternatives. Concrete, metals, glass, brick, and plastics can all be broken down and reformed into usable products, thus lowering the energy requirement and emissions needed for production by up to 90%. The applications of these recycled materials are endless!
One man’s trash can literally help you build a structure at a fraction of the price of new materials. Steel framing, for example, has a high percentage of recycled content and can be used for a variety of structural applications. Copper roofing shingles are also easily recycled and provide low-maintenance, long-lasting results. There is even a new technique that uses 1% discarded cigarette butts to manufacture fired-clay bricks, not only reducing a stubborn pollution problem, but creating lighter, more efficient building materials!
Moving inside the building uncovers even more applications for recycled materials. Salvaged wood products can create beautiful cabinetry or wall coverings, recycled glass and plastic can transform into gorgeous countertops, and soda bottles and recycled fibers can be used to manufacture carpets.
Using site provided materials
One of the easiest and most cost-effective solutions for recycled building materials is reusing products that already exist on or near the site. Nearby site elements may include demolished trees, materials left over from bulldozed structures, torn-up paving materials, and even reusing parts of existing foundations. Though a little more unorthodox, some companies also find uses for soda cans, tires, and other products in their building designs.
Scouring other demolished environments
If your proposed job site has little to offer in existing materials, then making a trip to other demolition sites, salvage yards, and even the local landfill may prove worthwhile. You can find left over flooring materials, tile, steel beams, and a variety of other useful items.
Staying at the forefront of the green revolution
When it comes to choosing a construction company to build your next project, consider using sustainable solutions like recycled building materials to not only cut your costs but protect the environment as well. At George Rullo and Associates, our talented team always looks ahead, adapting new techniques and utilizing the best products on the market to ensure the absolute best results.
For more information on recycled building materials, contact us at 732-810-1049 today!