The Best Energy-Efficient Construction Materials

Energy-efficient building is crucial for promoting a sustainable future as well as helping homeowners save money in a world where uncertainty is growing.

Although energy-efficient mortgages have made it possible for consumers to retrofit older homes with environmentally friendly improvements, many of these benefits are being undermined by the building of larger homes.

Three-quarters of all carbon emissions come from residential and commercial buildings, according to the 2020 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction. Leading experts do, however, project that buildings could reduce energy emissions by 54-69% by 2050 if current sustainable technologies were applied to 70% more floor space during construction projects. Over $1 trillion in net savings would result from such a project on a worldwide scale.

We can ensure a more promising future for energy efficiency and the world at large by incorporating more sustainable construction materials that are currently available into upcoming construction projects. These are the top thirteen energy-efficient building materials and technologies that are revolutionizing the building sector.

1. Windows with Smart Glass

Windows with smart glass can regulate how much light and infrared enters the glass.

Advanced SPD technology is used in smart glass windows, which are made of thin laminates of nanoparticles inserted between glass substrates and able to be electronically switched between an opaque and clear mode.

The quantity of light that is trapped in a room is controlled by the amount that each mode channel lets through through the glass. Thus, rooms can benefit from smart glass windows that help trap light in the winter and block it out in the summer.

For greater consistency, users can even alternate between manual and automatic modes.

Smart glass windows are very durable and can be retrofitted into any type of home, even though they might cost a little more than regular windows.

2. Windows with Low-E

If your home does not have double pane windows, you can install low-E windows to provide another natural means of cooling and heating on sunny days. Low-emissivity, or low-E, describes how much light and infrared are permitted to enter or leave your window.

A transparent layer of metallic oxide is applied to Low-E windows to help trap light rays in the winter and block them in the summer.

Two coating layers are possible for Low-E window units: a soft coating on the inside and a hard coating on the exterior. In the end, low-E windows are an entirely passive technology that can lower indoor emissions, and they are reasonably priced (~$100).

3. SIPs, or structurally insulated panels

Insulation is arguably the most crucial element of energy-efficient building. The space behind paneling is one location where insulation can be used more effectively.

SIPs are made of thick foam that is sandwiched between two types of building materials, like concrete or plywood.

Studies show that SIPs can reduce installation labor costs by 50% and are much simpler to install than fiberglass batt insulation. SIPs also offer impressive savings over fiberglass batt because they have a higher R-value and significantly less air leakage. Using SIPs instead of fiberglass or rigid foam can reduce the cost of heating and building.

4. Panels with Vacuum Insulation.

Vacuum insulation panels, while promising for both commercial and residential applications, are sadly limited to use in commercial refrigeration and transport containers.

On the other hand, vacuum-insulated panels have low thermal conductivity and are up to 13 times more efficient than spray foam insulation. When these panels are made available for both residential and commercial buildings, they can significantly raise the R-value of any area in which they are installed.

5. Insulation with Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation has gained popularity recently as a material for caulking walls, joists, basements, and leaks. A self-expanding polymer found in spray foam insulation hardens and aids in keeping heat and air from escaping.

Sometimes spray foam insulation is used alone, and other times it’s used to seal gaps around foam board insulation in your house.

Spray foam can completely seal out leaks in your home, while fiberglass batt deteriorates with time and does not stop airflow.

6. Insulation with Aerogel

Aerogel insulation is another alternative insulation material that is currently being used in both residential and commercial construction. Aerogel is usually a thin sheet that can be wrapped around solid objects and is made of silica material.

Because it is thought to be among the least dense and most effective insulating materials available, aerogel is becoming more and more common in new construction projects. To stop thermal bridging, aerogel insulation can be placed around framing, including wood studs. Additionally, aerogel sheets can be used behind wood panels, over masonry, and under shingles.

7. Repurposed Construction Supplies

Although we prefer to think of sustainable building materials as having a low carbon footprint, we also need to consider the carbon that is embodied in the process of sourcing these materials. For instance, raw materials such as steel, aluminum, and wood are frequently transported over vast distances, discarded after minimal use, and when harvested, pollute the surrounding ecosystems.

On the other hand, constructing with recycled materials reduces the need for new material extraction, transportation expenses, and, if leftover materials are obtained from nearby locations, even costs. Among the recycled building materials that contractors can use to reduce emissions are:

• Steel that has been recycled
• Bricks made of clay
• Hemp-based
• Biodegradable polyurethane foam
• Repurposed wood
• Wood from newspapers
• Composite plastic lumber

8. Synthetic Shingles

Roofing is one application where recycled materials are having a significant impact. Composed entirely of recycled plastic and rubber, composite shingles are an environmentally friendly building material. Composite shingles last 50 years and even resemble slate.

9. Cool Roofs

On the other hand, if you’re looking for ways to reduce emissions, a cool roof might be the best investment. The exterior reflective surfaces of cool roofs reflect sun’s infrared rays. Conversely, the cool roof’s light-colored shingles—some have dark colors—keep your roof cool and stop heat absorption in the summer.

Cool roofs are great for covering some of your summertime cooling expenses, but they work best in warm climates.

10. Concrete Form Insulation

Although concrete forms have been around for a while, they are becoming more popular again as a more energy-efficient substitute for rigid foam or fiberglass batt insulation. Concrete is typically regarded as one of the building and framing materials that uses the least amount of energy. Thus, why not cover insulation with concrete?

Sections of insulation are filled in with concrete to create insulated concrete forms. In addition to adding another line of defense against heat leaks, concrete may even reduce noise levels in the rooms.

Therefore, using concrete forms during home construction can significantly raise the R-value of your insulation.

11. Concrete that Heats Up on Itself

Still, self-heating concrete is one of the most exciting new technologies being developed.

An electrically conductive nanocarbon cement that self-heals and radiates heat was recently developed by researchers at MIT and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). This technology has multiple uses, such as self-heating roads that eliminate the need for plows or salt to remove snow, and radiant floor heating for indoor homes.

To improve thermal conductivity, carbon nanofiber or macrofiber materials combined with other materials are used in some self-heating carbon patents.

Homes with self-heating concrete floors could avoid the inconvenience of installing radiant heating pipes beneath their floors thanks to the nanocarbon design. In addition, it has been demonstrated that constructing homes using standard concrete framing is more energy-efficient, quieter, and requires less upkeep. Just picture constructing a frame made of self-heating concrete.

Finally, because of their design, some self-heating concrete designs have even demonstrated a lower maintenance requirement. One use for self-heating concrete, for instance, has demonstrated how water leaking into cracks in the material can be utilized to activate cement-mixed bacteria, causing the release of calcite, which closes the crack.

12. Flats on barns

Energy-efficient barndominiums are the best option for a fully built home. Although designs for barndominium homes can vary, they typically have the following traits when it comes to energy efficiency:

• Slabbing concrete
• Flooring made of stained concrete
• Lofty ceilings
• Plumbing that uses less energy
• Natural illumination
• Windows that use less energy
• Insulation with spray foam

All things considered, the majority of barndominiums are very profitable for commercial investors because they are constructed of energy-efficient building materials and provide a lot of space.

13. Examinations of Thermal Radiation

Lastly, new approaches to quality control and inspections will also define the future of energy-efficient construction.

In general, we advise that every newly constructed home have a thermal inspection done to assess how well heat is distributed throughout the building.

Thermal inspections enable QA specialists to identify cool spots and areas inside a home that require insulation by using still cameras and infrared video. These quick, low-cost inspections can eliminate construction uncertainty and guarantee that homes are constructed with the highest possible level of energy efficiency.

The era of energy-efficient building is upon us. The majority of energy-efficient building materials have greater R-values, longer lifespans, and occasionally lower installation costs. To help you go green, make sure to get in touch with an environmental consultant and QA specialist before starting your next construction project.