DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE
BINGHAM UNIVERSITY,
KARU
BHU/24/MSC/ARC/010
CHIRAM PONFA JOHN
18th April 2025.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN SELECTING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
BUILDING PRODUCTS
Selecting environmentally friendly building products is crucial for promoting sustainable
construction and minimizing the negative impacts of the built environment. These factors
span the entire lifecycle of a product, from raw material extraction to disposal. Below is an
elaboration of key factors to consider:
A. Raw Material Extraction and Sourcing:
1. Renewable Resources: Prioritize materials derived from rapidly renewable resources
like bamboo, cork, or sustainably harvested timber (with certifications like FSC).
2. Recycled Content: Opt for products with high percentages of post-consumer or post-
industrial recycled content (e.g., recycled steel, glass, plastic). This reduces the
demand for virgin materials and minimizes waste.
3. Locally Sourced Materials: Choosing materials sourced regionally reduces
transportation distances, lowering the associated energy consumption and carbon
emissions. It also supports the local economy.
4. Sustainable Harvesting Practices: For natural materials, ensure they are harvested in a
way that minimizes environmental damage, preserves biodiversity, and supports
ecosystem health.
5. Resource Efficiency: Consider the amount of raw material required to produce the
product. Products that achieve the same performance with less material are generally
more environmentally friendly.
B. Manufacturing and Production Processes:
1. Energy Efficiency: Evaluate the energy consumed during the manufacturing process.
Products made with renewable energy sources or energy-efficient technologies have
a lower environmental impact.
2. Water Usage: Assess the amount of water used in production. Processes that
minimize water consumption and recycle wastewater are preferable.
3. Waste Generation: Look for manufacturers that minimize waste during production,
utilize by-products, and have effective recycling programs.
4. Emissions to Air and Water: Consider the pollutants released into the air and water
during manufacturing. Opt for products produced with minimal harmful emissions.
5. Low Embodied Energy: Embodied energy is the total energy required to extract,
process, manufacture, and transport a product. Choosing materials with lower
embodied energy reduces the overall carbon footprint of the building.
C. Product Performance and Durability
1. Durability and Longevity: Selecting durable, long-lasting materials reduces the need
for frequent replacements, conserving resources and minimizing waste over the
building's lifespan.
2. Low Maintenance Requirements: Materials that require less maintenance (e.g.,
painting, sealing) reduce the use of additional resources and potentially harmful
chemicals.
3. Energy Efficiency in Use: Consider how the product contributes to the building's
energy performance (e.g., insulation, energy-efficient windows, reflective roofing).
4. Water Efficiency in Use: For fixtures and appliances, prioritize water-efficient
models to reduce water consumption.
D. Health and Indoor Environmental Quality
1. Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Choose products with low or zero VOC
emissions (e.g., paints, adhesives, sealants, flooring). VOCs can negatively impact
indoor air quality and human health.
2. Non-Toxic Materials: Select materials that do not contain harmful substances like
formaldehyde, heavy metals, or persistent organic pollutants.
3. Moisture Resistance and Mold Prevention: Materials that resist moisture and inhibit
mold growth contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
4. Natural and Breathable Materials: Consider materials like natural fibers, clay, and
lime plasters that can regulate humidity and improve air quality.
E. End-of-Life Management
1. Recyclability: Prioritize materials that can be easily recycled at the end of their
useful life, reducing landfill waste and conserving resources.
2. Reusability and Salvageability: Select materials and components that can be easily
disassembled and reused in other construction projects.
3. Biodegradability: For some applications, biodegradable materials can be a
sustainable option, provided they meet performance requirements.
F. Certifications and Labels
1. Third-Party Certifications: Look for credible third-party certifications that verify the
environmental performance and sustainable attributes of building products (e.g.,
LEED, BREEAM, Green Globes, Energy Star, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC),
Cradle to Cradle).
2. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): EPDs provide transparent and
standardized information about the environmental impacts of a product throughout
its lifecycle.
G. Cost Considerations
1. Life Cycle Cost Analysis: While initial costs might be higher for some
environmentally friendly products, consider the long-term savings from reduced
energy and water consumption, lower maintenance, and increased durability.
2. Government Incentives and Rebates: Explore available financial incentives for using
green building materials and technologies.
F. Social and Ethical Considerations
1. Social Labor Practices: Consider the social responsibility of manufacturers, ensuring
fair wages and safe working conditions.
2. Communal Benefits: Prioritize products from companies that contribute positively to
their local communities.
By carefully considering the factors above , building professionals and homeowners can
make informed decisions that contribute to more sustainable, healthy, and resilient buildings.
This holistic approach to material selection is essential for minimizing the environmental
footprint of the construction industry and creating a greener future.
Reference
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American
Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association
[Link] (2022). Demande de bail senegal lettre publication.
