10 state-of-the-art sustainable materials that will alter construction industry

In 2024, sustainable materials become state-of-the-art in construction since the construction industry has adopted a different perspective, striving to decrease its ecological footprint. Innovative building materials are leading construction projects to reach new heights in sustainability, efficiency, and durability. In the following lines, ten innovative materials that make the difference in the construction field are presented.

3D-Printed Building Components. In construction, this process begins with a digital model, which is virtually sliced into layers. Using materials such as metal, concrete, or polymers, a robotic printer follows a preprogrammed path to deposit each layer, creating the structure with precision and speed, while it is reducing material waste. 3D printing has been utilized in the construction of buildings, bridges and plenty other structures.

Mycelium composites. Mycelium composites use the substance mycelium, the fibrous material forming the body of mushrooms. This robust and lightweight substance can easily be adapted to craft various construction materials. Furthermore, mycelium composites are eco-friendly and decomposable.

Aerogel. Aerogel, including mostly air, stands as the lightest solid material identified. Renowned for its exceptional insulation properties, aerogel finds application in construction for producing energy-efficient and lightweight structures.

Biochar cladding. Biochar cladding obtained from biochar. It is generated by heating biomass without oxygen and stands as a sustainable building material. With origins from diverse biomass sources like wood and agricultural waste, biochar cladding boasts fire resistance, superior insulation, and the ability to regulate moisture and sound.

Self-Healing Concrete. This concrete can repair itself by mimicking the body's natural healing process. The mix includes bacteria that activate when water enters a crack. The bacteria then consume nutrients in the concrete, producing calcium carbonate, which fills and seals the cracks. This green building technology is in high demand—according to a 2024 Deloitte study, building owners and clients increasingly favor approaches that address various resilience needs.

Graphene. Graphene is a new material, made of pure carbon, that is used in the construction industry. It has incredible properties, being 200 times stronger than steel, as well as flexible, and durable. It can be used as a durable and protective exterior coating that enhances energy efficiency and resists erosion. Concrete reinforced with graphene gains additional strength, durability, crack resistance, and moisture resistance. Graphene has also been incorporated into lime-based paint to create a thermally regulated product.

Recycled Materials. To enhance sustainability, the construction industry increasingly relies on materials made from recycled products. Recycled plastic bricks are especially popular due to their lightweight and durable nature. Additionally, materials such as steel, glass, and synthetic gypsum can be recycled without losing their performance quality.

Hempcrete. Hempcrete, a blend of industrial hemp plant fibers and lime-based binder, constitutes a bio-composite material. While it isn't commonly employed for structural purposes, it serves as an environmentally friendly insulator, boosting energy efficiency. Its low weight contributes to lessening a building's embodied energy by minimizing emissions linked to transporting heavy materials.

Engineered Timber is created by combining various softwood varieties with additional components like adhesives to produce a unified wood product. It preserves timber's beneficial features such as strength, weight, and eco-friendliness, while also offering improved stability and flexibility in size options. This leads to a reduction in material waste compared to conventional wood products.

Bendable Concrete or engineered cementitious composite (ECC). ECC is a flexible alternative to traditional concrete, behaving more like metal in its response to loads. ECC consists of a cementitious binder, PVA fibers, and very fine aggregates, making it stronger and less fragile than conventional concrete, and more durable. In addition, it does not emit harmful gases and hence it can reduce carbon emissions.