Jake Glavis discusses some of the various green building materials that can be used in lieu of concrete so as to reduce carbon emissions across the world.

1. Sustainable Alternatives to Concrete

2. Although we are
beginning to implement
more effective legislation
to aid us in our battle to
heal Earth, we still face
tremendous obstacles in
our everyday lives. While
the negative effects of
things like petroleum oil
extraction and
traditional piston
engines are widely
documented and well-
known, there are still
many other neglected
items that contribute to
the carbon emissions
which are suffocating
our atmosphere. Case in
point: concrete.

3. Concrete production results in the extensive and toxic release of
carbon dioxide into our ozone layer on a daily basis, further
poisoning our fragile world. This said, there are a number of
renewable materials we can utilize in order to combat the said
pollution. It is for this reason that I have elected to put together a
concise but comprehensive list of sustainable concrete substitutes:

4. Straw Bales A traditional construction
material, straw bales has
existed throughout history as a
sustainable and viable
component of eco-friendly
homes. Used within the interior
to insulate a building’s frame, it
is a legitimate alternative to not
only concrete, but wood,
gypsum, plaster, fiberglass,
and/or stone. When used
correctly, it provides a high
level of insulation for both hot
and cool climates and is
incredibly affordable.

5. Grasscrete
As the name might imply, grasscrete is actually a combination of both grass and
concrete. By laying down foundation, sidewalks, walkways, and driveways so
that grass and flowers can flourish, builders are reducing overall concrete
usage, thus benefitting the environment. Not to mention, it improves
stormwater absorption in addition to general drainage.

6. Bamboo
Trendy and effective, bamboo is a more
than viable choice to replace concrete. As
a locally­source building material, it boasts
nearly unparalleled tensile strength, is
lightweight, and is fast­growing in nature
(and by extension, renewable). It has been
used successfully in framing buildings and
shelters, and can be even more effective
than concrete when it comes to rebuilding
post­catastrophe, low­income regions of the
world.

7. Wood
Probably the most obvious choice on this list, simple wood poses a fantastic
alternative to concrete. For one, trees absorb CO2. So when builders use wood, they are
using much less energy-intensive methods to process it. Just as well, despite the
rampant deforestation prevalent throughout the world, if a forest is properly managed,
it is possible to ensure its renewability while providing for a biodiverse habitat
simultaneously.