Now, we all know that one of the ways to make a green building is to power it with a renewable resource: sun, wind, tidal power, what have you. Of course, another thing about buildings that can be made ‘green’ is the materials itself. When building a new structure, ask yourself, ‘am I using recycled materials?’ ‘Am I buying materials locally?’ These two questions can contribute enormously to a environmental home or office.
The Logo for Recyclable Steel
Most building materials can be acquired from recycled resources. For example, recycling steel saves about 50-70% of the energy and pollution over making new steal. Recycling aluminum can save over 80%. You can also used salvaged materials like glass and wood to create doors and cabinets. Not only will you be saving the environment, but you’ll be enormously cutting your costs here, too!
Recycled pecan floor. Doesn't look too bad, huh?
Another good way to save, like I mentioned earlier, is buying locally. If the materials don’t need to be driven across the country, you’ve saved that much in gas. The great thing about saving gas? You’re saving the environment and lowering your costs at once. You can’t beat that.
