Masonry materials, especially manufactured or simulated stone, typically require high amounts of energy for production. A greener way to build with masonry is to join the "fly-ash revolution" by switching to materials with post-industrial recycled content, like fly-ash, rice-hull ash, or ground blast-furnace slag. Or you can opt for greener base materials. Adobe, for example, is incredibly durable (centuries-old Native American mud huts are still standing today), and emits very little greenhouse gases and embodied energy. Terra Cotta masonry is another sustainable choice. It's made from abundant natural materials (mostly clays), doesn't off-gas VOCs, and is noncombustible, so you won't need toxic flame retardants. Terra Cotta is also fully recyclable.
The materials below meet similar standards for green masonry, including low-energy firing and manufacture, recycling of industrial and agricultural waste products, and low or no off-gassing.
Tumbled glass looks much like crushed stone or gravel, but comes with the added advantage of limitless color possibilities. You can make... Continue Reading »
Boasting the Cradle-to-Cradle silver certification for all their natural stone products, Las Vegas Rock provides products for patios, gardens,... Continue Reading »
Building the Old-Fashioned Way One of the world's oldest building techniques, rammed earth has quickly gained favor with the advent... Continue Reading »
Locally-Sourced Lime PuttyAmerican Clay just announced the launch of their new lime putty, to be added to any of their line of wall plasters,... Continue Reading »
This beautiful flooring is suitable for kitchens and large halls, as well as for non-residential buildings. EnviroTRAZ, takes Terazzo... Continue Reading »
Permeable pavers, now known to be a great alternative to concrete for driveways, patios, and paths, are eco-friendly, too! They reduce... Continue Reading »
The Pneumatically Impacted Stabilized Earth (PISE) wall is a centuries-old building technique. Previously referred to as rammed earth... Continue Reading »
There is a lot of debate about the green-ness of traditional masonry products. While concrete homes are much more energy efficient than... Continue Reading »
Well, it’s official: the construction industry has gone to poop. Well, cow dung, to be more exact. Students at the Prasetiya Mulya Business... Continue Reading »