Constructing buildings in the modern era is no longer solely about aesthetics and structural strength, but also about responsibility toward the environment. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by selecting appropriate examples of environmentally friendly materials.
By using sustainable materials, you not only help preserve the earth but also enhance the long-term efficiency value of the building.
The use of these materials is also an important factor if you aim to pursue green building certification in Indonesia.
What Are Environmentally Friendly Materials?
Environmentally friendly materials are building materials selected for their minimal negative impact on the environment throughout their life cycle.
This includes how the materials are sourced (extraction), manufactured, and eventually disposed of or recycled. Under Greenship standards, environmentally friendly material criteria emphasize reducing ecological footprints.
Materials considered sustainable are those with environmental management system certifications in their production processes or those derived from rapidly renewable resources (harvest cycles of less than 10 years).
Commonly Used Examples of Environmentally Friendly Materials
Below are several examples of environmentally friendly materials commonly implemented in modern building projects:
Recycled Materials
Using recycled materials is highly effective in reducing waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.
We recommend the use of products containing at least 5% recycled content of the total material cost to meet green building criteria.
Examples include recycled concrete, reclaimed steel, and plastic products that are reprocessed into interior components.
Certified Wood
Wood is an aesthetically appealing material; however, its source must be clearly verified to protect forest sustainability.
The use of legal wood certified by official institutions such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Indonesian Ecolabel Institute (LEI) is strongly recommended.
By choosing certified wood, you ensure that the material does not originate from illegal logging activities.
Regional Materials
Regional materials refer to building materials whose raw material sourcing and manufacturing facilities are located close to the project site, typically within a 1,000 km radius.
Selecting local materials helps reduce carbon emissions generated from transportation. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, this approach also supports the domestic economy.
Prefabricated Materials
Prefabricated materials are building components manufactured in factories and assembled on-site. The key advantage of these modular materials is their ability to improve construction efficiency and significantly reduce construction waste generated on-site.
It is important to note that selecting the various examples of environmentally friendly materials above is one of the assessment aspects under the Materials Resources and Cycle (MRC) category in Greenship certification.
By meeting standards related to recycled materials, environmentally friendly products, legal wood, and prefabricated materials, your building has a greater opportunity to earn higher credit points toward achieving green building certification.
Understanding the technical aspects of material selection may feel complex for non-specialists. Therefore, if you are planning to develop or audit a building to be more environmentally friendly, Sarana Hijau Lestari is here as your trusted partner.
As an expert consultancy, we provide simulation services, energy audits, and comprehensive green building certification assistance.
With professional support from our team, your vision of a modern, efficient building officially recognized as an environmentally friendly facility can be realized more easily. Let us create a greener future together.
