green tree : : : renewable / abundant

The environmental impact associated with a building may be reduced when it is constructed either from materials that are common and plentiful, or from materials that can renew themselves. Often these materials not only consume less energy in their preparation, but also are less problematic to dispose of at the end of their useful life. Of course, this can also present the challenge of finding materials that are durable enough.

Renewable materials hold environmental appeal in that they can replenish themselves as needed, to replace buildings that wear out, or to provide shelter for an increasing population. Using renewable resources does present unique considerations, though. It requires planning to ensure that the resources will renew themselves by the time they are needed for replacement, and it requires that the inputs to the system be recognized and accounted for. If the system that produces the product is not self-sustaining, or fails, the product may not be truly renewable.

First, consider how plentiful the material is:

Is this material abundant?

What impacts are caused by its extraction?

Then, assess whether the material is renewable:

If it is renewable, how quickly is the resource renewed? Will the material last longer in application than it takes to replace the amount used?

What environmental impacts are associated with the cultivation/collection/harvest of the renewable material? Can these be lessened through better practices?

Are there mechanisms in place to ensure sustainable renewal?

Does a renewable product that is also biodegradable compromise project durability and longevity?

Learn about considerations for renewable Foundations, Wall Systems, and Flooring