Sustainable architecture is at the heart of every commercial construction project. Not only must modern buildings be able to meet tightening building codes, but they must be able to satisfy an increasingly conscientious consumer base. Therefore, architects must employ the most cutting-edge designs and materials when planning sustainable structures.

Keep reading as we explore the role that sustainable materials play in commercial construction and take a glimpse at a few specific projects that effectively demonstrate sustainable principles.

High Durability

HVAC system.

One of the key properties of a sustainable building material is outstanding durability. Its long-lasting fabrication will limit the resources required for ongoing maintenance, repair, and replacement. In addition to energy saved, durable construction will help offset initial costs through fewer ongoing financial commitments.

Durable materials should be able to withstand everyday usage, inclement weather, and natural disasters with minimal disruption to their performance. Some of the best sustainable materials known for their durability include polished concrete floors, fire resistant roofing, and hurricane-grade storm windows.

Energy Efficient

Path between two office buildings.

Energy efficiency is one of the most well-known components of a sustainable building material. By limiting the amount of energy consumed and/or replacing it with renewable energy, commercial structures go a long way toward reducing their carbon footprint and securing the future of the planet.

Insulation is one of the most important aspects of an energy efficient structure. By improving the R-value of the building envelope, a more stable interior environment is created and less energy is required for conditioning. Solar panels and PV window glazing are also becoming standard in many commercial structures for their ability to capture sunlight and deliver energy back to the grid.

Rooftop gardens and green roofs are trending in urban areas. Not only do they provide outstanding insulation on flat roofs, but they offer excellent shading and stormwater runoff management. According to the EPA, they can reduce ambient temperatures by up to 5 degrees, helping limit the impact of urban heat islands.

Enhances Comfort and Performance in the Structure

Pipes in the ceiling of an office building.

Sustainable materials will play a critical role in comfort and performance of the building. They will enhance enjoyment without requiring significant add-ons or energy-consuming upgrades. A passively designed structure is a great example. By using strategic orientation for natural daylighting and ventilation, the building ensures that significant resources will not be needed for climate controls and artificial lighting. Types of materials that facilitate passive design include architectural louvers, low-E windows, and demountable partition walls.

Noise mitigation features are another sustainable option along these lines. By limiting sound transfer and noise pollution, architects can leverage open interiors for improved light flow and versatility without sound issues inhibiting the productivity of building occupants. Some of the best noise mitigation features used in open interiors are acoustic wall panels, soundproof door systems, and decorative ceiling clouds.

Examples of Sustainable Building Material Projects in Action

The World Green Building Council is one of the industry’s leading authorities on accelerating the movement toward greater sustainability in the built environment. It recognizes construction projects around the world that demonstrate excellence in sustainability through their material sourcing and design. A few projects that they highlight include:

  • Entegrity Headquarters (Little Rock, AR) – this recently-renovated structure has achieved the lofty status of net-zero operational energy consumption and/or carbon emissions. Designed as the headquarters for a building performance optimization consulting company, the occupants definitely practice what they preach. Among the strategies the building employs to reach its net-zero status include all-LED lighting, dynamic self-tinting glass, operable windows and doors for natural ventilation during warmer months, and occupancy sensors. The project also focused on sourcing from local suppliers during the construction process and uses all native landscaping.
  • Frick Environmental Center (Pittsburgh, PA) – This LEED Platinum-certified facility operates as both an educational hub and a community space. It achieves net-zero energy consumption by incorporating photovoltaic panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and energy-efficient building systems. The center was built with an emphasis on reducing embodied carbon, sourcing materials locally and responsibly. Rainwater harvesting systems provide for the building’s non-potable water needs, while extensive green roofs help manage stormwater runoff. By fostering environmental education and promoting sustainable practices, the Frick Environmental Center exemplifies how architecture can support both people and the planet.
  • Alpine Branch Library (Alpine, CA) – this is another commercial building that has achieved net-zero status for operational energy and/or carbon emissions. Throughout the design process, the project prioritized passive construction techniques. This is manifested through the building’s orientation, which strategically faces the long end of the structure south for optimal daylighting with minimal warming. It also uses expansive windows in the structure’s main reading room, limiting the amount of electricity needed to light this area. Other critical features include sustainable insulation materials throughout the building envelope and solar thermal panels on the roof for hot water heating.

Sustainable Building Materials and The Future of Commercial Construction

Sustainability is at the core of contemporary construction. By creating sustainable structures, architects can help their buildings offset initial costs while guaranteeing fewer carbon emissions over the course of its operational life. For more of the latest trends in commercial real estate, explore the resources at CHRE for the leading resources in the industry!

Author Bio:

Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise in residential and commercial real estate, as well as engineering, construction, and business. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.