“Made from recycled materials” is a term that gets thrown around a lot in the contemporary construction landscape. While recycled materials undoubtedly have many benefits in terms of creating a more sustainable built environment, they can often be exaggerated and misrepresented as part of greenwashing campaigns used by some unscrupulous companies. As such, it is critical to resolve the mystery surrounding recycled building materials and understand their exact role in the creation of modern commercial developments.
Keep reading as we explore the benefits and challenges of sourcing recycled materials, as well as peek into some of the most common recycled products used in commercial construction.
Benefits of Recycled Materials in Commercial Developments
There are many reasons to prioritize recycled materials for an upcoming commercial project. Some of the most pertinent include:
- Waste reduction – there is a full-scale commercial waste crisis in the United States. As recently as 2018, the EPA estimated that a whopping 600 million tons of construction and demolition waste was created in this country each year–more than twice the annual amount of standard municipal solid waste. By sourcing recycled materials, construction projects can do their part to reverse this troubling statistic and help create a more sustainable built environment.
- Energy efficiency – there are many ways to promote the energy efficiency of a commercial building. Add solar panels to roofs and PV coating to windows. Prioritize orientation and use architectural louvers to provide natural ventilation. Don’t discount the role of using recycled materials. Not only will they provide energy efficiency through their performance, but they tend to be less energy-intensive during fabrication since they are not being made from scratch.
- Consumer goodwill – society is becoming increasingly conscientious. More and more consumers are choosing to support only those commercial enterprises that align with their environmental goals. By being able to boast that a large percentage of their facility is created from recycled products, businesses can potentially gain favor with this more selective consumer base.
All in all, choosing recycled building materials can go a long way toward helping organizations align with contemporary environmental standards, which should improve profits and ongoing viability as sustainability initiatives continue to rise.
Effective Recycled Materials for Commercial Developments
There is virtually no limit to where recycled products can be used in a commercial structure. Everything down to recycled office furniture makes a positive impact. With that said, there are numerous ways to incorporate recycled building products deep into the “bones” of the structure.
Steel
Steel is one of the most ubiquitous commercial building products. Thanks to its unmatched durability and versatility, it can be used in everything from roofing to cladding, door knob and handrail materials. While steel is virtually indestructible and can last over 100 years with even a modicum of care, it offers the benefit of being completely recyclable. Many prefabricated steel buildings can be easily deconstructed and transported to a new location for a second life. In the event that the structure needs to be completely demolished, steel readily melts and can be reforged into new steel products, making it one of the most recyclable commercial building materials on the market.
Insulation
There are many ways to create an energy efficient commercial building. Solar panels and green roofs. Installing back draft dampers to the HVAC ducts. Increasing window area for improved natural daylighting. With that said, a comprehensive insulation infrastructure should be one of the top priorities.
Placing insulation in the exterior walls, ceilings, and below grade areas of the building will improve R-value for a more stable interior environment. To further improve energy efficiency, look into insulating with recycled materials. While cellulose insulation is the most common in this regard, also look into innovative options such as sheep’s wool, denim, and aerogel.
Roofing
Roofing is a great place to employ recycled materials. Not only will aesthetics be nearly indistinguishable, but performance will be just as good as that found in virgin products. Metal roofs are one of the most straightforward means of employing a recycled roof. In addition, many types of composite tiles are made with a combination of recycled rubber, glass, plastic, and asphalt for a classy, durable roofing product. More ambitious projects are even incorporating recycled tires as an alternative to traditional asphalt roofs.
Challenges of Using Recycled Materials in Commercial Developments
Point blank, the greatest challenge of using recycled materials in commercial projects will be the upfront cost. Many mass-produced materials, such as some plastics, composites, and those treated with hazardous chemicals, will often carry a lower price point than recycled, VOC-free options.
Recycled materials can also be harder to source. Not only can it be difficult to locate a plant within a feasible distance of your building site, but it may not be possible to source in large enough quantities to meet the project’s needs, further exacerbating cost challenges.
While cost should never be overlooked in regard to running a successful business, it is critical to take a long-term view when choosing recycled products. Even if the initial costs are higher, the ongoing quality will eventually pay for itself. The building will also be in a better position to take tightening sustainability regulations in stride, limiting the threat of future renovation mandates and/or sanctions.
Use Recycled Materials for a More Sustainable Commercial Project
Despite some challenges, sourcing recycled materials has numerous benefits for commercial construction projects. Consider recycled steel, insulation, roofing, or any number of other products to make your commercial development more sustainable. For more of the latest trends shaping the commercial real estate landscape, explore the resources at CHRE for ideas and inspiration today!
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.
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