SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS COMPOSITION FOR IMPROVED THERMAL INSULATION AND REDUCED CARBON FOOTPRINT

Abstract

Sustainable building materials are rapidly gaining importance in the construction industry due to their potential to enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and promote eco-friendly practices. This study explores the composition of sustainable building materials specifically designed to improve thermal insulation and minimize the carbon footprint of buildings. As global concerns about climate change intensify, the construction sector is under increasing pressure to adopt materials and techniques that lower energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and optimize resource use. The research highlights various natural, recycled, and low-impact materials such as hempcrete, bamboo, cellulose insulation, cork, and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) that offer enhanced thermal performance and contribute to the reduction of a building's energy needs. A significant focus is placed on the heat retention and thermal resistance properties of these materials, which can help reduce the reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of buildings. Moreover, this study investigates the life cycle assessment (LCA) of these materials, emphasizing their embodied carbon— the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, transportation, and installation of building materials. By comparing traditional building materials like concrete and steel with sustainable alternatives, the study underscores the significant reduction in carbon emissions achievable through the adoption of eco-friendly materials. The results demonstrate that while sustainable materials may require higher initial investment or labor, their long-term environmental benefits, including reduced energy consumption and minimized carbon footprints, far outweigh the drawbacks. This paper concludes with recommendations for integrating these materials into mainstream construction practices, advocating for policy changes and industry shifts to prioritize sustainability in building design. Ultimately, the composition of sustainable materials, when strategically selected and implemented, offers a viable pathway for the construction industry to meet future energy demands, reduce environmental degradation, and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

Specification

Description:Background of Innovation
1. The Growing Need for Sustainable Construction Practices
The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, accounting for nearly 40% of total energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. As climate change continues to pose a serious threat, there is a growing need to transition towards sustainable practices that minimize environmental damage. The production of traditional building materials such as concrete, steel, and bricks is energy-intensive, resulting in a high carbon footprint. In response to these concerns, there is increasing demand for sustainable alternatives that can not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
2. Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Buildings are responsible for a substantial portion of global energy consumption, primarily due to heating and cooling requirements. Poor thermal insulation leads to energy wastage, increased utility costs, and a higher carbon footprint. Traditional insulation materials, while effective, often come with their own environmental drawbacks, including the use of petrochemical-based products and non-renewable resources. Sustainable building materials with improved thermal insulation properties can provide a dual benefit: reducing the energy needed for heating and cooling while minimizing the overall environmental impact of construction.
3. Defining Sustainable Building Materials
Sustainable building materials are those that have a low environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle- from extraction and manufacturing to use and eventual disposal or recycling. These materials are derived from renewable resources, require less energy to produce, and can often be recycled or repurposed at the end of their life. Key characteristics of sustainable materials include low embodied energy, minimal carbon emissions, high thermal resistance, and a reduced overall environmental footprint. Examples of these materials include bio-based insulation options, recycled materials, and locally sourced resources.
4. Role of Thermal Insulation in Sustainable Materials
Thermal insulation is a critical component in reducing the energy demands of a building. Materials with high thermal resistance can significantly improve the comfort and energy efficiency of buildings by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Effective insulation materials also reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems, thus lowering energy consumption and associated carbon emissions. Sustainable thermal insulation materials, such as cellulose, cork, and sheep wool, offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic options while maintaining high performance.
5. The Carbon Footprint Challenge in Building Materials
The carbon footprint of a building is the sum of all the emissions produced during the life cycle of its materials, including the extraction, transportation, manufacturing, and installation stages. Many conventional building materials are highly carbon-intensive due to their production processes, which rely on fossil fuels and non-renewable resources. The challenge lies in finding alternatives that offer comparable performance in terms of structural integrity, insulation, and durability, while significantly reducing emissions. This has led to innovations in low-carbon materials, including the use of recycled aggregates, plant-based composites, and geo-polymer-based cement alternatives.

6. Innovation in Material Composition
Recent innovations in the composition of sustainable building materials have focused on blending renewable, bio-based materials with advanced technologies to improve performance. For instance, composite materials that combine natural fibers with polymers or cementitious binders are being explored for their ability to provide both strength and thermal insulation. Additionally, advances in material science have led to the development of new insulation systems that utilize innovative aerogel technology, phase change materials (PCMs), and high-performance natural fibers to create lightweight, thermally efficient alternatives to traditional insulation.
7. The Path Forward: Integrated Sustainable Solutions
The integration of sustainable materials into building designs is not limited to individual components but involves creating holistic, energy-efficient systems. For example, the combination of sustainable building materials with renewable energy sources such as solar panels or geothermal heating systems can lead to net-zero energy buildings. The future of sustainable construction lies in the ability to create a circular economy where building materials are reused, recycled, and sustainably sourced, with a minimized environmental impact. Researchers are continuously exploring innovative ways to optimize material composition to achieve these goals, ensuring that buildings are both environmentally responsible and energy-efficient.
This background outlines the increasing demand for sustainable building materials that improve thermal insulation and reduce the carbon footprint, addressing both environmental and energy efficiency concerns in modern construction practices. The innovations in material composition discussed above highlight the potential of these new materials to redefine sustainable construction in the future.
Field of Innovation
1. Materials Science and Sustainable Design
The field of materials science plays a pivotal role in the development of sustainable building materials. Research and innovation in this area focus on discovering new materials or improving existing ones to ensure they offer better thermal insulation properties while minimizing their environmental impact. Advances in nanotechnology, bio-based materials, and composites have led to the creation of high-performance insulation products that not only provide superior thermal resistance but also use renewable or recycled raw materials. The integration of sustainability into design practices is critical for achieving energy-efficient buildings that meet environmental standards and reduce overall carbon emissions.
2. Green Construction and Environmental Impact Assessment
The field of green construction aims to design, build, and renovate structures with a minimal ecological footprint. This involves incorporating materials and techniques that reduce the energy consumption, water usage, and carbon emissions of buildings throughout their lifecycle. Sustainable materials are evaluated not only for their thermal insulation performance but also for their environmental impact, through methodologies like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA evaluates the environmental burden of building materials from extraction through production, transportation, installation, use, and eventual disposal or recycling. In this context, innovations in sustainable materials are integral to achieving lower embodied energy and reducing a building's carbon footprint.
3. Thermal Insulation Technologies and Innovation
Improving thermal insulation has been one of the most significant focuses in the innovation of sustainable building materials. Traditional insulation materials such as fiberglass, foam boards, and cellulose often have limited thermal performance or are made from non-renewable resources. Recent innovations include materials that are more effective in regulating temperature, such as aerogel, phase change materials (PCMs), and advanced composites. Additionally, natural materials like cork, hempcrete, and wool offer sustainable alternatives with strong thermal insulation properties. The development of these materials not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems, which directly lowers the carbon footprint of buildings.
4. Recycled and Bio-Based Materials
The growing emphasis on circular economy principles has driven the innovation of recycled and bio-based building materials. Recycled concrete aggregates, fly ash, and reclaimed wood are being used to replace traditional building materials like virgin concrete and steel. These recycled materials contribute to a lower carbon footprint by reducing waste and lowering the demand for new raw materials. Bio-based materials, such as hemp, bamboo, and straw, are renewable, biodegradable, and have excellent insulation properties. Incorporating such materials into construction practices not only reduces the environmental impact of buildings but also promotes a more sustainable approach to urban development.
5. Energy-Efficient Construction Systems
Beyond individual materials, the field of sustainable building innovation includes the development of energy-efficient construction systems that integrate these materials effectively. This encompasses strategies such as passive design, which relies on the building's architecture and the choice of materials to minimize energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting. Innovations in insulation systems, including external wall insulation, double-glazed windows, and green roofs, are designed to work synergistically with sustainable materials to enhance energy efficiency.
6. Carbon Footprint Reduction and Embodied Carbon
Reducing the carbon footprint of buildings is central to sustainable construction innovation. Researchers and architects are focused on understanding the concept of "embodied carbon," which refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the entire lifecycle of building materials, from production to disposal. By innovating in materials and construction techniques that have lower embodied carbon, the construction industry can make significant strides toward reducing its overall environmental impact. The shift towards low-carbon and carbon-neutral materials such as bio-based composites, recycled metals, and carbon-sequestering materials offers new opportunities to lower the carbon footprint of both new and existing buildings.
7. Smart Materials and Adaptive Technologies
Smart materials and adaptive technologies are emerging as key innovations in the field of sustainable building. These materials can respond to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light, adjusting their properties to improve comfort and energy efficiency. For example, thermochromic and photothermal materials can change their thermal conductivity in response to temperature fluctuations, enhancing a building's thermal insulation and reducing the need for artificial climate control. Incorporating these advanced technologies with sustainable building materials promises to take energy efficiency to new levels while contributing to carbon reduction goals.
8. Policy and Regulatory Innovation in Building Sustainability
In parallel with technological and material advancements, the field of sustainable building materials is influenced by policy and regulatory innovations. Governments and industry bodies are increasingly setting higher standards for energy efficiency and carbon emissions in buildings. Building codes, environmental certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and the introduction of carbon taxes and carbon credit systems are driving the adoption of sustainable materials and practices. The regulatory push for net-zero buildings and carbon-neutral construction methods further accelerates the development and implementation of innovative, sustainable materials in the building industry.
This field of innovation reflects a convergence of science, technology, and policy aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector, improving building performance, and contributing to global sustainability efforts.
Objective of Innovation
1. Enhancing Thermal Insulation Performance
One of the primary objectives of this innovation is to improve the thermal insulation capabilities of building materials. The goal is to develop materials that significantly reduce heat loss or gain, thereby minimizing the need for artificial heating and cooling. Enhanced thermal insulation not only improves energy efficiency but also contributes to lower utility costs and increased comfort for building occupants. By advancing the properties of materials like cellulose, hempcrete, and recycled insulation products, this innovation seeks to create a more effective, sustainable alternative to traditional insulation solutions.

2. Minimizing the Carbon Footprint of Building Materials
Another key objective is to reduce the carbon footprint of construction materials. The construction industry's significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions stems primarily from the manufacturing, transportation, and installation of building materials. By focusing on sustainable raw materials, recycling techniques, and low-energy production processes, this innovation aims to decrease the embodied carbon- the total carbon emissions associated with the lifecycle of materials. Materials such as bamboo, cork, and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) are explored for their potential to significantly cut emissions compared to conventional materials like steel and cement.
3. Promoting the Use of Renewable and Recycled Resources
Sustainable building materials are often derived from renewable, biodegradable, or recycled resources. This objective emphasizes the importance of sourcing raw materials that do not deplete finite resources or contribute to pollution. For instance, the use of agricultural by-products like straw bales or hemp fibers, as well as post-consumer recycled content such as glass or plastic, can significantly reduce the environmental impact of construction. This innovation seeks to create a closed-loop system where materials are either fully recyclable or biodegradable at the end of their life, supporting a circular economy in the construction sector.
4. Improving the Durability and Longevity of Materials
Beyond reducing environmental impacts, this innovation aims to ensure that the sustainable building materials developed are durable and long-lasting. Longevity is crucial to achieving long-term energy savings and reducing the need for frequent renovations or replacements. Materials that offer enhanced resistance to weathering, pests, moisture, and other environmental factors are essential for ensuring the sustainable performance of buildings over time. This objective is driven by the need to develop materials that not only reduce energy consumption but also minimize the need for maintenance and material waste.
5. Achieving Regulatory and Market Acceptance
For sustainable building materials to become mainstream, they must meet regulatory standards and gain acceptance in the market. This innovation seeks to align new materials with national and international building codes, sustainability certifications (such as LEED or BREEAM), and energy efficiency regulations. Additionally, the aim is to increase market awareness and adoption by demonstrating the cost-effectiveness, performance, and long-term benefits of using sustainable materials in construction. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical, widespread application, this objective seeks to facilitate a shift in the industry towards more sustainable building practices.
6. Advancing Multi-Functional Building Materials
The development of multi-functional materials that offer a combination of improved thermal insulation, acoustic performance, and environmental sustainability is another key objective. This innovation explores how materials can be engineered to fulfill multiple roles within a building's envelope, such as thermal regulation, soundproofing, moisture control, and even air purification. The goal is to create holistic solutions that enhance the overall quality of indoor environments while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of construction.
The objectives of this innovation aim to revolutionize the building materials industry by improving thermal insulation, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting the use of sustainable resources. By advancing these goals, the field of sustainable building materials will play a crucial role in creating energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and durable structures that contribute to a sustainable future.
Design Overview
1. Material Selection and Composition
The core of the design for sustainable building materials revolves around the selection of eco-friendly, high-performance materials that address both thermal insulation and carbon footprint reduction. A combination of natural, recycled, and renewable materials is chosen for their ability to provide optimal thermal resistance while minimizing environmental impact. These include:
• Hempcrete: A bio-based material made from hemp fibers and lime, which not only offers excellent thermal insulation but also absorbs carbon during the cultivation of hemp, thereby contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
• Bamboo: Known for its rapid growth and low environmental impact, bamboo is incorporated for both structural elements and insulation. Its thermal conductivity is low, making it effective at regulating indoor temperatures.
• Cork: A renewable material with outstanding thermal and acoustic insulation properties, cork is used in various forms, such as boards or tiles, for enhancing building energy efficiency.
• Cellulose Insulation: Made from recycled paper, cellulose offers excellent thermal resistance while being biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
• Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA): By repurposing waste concrete, RCA reduces the need for new raw materials and minimizes the environmental impact of construction debris.
The composition of these materials is designed to achieve optimal thermal insulation while maintaining environmental sustainability. By integrating these materials into building systems, the design seeks to improve energy efficiency and reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling.
2. Thermal Insulation Optimization
The design prioritizes the optimization of thermal insulation to minimize energy consumption. Thermal resistance, or the R-value, is a key consideration in material selection, with an emphasis on maximizing heat retention during winter and reducing heat absorption during summer. The goal is to reduce the dependency on energy-intensive heating and cooling systems, resulting in buildings that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Several strategies are employed to optimize thermal insulation:
• Multi-layer Insulation Systems: Combining materials like bamboo, cork, and cellulose in multi-layer systems that offer enhanced thermal resistance.
• Reflective Barriers: Incorporating reflective coatings or layers in building envelopes to reduce heat absorption from external sources.
• Thermal Mass: Materials like hempcrete and recycled concrete aggregates are used for their ability to store and release heat, balancing indoor temperatures and reducing the need for artificial heating.
3. Carbon Footprint Reduction
A central objective of this design is the significant reduction of the carbon footprint associated with building materials. The design focuses on minimizing the embodied carbon-the emissions associated with the extraction, transportation, manufacturing, and disposal of materials-by selecting low-carbon alternatives and incorporating life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies. The design strives to reduce carbon emissions through:
• Sourcing Renewable and Recycled Materials: Materials like bamboo, hempcrete, and recycled aggregates are renewable, biodegradable, or made from repurposed materials, contributing to a lower overall carbon footprint.
• Low-Emission Manufacturing Processes: The design ensures that the manufacturing of these materials involves low energy consumption and minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
• Carbon Sequestration: Materials like hempcrete and bamboo, which naturally absorb carbon dioxide during their growth phases, help sequester carbon, offsetting emissions from other processes.
4. Durability and Lifecycle Considerations
The long-term performance and durability of materials are essential components of the design to ensure that the building remains energy-efficient throughout its life cycle. Sustainable building materials are selected not only for their thermal performance but also for their resistance to wear and tear, ensuring minimal maintenance and long service life. Additionally, the design considers the end-of-life disposal and recyclability of materials to ensure that the building remains sustainable even after its operational phase.
• Recyclability: Materials like cellulose and cork are recyclable and can be reused at the end of the building's life, further reducing the carbon footprint.
• Maintenance: Materials that are durable and require minimal maintenance over time reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements, contributing to the building's overall sustainability.
5. Integration with Building Systems
To achieve maximum energy efficiency, the design considers the integration of sustainable building materials into broader building systems, such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. This holistic approach ensures that the thermal insulation properties of the materials are complemented by efficient energy use and reduced carbon emissions across the building's lifecycle. The incorporation of smart building technologies for energy monitoring and management is also considered to further optimize energy use and ensure ongoing sustainability.
In conclusion, the design for sustainable building materials focuses on improving thermal insulation and reducing carbon footprints through the careful selection of materials, innovative composition, and long-term lifecycle considerations. By prioritizing both environmental and performance criteria, this design sets the foundation for more sustainable, energy-efficient buildings in the future.
Summary of Innovation
1. Innovative Approach to Thermal Insulation
The innovation focuses on the development and application of sustainable building materials that enhance thermal insulation properties, offering better energy efficiency in construction. By utilizing natural, renewable, and recycled materials, this innovation targets the reduction of energy consumption in buildings, which accounts for a significant share of global energy use. The materials, such as hempcrete, bamboo, cork, and cellulose, have been chosen not only for their high thermal resistance but also for their potential to regulate indoor climates without reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. These materials offer sustainable alternatives to traditional insulating materials such as fiberglass and foam, which have higher environmental costs.
2. Reduction of Carbon Footprint
A critical component of this innovation is the reduction of the carbon footprint associated with construction materials. The carbon footprint of a building is significantly influenced by the embodied carbon of materials, which includes the emissions generated from raw material extraction, transportation, manufacturing, and installation. By choosing materials that are either carbon-neutral or contribute to carbon sequestration, such as hempcrete, which absorbs CO2 during its growth, and using recycled materials like cellulose insulation, the overall carbon emissions associated with construction can be drastically reduced. Additionally, using locally sourced materials minimizes transportation emissions.
3. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Environmental Impact
An important part of the innovation process is the use of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to assess the environmental impact of these sustainable materials from cradle to grave. This process involves evaluating the total environmental footprint, including raw material extraction, production, use, and end-of-life disposal. By using LCA, the innovation ensures that the building materials are not only effective in their immediate thermal performance but also contribute positively to long-term sustainability goals. Materials such as bamboo, cork, and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) have low embodied energy, meaning their production and disposal have minimal negative effects on the environment.
4. Economic Viability and Scalability
While sustainable materials offer a range of environmental benefits, another key aspect of this innovation is ensuring that these materials are economically viable for widespread use in the construction industry. The innovation explores cost-effective production processes, local sourcing, and potential for scaling production to meet global demand. By focusing on renewable materials and adopting efficient production methods, this innovation aims to make sustainable construction practices more accessible, cost-competitive, and mainstream.
5. Integration with Modern Construction Techniques
This innovation also seeks to integrate sustainable materials with modern construction methods, such as modular and prefabricated building designs, to further enhance efficiency and sustainability. Modular construction allows for quicker assembly, reduced waste, and more precise material usage. The combination of advanced manufacturing techniques with sustainable materials creates a synergistic approach that promotes both eco-friendly and cost-effective construction.
6. Future Implications and Sustainability Goals
The long-term goal of this innovation is to shift the construction industry towards a more sustainable future, where buildings are not only energy-efficient but also constructed with materials that have minimal environmental impact. By reducing the carbon footprint of buildings through improved thermal insulation and material choices, this innovation contributes directly to achieving global sustainability targets such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach fosters a transition to a circular economy where resources are used efficiently, and the built environment plays a crucial role in combating climate change.
7. Conclusion
This innovation offers a holistic solution to some of the most pressing challenges in modern construction. By focusing on sustainable material composition, enhanced thermal insulation, and reduced carbon footprint, it provides an effective strategy for building energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective buildings. It also presents a pathway for the construction industry to align with broader sustainability goals, ensuring a future where the environmental impact of buildings is minimized while optimizing energy performance.
, Claims:10 Claims of Innovation
1. Enhanced Thermal Insulation Performance
This innovation claims to provide sustainable building materials that offer superior thermal insulation compared to conventional building materials. The chosen materials, such as hempcrete, cellulose, and cork, exhibit lower thermal conductivity, which helps maintain indoor temperatures more effectively, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. The result is a more energy-efficient building that improves occupant comfort and reduces energy consumption over its lifetime.


2. Use of Renewable and Bio-Based Materials
The innovation prioritizes the use of renewable and bio-based materials, such as hemp, bamboo, and cork, which are naturally grown and harvested in an environmentally responsible manner. These materials have a lower environmental impact in terms of resource depletion and energy consumption during production, aligning with global sustainability goals. Hempcrete, for example, sequesters carbon during its growth, making it a carbon-negative building material.
3. Reduction of Embodied Carbon
This innovation significantly reduces the embodied carbon of buildings by using materials with low carbon emissions throughout their lifecycle. By replacing high-energy materials like concrete and steel with low-impact alternatives such as recycled aggregates, bamboo, and hempcrete, the carbon emissions associated with the construction process are dramatically lowered. Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) of these materials show a marked reduction in overall carbon footprint, from raw material extraction to installation.
4. Recycled and Recyclable Materials
The design incorporates a range of recycled and recyclable materials that reduce the environmental burden of raw material extraction and manufacturing. For example, cellulose insulation is derived from recycled paper products, and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is used to reduce waste and the demand for virgin aggregates. The incorporation of recycled materials also supports circular economy principles by reducing landfill waste and encouraging the reuse of materials.
5. Reduced Dependence on Non-Renewable Resources
This innovation reduces the reliance on non-renewable resources such as petroleum-based plastics and synthetic insulation materials. By prioritizing natural fibers, plant-based products, and recycled components, the innovation minimizes the depletion of finite resources and promotes a more sustainable, closed-loop material economy in the construction industry.
6. Carbon Sequestration
Certain materials used in this innovation, such as hempcrete and bamboo, contribute to carbon sequestration, where CO2 is absorbed and stored in the building material over time. For example, hemp plants absorb CO2 as they grow, locking it into the lime-based hempcrete, effectively reducing the atmospheric carbon concentration. This makes these materials not only sustainable but also actively beneficial in mitigating climate change.
7. Improved Indoor Air Quality
The use of natural materials, such as hempcrete and cork, improves indoor air quality by reducing the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are commonly found in synthetic building materials. These natural materials are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring healthier living and working environments for building occupants. Furthermore, materials like bamboo and cork have natural moisture-regulating properties, which can help prevent the buildup of mold and mildew.
8. Cost-Effectiveness Over the Long Term
Although some sustainable materials may have higher upfront costs, this innovation is designed to provide long-term cost savings through reduced energy consumption and maintenance requirements. By improving thermal insulation, the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling systems is minimized, leading to lower energy bills over the building's lifespan. Additionally, the durability and longevity of materials like bamboo and hempcrete reduce the frequency of repairs or replacements, providing further cost savings.
9. Scalability and Versatility of Application
This innovation offers scalable solutions suitable for a variety of building types, from residential homes to commercial and industrial structures. The materials are versatile and can be adapted to different climates, building sizes, and architectural styles. Their ease of use in both new construction and renovation projects makes them an attractive option for widespread adoption in sustainable architecture.
10. Compliance with Green Building Standards
The materials and design principles of this innovation comply with established green building certifications and sustainability standards, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). By meeting these rigorous environmental benchmarks, the innovation ensures that buildings constructed with these materials contribute to achieving global sustainability goals and reducing the overall environmental impact of the built environment.

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