The built environment is one of the world’s biggest contributors to pollution, but it is the construction industry that sits at the heart of the crisis. A major share of the damage comes long before a building is even occupied. Embodied carbon, the carbon dioxide released during the manufacturing, transport and construction of building materials, makes up nearly 10% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Concrete alone accounts for another 8% of global carbon output.
As demand for traditional materials rises, construction firms are under pressure to rethink how they build. That shift has opened the door to a new generation of sustainable materials that promise to cut emissions, reduce waste and save costs. Here are 16 options that are redefining green construction across the world.
- Bamboo
One of the oldest building materials in human history is now also one of the most sustainable. Bamboo grows at record speed across continents, making it easy to source. The entire stem can be used, and whatever remains is biodegradable. Its flexibility and strength have made it a reliable alternative for walls, floors and even structural frameworks. - Mass timber
Mass timber, made by binding or joining layers of softwood, has become the poster child for modern green construction. It offers the strength of concrete but is far lighter, helping reduce transportation emissions. Towers such as Mjøstårnet in Norway and Ascent in the US have shown how mass timber can be used to build high-rises, challenging traditional ideas about wood as a structural material. - Cob
Cob, a mixture of subsoil, sand, straw and lime, has existed for centuries. Its climate-friendly appeal lies in its near-zero embodied carbon. Homes built with cob are durable—some in the UK date back to the 1400s. Researchers have modernised the mix into a version called CobBauge, which improves thermal performance and has the potential to become a low-carbon alternative to concrete. - Recycled steel
Steel already forms the backbone of global construction. The good news is that it can be recycled repeatedly without losing strength. Nearly 40% of global steel production now uses recycled scrap. Structural steel components—columns, beams and bars—can be reused almost fully, dramatically cutting the sector’s carbon load. - Recycled plastic
Plastic waste has become a global headache, but construction offers a way to put it to use. Recycled plastic can be transformed into lumber, fencing, roof tiles, bricks and even concrete components. Its natural resistance to water and corrosion makes it a useful material, especially when reinforced with other elements. - Rammed earth
An ancient technique with modern relevance, rammed earth involves compressing materials like clay, gravel and sand into sturdy walls. The process uses local resources, generates minimal waste and produces structures that regulate indoor temperatures naturally. Rammed earth buildings require very little maintenance and can last for centuries. - Cork
Cork might seem more suited to wine bottles, but its future in construction is promising. It can be harvested without cutting down trees, making it a carbon-storing material. Lightweight and easy to shape, cork is already being used for insulation, tiles, roofing and surface finishes. Its soft texture also makes installation easier and safer. - Recycled glass
Glass can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. Reprocessed glass consumes far less energy compared to producing new glass, and it reduces demand for virgin raw materials. It is now being used for tiles, countertops, insulation and even aggregate in concrete. - Straw bale
Straw bales are proving to be one of the most effective natural insulators. Their high R-value means better heat resistance than many traditional materials. Straw bale walls, supported by wood or bamboo, are fire-resistant and biodegradable. Properly maintained, such structures can last more than a century. - Earth blocks
Compressed earth blocks (CEBs) are made by pressing soil, sand and clay into sturdy bricks. They have low embodied carbon and can be produced right at construction sites. Earth blocks are fire-resistant and ideal for warm climates. Their only drawback is their sensitivity to water and lower tensile strength. - Sheep’s wool
Sheep’s wool is emerging as a natural alternative to synthetic insulation. Its ability to absorb moisture, regulate temperature and improve indoor air quality makes it ideal for homes. In an era of rising energy costs, wool insulation has become an attractive option for builders. - Clay brick
Clay has been used for buildings for centuries. Modern clay bricks are durable, recyclable and thermally efficient. They reduce waste, require low maintenance and can be sourced locally. Their high insulation value also helps cut heating and cooling costs. - Recycled rubber
Used tyres often end up in landfills, but recycled rubber can be turned into flooring, asphalt and landscaping materials. “Rubbercrete”, made by replacing the fine aggregate in concrete with crumb rubber, is being studied as a greener alternative to conventional concrete. - Newspaperwood
Old newspapers are being pressed and glued into logs to create newspaperwood—a material that behaves like traditional wood but has its own aesthetic appeal. It can be varnished, cut and shaped, making it suitable for interiors and furniture. - Plant-based polyurethane rigid foam
Rigid polyurethane foam is essential for insulation but problematic to dispose of. Plant-based foams, made from bamboo, hemp or other natural fibres, offer a greener solution. These biofoams lower emissions and are easier to recycle or repurpose. - Ferrock
Ferrock is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in green construction. Made from waste steel dust and silica, it is stronger than concrete and actually absorbs CO2 during curing. Its carbon-negative nature has made it one of the most promising materials for sustainable building.
