Choose sustainable materials

Part of building a greener and more environmentally responsible home is choosing the responsible materials. There are several ways to incorporate sustainability into your material choices, including sourcing from renewable or recycled materials where possible, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood or recycled steel.

Materials that require low energy and water consumption to produce, such as low-embodied-energy concrete or clay bricks, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a building. Choosing materials that have a longer lifespan and require minimal maintenance will reduce the need for frequent replacements, and therefore help to reduced waste in the long run.

Another benefit of choosing sustainable building materials is their impact on your indoor air quality and overall health. Harmful emissions from certain materials can lead to respiratory issues - materials with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, such as natural paints and adhesives, can significantly improve indoor air quality. Additionally, choosing materials that are non-toxic and don't release harmful substances over time, such as formaldehyde-free insulation or natural fiber carpets, can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment. 

Material choice can come into play in the less-visible parts of your home, too. Catnic's market-leading Thermally Broken Lintels can achieve carbon gains by reducing thermal bridging, making them an economical way to help hit net zero targets when installing lintels during a build or renovation project.

In 2010 Catnic achieved the Environmental Management Standard ISO 14001 recognition of its environmental management policy, and are the only UK lintel manufacturer to be certified to BES 6001 covering the Responsible Sourcing of Materials. They are committed to achieving continual improvement in environmental performance and pollution prevention, and in supporting government policy for sustainable development. 

You can find out more about Catnic here.

Prioritising sustainable building materials not only benefits our planet by reducing resource depletion and pollution, but also supports the health and wellbeing of our households.