permaculture

(Michael S) #1
Workshop Module 3: Houses, Water, and Waste Management 89

PR
ESEN
TATIO

N

FAC

ILITATOR

Presentation : Sustainable and unsustainable building materials


Method : Facilitator presentation

Tools : Images of houses from sustainable materials, black/white board, markers

References : PC Book MOD 3 – Houses, Water, and Waste Management

Objective : Participants understand sustainable and unsustainable building materials

It is important to choose good building materials that suit your local


environment. The use of different types of building materials can have a big effect on


the quality and comfort of a house, in both positive and negative ways.


When thinking about sustainability of building materials, consider:



  • Where does the material comes from – Is the source sustainable?

  • What is it made from – Is it natural or not?

  • Will the material pollute the environment around it over time?

  • Could it be dangerous for people? If so, how?

  • How long will it last? How much waste would it create?


Sustainable building materials:



  • Will moderate temperatures.

  • Are long lasting and suit the local environment.

  • Do not contain materials that can harm people or the environment.

  • Come from local resources – support the local economy and reduce energy use
    and transportation costs.

  • In hot areas sustainable building materials use light, low mass materials.

  • In cold areas sustainable building materials use dense, high mass materials.


Unsustainable building materials:



  • Come from non-renewable sources (cannot be replenished), which will cause
    permanent damage to ecosystems.

  • Contain glues that can emit harmful gasses and toxins.

  • Contain materials that can emit harmful gasses and toxins (like asbestos).

  • Some paints contain lead and other toxins, which can cause health problems for
    people and the environment.

  • Do not moderate temperature, therefore increasing energy costs.

  • Do not last long which creates waste.

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