Workshop Module 3: Houses, Water, and Waste Management 91B. List of unsustainable building materials
Step 1
With the entire group, conduct a brainstorm to create a list of the least environmentally
friendly (unsustainable) building materials that are currently being used in local construction
(table 1). Write the participant’s answers on a large piece of paper or on the white/black
board so that everyone can see and comment.
Step 2
Once the list of the least environmentally friendly (sustainable) building materials is done,
ask the participants to split up into smaller work groups (see appendix for ideas about
using a creative group techniques) and work out (a) where the materials come from, and
(b) how they feel those materials may be used (table 2).
The answers listed below are supplied for the facilitator only for prompting
ideas and discussions if the participants need help.
Unsustainable
materialWhere it
comes fromWhat is it
made fromVarious ways
it is usedCould it be a
health hazardHow
long it
lastsAsbestos
sheeting/
roofingManufacturedAsbestos
was once
considered
a “miracle
mineral”. Made
from krisotil
mineralsRoof, wall,
floor, stoveYes, example:
Mesothelioma, lung
cancer, possibly
other cancers,
Asbestosis, pleural
injuries10-40
yearsChipboardManufactured
from recycled
materialsWood particle
or flakes, resin
and waxFurnitureYes. Flush eyes
with water for at
least 15 minutes if
dust gets into eyes5-10
years,
less if
wetTriplex Manufactured Wood Buildings, furnitureYes. Dust from
triplex can damage
lungs10-20
years,
less if
wetCement brick Manufactured Cement, sand, and stoneWalls, septic
tanks,
containersYes. By skin
contact, eye
contact, or
inhalation10-40
yearsRainforest
woods Forest TreesBuildings,
decoration,
furniture,
handicraft,10-40
yearsUntreated
woven bamboo Local area BambooHandcraft,
buildings, roof,
wallsYes. Dust from
deteriorating
bamboo can
damage lungs1-5
yearsTable 1. Table 2.