Alternative Construction Materials October 2019

Alternative construction materials are those which acts as a replacement of conventional building materials. They are curated from natural or waste products, thereby adhering minimisation of environmental degradation. 16% of all fossil fuel consumed every year is used to turn those raw materials into construction products. Therefore, new materials and technology are being experimented across the construction sector, especially now as the carbon footprint is impacting human lives tremendously.

The use of alternative construction materials and technology has been proposed by decision-makers as one of the ways of curbing environmental degradation hence promoting sustainable development. In this edition, we will discuss alternative material for road construction, plastic as an alternative building material, alternative binders for construction and alternative formwork systems.