When you have a commercial building architecture project in the works, you have numerous building materials to choose from. Some are more environmentally friendly than the others—meaning they have a less harmful impact on the planet or utilize fewer scarce resources. To help you make good ecological decisions for your project, here are a few building materials that feature a low environmental impact.

What Environmentally Friendly Architecture Materials Should You Use for Your Commercial Building?

1. Recycled Steel

Recycled steel is extremely popular as an eco-friendly material because of its recyclability. Structural steel contains 93% reused materials, recycled from automobiles, steel buildings, and other steel scraps. It can be used for metal roofing, siding, and support beams, and nearly 100% of the steel used can be recycled again once the building reaches the end of its useful life span. This eliminates the need for additional mining and refining of limited resources and cuts down on the fuel costs of production and transportation. 

2. Reclaimed Wood

Salvaged lumber is wood that was previously used for pallets, wooden crates, or old barns. It has been reclaimed and put to secondary use as flooring, wall paneling, countertops, decking, shelving, or even furniture. It reduces the demand for newly cut lumber and reduces deforestation. It often offers a rustic or vintage look, reduces landfill waste, and is more environmentally friendly than using petroleum-based products like carpeting or linoleum.  

3. Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly building materials because of its speedy regeneration rate. While trees take decades to grow, bamboo reaches maturity in about 60 days and can grow three feet in a day. Because it is a perennial grass, it continues spreading and growing even after it has been harvested. It is very durable, mimics hardwood, and makes an exceptional flooring and cabinetry material.

If you're planning a commercial building construction project, contact the experts at Jackola Engineering & Architecture, with locations in Vancouver, WA and Kalispell, MT. They have served clients faithfully since 1969, specializing in everything from master planning and land surveying to interior design. They are renowned throughout their markets for their attention to detail, customer care, and successful outcomes. Learn more about them on their website. Discuss your architecture project in depth by calling (360) 852-8746 for their Vancouver office or (406) 755-3208 for Kalispell.