The Importance Of Using Eco Friendly Materials In Construction

Making environmentally conscious choices with each and every one of our projects is more important than ever in 2023. Whether you work in the construction industry or not, we all need to work together to limit the negative impact we have on the planet. One of the ways we do this at Shape London is through the use of eco friendly materials, from melamine substitutes to 100% recycled composites.

The Impact Of The Construction Industry

The construction industry is undoubtedly one of the main contributors to climate change. Did you know that 38% of global CO2 emissions can be attributed to our sector? The CO2 output from the consumption of fuels during construction processes significantly impacts air pollution, water pollution and landfill waste. Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe, sea levels are rising at an alarming rate and there’s currently more CO2 in our atmosphere than at any other time in our history on Earth.

It’s clear to see that climate change isn’t slowing down for us and the world is showing no signs of slowing down in the face of the climate crisis, which is why we need to make positive changes if we intend to continue at this pace. As a team, this is at the forefront of our minds, which is why we make sure our knowledge of eco friendly materials and processes is both comprehensive and up-to-date. Only then can we work in a greener, more eco efficient way.

Eco Friendly Materials

With that in mind, educating our team on the most advanced eco friendly materials and processes is a vital and ongoing process. One specific material that we often incorporate into our designs is Richlite, a recycled paper composite that can be used for solid surfaces. You’ll find this versatile material among many of our projects as its distinctive look and feel not only adds unique character to a luxury space but also offers an unparalleled level of freedom when it comes to design. Richlite is made from 100% recycled paper and is extremely durable, making it ideal for counters, cabinetry and panelling.

Another material we have our eye on is Re-Y-Stone, which can be used for cabinetry, furniture and wall cladding. Melamine can be substituted for this bio-composite board that boasts the versatility of multiple textured finishes. Unlike other plastic composite boards, this conscious alternative isn’t petroleum-based, is non-polluting and free from formaldehyde and phenol, yet offers the same high-quality finish that our clients expect. While we’re yet to use Re-Y-Stone in a Shape project, we’re always looking for ways to incorporate more eco friendly materials into our work.

Here are some other materials we recommend:

You can find out more here.

Think, Design & Build Consciously

Some of these materials are likely to be very new to you, which can make working with them seem like a daunting task. At Shape, we love a challenge! When it comes to the eco friendly materials we’re familiar with, we can show you how to make the most of them to achieve a high-end finish. We can also draw upon years of knowledge and experience to get to grips with new materials very quickly.

With every new project, our team is very conscious of our approach when it comes to the impact our installations have on the world around us. There’s a lot of pressure on businesses like ours to minimise our impact on the environment, and rightly so. If eco conscious construction is a priority for your next project, work with us!

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