I came to know that there are materials like waste plastics being used for sustainable construction in African countries. What are the other possible construction materials available as eco-friendly substances? And what type of tests should be conducted before going for the same.
Dear Mophin,
your question is very interesting. I have been working a lot in the field of acoustical and thermal characterization of eco-fiendly materials. Have a look at my recent paper:
F. Asdrubali, S. Schiavoni, K. V. Horoshenkov: “A review of sustainable materials for acoustic applications”, Building Acoustics 19, (4), 2012, 283-312.
you can download it from Research Gate
Dar Mophin,
Please find attached an EXCEL spreadsheet in which ecological properties of building materials are listed. This could help in the choice of materials. However, please note that these figures are valid for Switzerland (or central Europe).
Another important poiunt for sustainable buildings is its design and location. The building design should be adapted to the local climate so that thermal comfort and dayligting can be esured as much as possible without energy, and, if this is not possible, with a minimum amount of energy.
I also attach a report on building energy efficiency in Tanzania, which may be of some help in your quest.
Sustainable construction materials can be produced from various sources, for instance, from renewable materials, industrial by-products, construction and agricultural wastes. You can find an article “Taffese W. (2012). Low-Cost Eco-Friendly Building Material: A Case Study in Ethiopia, World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, V. 62, P. 718–722”. This paper presents a building material which is produced from natural minerals, renewable materials, industrial and agro-waste. This material is also cost effective. It also recommends other renewable materials which have a great potential to replace the adopted natural minerals and/or industrial products. I believe that this paper will provide you aboard view about several alternative sustainable construction materials.
It was nice to hear all things from you all. thank you so much for all your valuable answers and the materials you provided. hope the things are very helpful
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