STEM Concepts Involved

What Are Sustainable Materials?

Sustainable materials are eco-friendly. They either grow back quickly, are recyclable, or use less energy to produce. When used in biophilic design, these materials also support health and well-being.

Here are some exciting examples being explored and used today:

  • Bamboo, cork, and hempcrete are plant-based materials that grow quickly and naturally absorb carbon dioxide. They require less processing than traditional materials like concrete or plastic. These bio-based materials can reduce the carbon footprint of buildings significantly (Mnasri et al., 2021).
  • Mycelium is the root structure of mushrooms. It can be grown into building blocks or panels. This material is lightweight, fully compostable, and doesn’t need chemical processing. It’s often used in green architecture (Alaneme & Anaele, 2023).
  • Bioconcrete is a special kind of concrete that heals its cracks using bacteria. These bacteria produce a natural substance that seals the crack when moisture enters. This innovation reduces maintenance needs and extends the life of buildings (Aytekin et al., 2024).
  • Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass reflects heat but lets in natural light. This glass helps reduce energy use for heating and cooling while still providing access to daylight, which is vital in biophilic spaces (Elverici, 2024).

Using these materials makes cities more sustainable and supports biophilic design’s biggest goal: improving our connection to nature while protecting the environment.