Sustainability was once a luxury, but today it is an everyday business practice in the construction industry, where builders, architects, and homeowners all across Australia are becoming very resourceful in reducing their environmental footprint whilst trying to maintain quality and safety.
The entire paradigm is changing in construction, where planning and building decisions are made on environmentally conscious grounds and in the sustainable use of products. Greener sealants and responsibly-sourced fittings are being used today by construction hardware to make better buildings for themselves, the people around them, and their planet.
What is eco-friendly construction hardware? How does one make informed decisions as to what constitutes that? Let’s discuss.
What Does Eco-Friendly Construction Hardware Mean?
Eco-friendly construction equipment does its primary job in preventing environmental degradation through its life cycle. The life cycle begins with the way in which materials are sourced and manufactured, through transportation and use, and finally to disposal. Sustainable equipment is made with either recycled or low-impact materials, emits low levels of pollution, and functionally prefers the reduction of waste through long-term use.
In Australia, stringent building regulations coupled with an increasing realisation of what really constitutes being environmentally friendly have upped the demand for products that meet the sustainability benchmarks and also perform under locally harsh conditions.
Low-VOC Sealants and Adhesives
Sealants and adhesives are the basic materials at any job site. Many traditional sealants and adhesives release poisonous fumes into the atmosphere. Low-VOC sealants are a much greener option, as they purify indoor air to make it healthier for the home.
The selection of products from certified sealant suppliers provides full compliance with all the necessary parameters regarding sustainability and safety in the environment. These suppliers provide sealants that can withstand harsh weather and are compatible with Australia’s diverse climate – without the environmental downsides.
Recycled and Sustainable Materials
With most modern construction hardware being manufactured from recycled metals, plastics, and composites, anything made from brackets and fasteners to fittings made in recycled steel or aluminium will eliminate the mining of virgin materials and, with that, reduce carbon emissions.
Timber hardware solutions from certified sustainable forests have gained popularity. Coupled with products from sealant suppliers, these materials are more supportive of environmentally friendly building practices.
Durability Equals Sustainability
Sustainability is an often-overlooked arena for durability. More durable hardware would be avoided in numerous replacements, and therefore save money and resources. Quality hinges and fixtures sealants are designed for durability and thus would resist the ‘beating’ from intense sunlight, salt air, and temperature shifts in Australia.
Sourcing suppliers of certified sealants means that you can rest assured that whatever products you do use have been tested for reliability and durability. Sustainability and performance are a win-win.
Supporting Green Building Standards
The use of eco-friendly construction hardware is paramount in building green certifications like Green Star and NABERS. These ratings are growing in importance in Australia for the residential and commercial property markets.
From the perspective of sustainability and the enhanced value of a project, builders will rest assured that they are operating above board and meeting the environmental requirements while sourcing materials from certified suppliers and other verified manufacturers.
Conclusion
The future of sustainable construction or eco-friendly buildings in Australia is being determined by green building hardware. It includes the responsible alternatives of low-volatile organic compound sealants, recycled materials, and robust, long-lasting materials, which bring drastic reductions in their impacts and, at the same time, maintain the quality as well!
