11 Interesting Energy Efficient Building Materials for Reduced Environmental Impact

The building and construction sector accounts for a significant percentage of carbon emissions (nearly 40% of global carbon emissions), making it a key area for climate action. As we transition towards a low carbon economy, selecting energy-efficient building materials is essential to reducing the environmental impact of construction while improving long-term resilience against climate change.

Low carbon materials help achieve these goals in several ways:

• Reducing embodied carbon by using materials with lower production emissions.
• Improving operational efficiency by reducing energy consumption in buildings.
• Enhancing climate adaptation by making structures more resilient to extreme weather conditions.
• Encouraging circular economy principles, such as recyclability and sustainable sourcing.

Discover the curated collection of 11 energy efficient building materials, offering verified sustainability benefits backed by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These materials not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to long-term durability and efficiency in buildings.

Overview

The Prestigio Section PVC window by Alphacan S.r.l. is a high-performance, double-glazed window designed to improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings. Made from PVC sections with double or triple glazing, it provides excellent thermal insulation. It is a lightweight yet durable alternative to aluminum and wood-framed windows, reducing material-related carbon emissions.

Sustainability Performance

• EPD-certified, ensuring transparency in lifecycle emissions.
• Superior thermal insulation (Uw = 1.3 W/m².K for double glazing and Uw = 1.0 W/m².K for triple glazing), reducing heating and cooling needs.
• Long lifespan and recyclability, reducing waste and resource depletion.

Advantages

• Energy-efficient design, leading to lower operational carbon emissions.
• Lighter than aluminum, reducing carbon emissions during transportation.
• Resistant to moisture and weather conditions, ensuring durability.

Use Cases

• New residential and commercial buildings needing improved insulation.
• Renovations requiring energy-efficient window replacements.
• Buildings in harsh weather conditions, where moisture resistance is crucial.

Explore Prestigio section on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

This double-glazed window and French window by CODIFAB is made from European temperate wood, providing both aesthetic appeal and sustainable performance. Unlike conventional aluminum or plastic-framed windows, this product incorporates natural timber, which acts as a carbon sink, helping to offset CO₂ emissions.

Sustainability Performance

• Made from sustainably sourced wood, reducing the need for high-carbon materials.
• Naturally stores carbon, making it an alternative to aluminum-framed windows.
• EPD-certified, ensuring verified environmental impact.

Advantages

• Natural insulation properties, reducing heat loss.
• Aesthetic, warm appearance, suitable for modern and classic designs.
• Renewable material, supporting sustainable forestry practices.

Use Cases

• Sustainable housing projects aiming for reduced embodied carbon.
• Renovations of heritage buildings, where wood materials are required.
• Residential homes where thermal efficiency is a priority.

Explore Double-glazed Window and French Window on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Geficell® PE TDZ by Gefinex GmbH is a polyethylene-based impact sound insulation layer designed for floating screeds in bathrooms, old building renovations, and prefabricated house construction. It effectively reduces impact sound transmission, improving acoustic comfort in buildings while maintaining a thin profile.

Sustainability Performance

• EPD-certified, providing verified low carbon emissions.
• Reduces material use, thanks to its thin yet effective design.
• Complies with DIN 4109–1 standards, ensuring noise reduction performance.

Advantages

• Lightweight and easy to install, reducing labor emissions.
• Provides excellent acoustic insulation with minimal material use.
• Durable and long-lasting, minimizing material replacement.

Use Cases

• Apartments and multi-story buildings, where noise reduction is essential.
• Old building renovations, where space constraints exist.
• Prefabricated houses, requiring lightweight insulation materials.

Explore Geficell® PE TDZ on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

Kooltherm K5 by Kingspan Insulation is a phenolic foam insulation panel known for its high thermal efficiency. It is widely used in external wall insulation (EWI) systems, offering better performance than traditional insulation materials like polystyrene or fiberglass.

Sustainability Performance

• Extremely low thermal conductivity, reducing heating and cooling energy.
• Lightweight, lowering carbon emissions from transportation.
• EPD-certified, ensuring its environmental credentials.

Advantages

• Excellent insulation performance, cutting energy costs.
• Space-saving design, allowing thinner insulation layers.
• Moisture-resistant, preventing mold growth.

Use Cases

• New building construction, needing high-performance insulation.
• Retrofitting older buildings to improve energy efficiency.
• Projects aiming for net-zero energy consumption.

Explore Kooltherm K5 on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

ROCKWOOL’s low bulk density stone wool insulation is designed for thermal, fire, and acoustic insulation. It is made from natural volcanic rock, providing superior durability and fire resistance compared to synthetic alternatives.

Sustainability Performance

• Naturally fire-resistant, eliminating the need for chemical treatments.
• Fully recyclable, promoting circular economy principles.
• EPD-certified, confirming its sustainability benefits.

Advantages

• Superior fire resistance, enhancing safety.
• Effective sound insulation, improving indoor comfort.
• Extremely durable, reducing material waste.

Use Cases

• Fireproofing commercial buildings.
• Soundproofing apartments and offices.

Explore ROCKWOOL on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

DuPont™ Tyvek Tape 2060B by DuPont de Nemours (Luxembourg) s.à r.l. is a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tape that helps create a continuous air and moisture barrier in building envelopes. It is primarily used to seal overlaps and joints in Tyvek membranes, enhancing airtightness and preventing moisture infiltration.

Sustainability Performance

• Reduces air leakage, minimizing heating and cooling energy waste.
• Prevents moisture buildup, extending the lifespan of insulation materials.
• EPD-certified, verifying its environmental performance.

Advantages

• Improves building energy efficiency by enhancing airtightness.
• Waterproof and highly durable, protecting structures from moisture damage.
• Lightweight and easy to apply, reducing labor and waste.

Use Cases

• Passive house and net-zero energy projects requiring airtight construction.
• Buildings in humid or rainy climates, where moisture control is crucial.
• Renovation projects aiming to improve energy efficiency.

Explore DuPont™ Tyvek Tape 2060B on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

This cement-based sealing membrane by Termokir Industries Ltd is designed for internal and external waterproofing in residential, industrial, and commercial buildings. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing water penetration into building structures.

Sustainability Performance

• EPD-certified, ensuring a measured carbon footprint.
• Reduces the need for frequent repairs, extending the lifespan of building components.
• Can be used in high-moisture environments, preventing mold growth and material degradation.

Advantages

• Long-lasting waterproofing solution, minimizing maintenance needs.
• Compatible with various substrates, including concrete and masonry.
• Enhances structural durability, reducing long-term material waste.

Use Cases

• Waterproofing basements and underground structures.
• Sealing walls and floors in high-moisture environments.
• Infrastructure projects, including bridges and tunnels.

Explore S-P-11951 Termokir Sealing Materials on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

These polymer-modified bitumen thick coatings (PMBC) by Deutsche Bauchemie e.V. are used as long-lasting waterproofing layers for various construction applications. The flexible, crack-bridging properties make them a durable alternative to traditional bitumen sealants.

Sustainability Performance

• Enhances structural longevity, reducing material replacement cycles.
• High crack-bridging ability, minimizing the risk of failure and repairs.
• EPD-certified, ensuring low environmental impact.

Advantages

• Provides excellent adhesion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Withstands extreme weather conditions, preventing structural damage.
• Can be reinforced with fibers, improving mechanical strength.

Use Cases

• Waterproofing foundations, walls, and basements.
• Infrastructure projects, including bridges and tunnels.
• Industrial buildings, requiring strong and flexible sealing materials.

Explore Polymer-enhanced bituminous thick layer compounds on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

The AEROMAX SPLIT 3 VS 270 by Groupe SM Tardif is a high-efficiency heat pump that provides low carbon heating and cooling for residential and commercial buildings. It uses advanced inverter technology to adjust power consumption based on demand, reducing energy waste.

Sustainability Performance

• Reduces operational carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel heating systems.
• Optimized efficiency, lowering energy consumption.
• EPD-certified, verifying its sustainability credentials.

Advantages

• Highly efficient heating and cooling, reducing energy bills.
• Low noise operation, improving indoor comfort.
• Long lifespan, minimizing material waste.

Use Cases

• Homes and apartments, replacing traditional HVAC systems.
• Commercial buildings, requiring efficient climate control.
• Passive house and net-zero energy projects.

Explore AEROMAX SPLIT 3 VS 270 on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

This mono-crystalline photovoltaic module by Marley Ltd is designed to maximize solar energy generation, with an output of 405W and 108 high-efficiency solar cells. It is an ideal solution for integrating renewable energy into buildings.

Sustainability Performance

• Generates renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• High efficiency, maximizing energy output per unit area.
• EPD-certified, ensuring sustainable production processes.

Advantages

• Long lifespan, reducing e-waste.
• Seamless integration with rooftops, improving aesthetics.
• Optimized for grid-tied and off-grid applications.

Use Cases

• Residential and commercial solar installations.
• Zero-energy buildings, needing renewable energy sources.
• Green building certifications, such as LEED and BREEAM.

Explore Viridian Solar PV16–405-M10 Mono-crystalline Module on 2050 Materials Platform.

Overview

The BDO Terracotta Orange by BISOL Proizvodnja is a monofacial photovoltaic panel designed to integrate seamlessly with traditional terracotta-colored roofs. Unlike conventional black or blue solar panels, this product allows for aesthetic solar energy generation, making it an excellent solution for buildings where design and sustainability must go hand in hand.

Sustainability Performance

• Generates renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Blends with traditional architecture, encouraging wider solar adoption.
• EPD-certified, ensuring low environmental impact from manufacturing.

Advantages

• Aesthetic integration, preserving the appearance of terracotta roofs.
• High efficiency (350–370W output), maximizing electricity production.
• Long lifespan and recyclability, reducing waste.

Use Cases

• Heritage and historical buildings, where appearance is a priority.
• Residential rooftops, where homeowners want a discreet solar solution.
• Sustainable construction projects, integrating design with renewable energy.

Explore BDO Terracotta Orange on 2050 Materials Platform.

This collection of low carbon energy-efficient building materials showcase the latest innovations in the construction industry. By integrating these materials, architects, developers, and homeowners can:
✅ Lower carbon emissions, supporting global climate goals.
✅ Improve energy efficiency, reducing long-term operational costs.
✅ Enhance building resilience, adapting to a changing climate.

Transitioning to low carbon building materials is a crucial step in reducing the environmental impact of the built environment. With options ranging from high-performance insulation and windows to innovative solar technologies, there are more solutions than ever to build for the future while preserving our planet.

Find more collections that help support climate goals here.