Afogreen Build Group’s Post

New sustainable innovations every day. The latest is a 3D printable, 100% recyclable bioplastic (20% bamboo and 80% polylactic acid) that is stronger than steel. Wow! The industry should take notice: Building materials that have high carbon footprints, are energy intensive, and are unable to be recycled, upcycled, or disassembled for reuse are being increasingly displaced by innovative materials that understand the triple bottom line, sustainable development, and the circular economy. That’s good news for the planet, the economy, and people. #wellnessdesign #sustainabledesign #triplebottomline #biobased #technology #innovation #thefutureisnow #oneplanet

3D-printed designs can bolster the integration of sustainable development. The cost-effective, energy-efficient, and swift construction of homes offers a promising solution. Innovations in sustainable materials could further diminish the environmental impact of construction activities, aligning with the global sustainability agenda.

🔄 Why we should be using Circular Building Materials in #Construction 🌍🏗️ The concept of circular building materials is transforming the construction industry and assisting the push to reduce carbon emissions. Here’s a few reasons why circularity is key to building a greener future: ♻️ Reusability: Circular materials are designed for reuse, reducing waste and minimizing the need for new resources. By prioritizing materials that can be easily disassembled and repurposed, we extend their lifecycle and lower environmental impact. 🔄 Recycling: High-quality recycling processes ensure that materials like steel, aluminum, and glass are kept in circulation, reducing the demand for raw material extraction and cutting down on CO2 emissions. 🌱 Renewability: Opting for renewable materials, such as timber from sustainably managed forests or bio-based composites, supports a circular economy while maintaining environmental integrity. 💡 Innovation: Advances in modular construction, 3D printing, and material science are driving the development of products that fit seamlessly into a circular model, further reducing waste and conserving resources. 🚧 Circular building materials are not just a trend / nice to have - they’re a necessity. As we rethink how we design, construct, and deconstruct our buildings, let’s commit to a circular economy that supports long-term sustainability. 🌟 #CircularEconomy #SustainableConstruction #GreenBuilding #CircularMaterials

Already next Tuesday June 25th, we'll have our 2nd meeting of our new workgroup "Circular Design & Production". Which, in my view, is one of the most interesting topics for composites today. Often seen as difficult to recycle, in the last few years there has been made major progress, with lots of new technologies, so that today we can say that all composites can be recycled, and even in cost effective and sustainable ways. Next, we foresee a new way of designing composite parts, not only on minimising weight and cost as we always did in the past, but also on design for recycling. And not only that, also designing with recycled materials. Exciting topics to be treated in presentations from expert speakers and a round table discussion in our upcoming workgroup meeting. #circularity #design #recycling #composites

"Materials Matter: Sustainable Choices in Modern Engineering" As engineers and designers, every choice we make has a ripple effect. Material selection is one of the most impactful decisions in product development, shaping not only performance but also the environmental footprint of our designs. Today, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential. Here’s how we can make more eco-conscious material choices: 1️⃣ Explore Bio-Based Materials Materials like bioplastics, bamboo composites, and mycelium offer renewable alternatives to conventional plastics and composites. 2️⃣ Lightweight for Efficiency Advanced lightweight materials like carbon fiber and magnesium reduce energy consumption, especially in automotive and aerospace applications. 3️⃣ Opt for Recyclable Metals Aluminum and stainless steel are not only durable but also highly recyclable, making them excellent choices for sustainable design. 4️⃣ Leverage Circular Design Consider how materials can be reused, recycled, or composted at the end of a product’s life. By integrating sustainability into material selection, we not only design for performance but also for the planet. What are your favorite eco-friendly materials or strategies for sustainable design? Share your insights below! 🌱 #Sustainability #Engineering #EcoDesign #MaterialsScience

When a thought becomes a vision, and a vision becomes a conceptual #design. How a #waste material can become a #innovative solution. One #solution of what #plastic waste can become, #housing a requirement globally. When you have an idea, give it life and build it in the 3D design environment. The possibilities are endless. #greenenergy #innovation #recycle #engineering #build

Researchers make 'green' floor to replace steel ◾ Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Maine have designed and 3D-printed a single-piece, recyclable natural-material floor panel tested to be strong enough to replace construction materials like steel. ◾ The project is part of the Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing Alliance for Renewable Technologies, or SM2ART, program. The SM2ART team previously constructed BioHome3D, the nation’s first additively manufactured home made entirely from biologically based materials. ◾ The SM2ART Nfloor cassette panel was developed to replace traditional steel-and-concrete surface assemblies as a transformative step for constructing apartment and condominium buildings. ◾ The technology has the potential to create strong, biologically based sections that could make multistory buildings more environmentally friendly. It could also help increase the use of sustainable structures that are made in a modular construction facility. ◾ The SM2ART floor cassette’s sturdiness comes from its unique formulation of polylactic acid, or PLA, which is a biodegradable thermoplastic-polyester bioplastic derived from corn residue and wood flour made from the waste of lumber processing. ◾ To construct the floor panel, researchers used a large-scale 3D printer to deposit the PLA/wood flour mixture in a precise, geometric shape. By working continuously and autonomously, the printer produced the SM2ART Nfloor cassette at scale, layer upon layer, in about 30 hours. The process created a labor-savings of about 33% compared to the effort needed to construct a similar steel floor assembly by hand. ◾ 3D printing can save time and money by printing the floor cassette with cutouts designed into the finished product,.The only human labor involves installing acoustic skin for sound proofing and the resident’s desired floor covering.” ◾ The SM2ART Nfloor cassette also is fully recyclable. Unlike building materials that are hauled to a landfill after a traditionally constructed building reaches the end of its useful life, PLA is a renewable material that can be repurposed to make other products after demolition. This approach toward a more circular economy provides the ability to continually recycle a resource instead of discarding it as waste. ◾ The Nfloor project is in its initial stages of development. Additional research will involve flame retardants, the potential for adding sustainable insulation and improving production techniques. “The next steps will be to make the manufacturing process faster, more efficient and cost-effective with additional functionality,” UMaine’s Tomlinson said. “This technology holds a lot of promise for the future of sustainable buildings.” The source: News Wise #energyticslimited #energyefficiency #renewableenergy #sustainablematerials #naturalmaterialfloor

New bio based structural product uses wood waste creating partially closed loop eco alternative to concrete and steel. Other benefits? Saves time, money, and of course: carbon. Now that’s innovation!

Wax diffusers are ‘infinitely recyclable’ A Danish firm is using diffusers made from organic wax as they’re ‘infinitely recyclable’. Copenhagen based company Daydreaming Objects say that as well as its inherent renewability, wax is perfect for light because of its light-diffusing properties  Daydreaming Objects combines the wax lenses with upcycled table lamp bases to create the Soft Solids range of products. The designers developed shades specifically for each lamp base, using computer software and 3D-printing technology to create prototypes and silicone negatives for casting the molten wax. ‘The Soft Solids lighting series explore the intentional use and repurposing of natural material—wax, reflecting on its potential for regeneration within design practice,’ says the firm. ‘The lighting series features biomorphic forms that symbolise growth and regeneration in nature.  ‘The collection was inspired by the organic nature of wax and its capacity to transform from a shapeless mass into a tangible form, reverting to a flexible or even fluid state.’ Daydreaming Objects uses a natural wax blend which enables environmentally friendly renewal processes and is seen as a versatile material for creation and upcycling.  • Read more: Link in the comments • The Circular Lighting Report is powered by Recolight

🌿 The construction industry is evolving, and sustainability has become its foundation. As we approach 2025, practices like green building certifications, zero-carbon initiatives, and the use of recycled materials are transforming how projects are designed and built. These advancements not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance market appeal and reduce operating costs. At Living Earth, we’re proud to play a role in supporting these sustainable construction practices. Our recycled and eco-friendly materials, such as organic mulch, compost, and soil, help developers and architects align with green building goals while minimizing waste. From infrastructure to landscaping, we’re here to provide the resources that make projects greener, smarter, and more efficient. For stakeholders in the construction ecosystem, embracing change and investing in sustainable solutions isn’t just a choice—it’s the key to shaping the future of the built environment. Let’s work together to create spaces that support both people and the planet. 🌎 https://lnkd.in/ecKGHwES #LivingEarth #SustainableConstruction #GreenBuilding #EcoFriendlyMaterials #CircularEconomy #WhereSustainAbilityBegins