The world is warming up and its climate is becoming more erratic than ever before. The blows of nature are becoming strong enough that world leaders have begun to speak of climate actions with a vehement tone. The reality is slowly dawning upon humans and it says that sustainability is more than a word that is in vogue in the popular diction.

The whole point is that sustainability has to reflect in every walk of our lives. This is exactly what is being reflected in the building industry with the adaptation of recycled materials for construction. Materials such as recycled concrete, reclaimed wood, and repurposed steel are examples to point out in this direction.

The construction materials suppliers in Dubai who spearhead this movement help reduce waste and conserve natural resources in the first place. Thus they lower the environmental footprint of the industry and contribute to a circular economy. The benefits of this practice are beyond these few points. It requires an extended discussion and the following sections are intended to meet this goal.

Types of Recycled Materials for Construction

To begin with, consider some recycled materials delivered by building materials companies in UAE and their specific benefits.

Recycled Concrete

This is created by crushing and processing old concrete from demolished buildings.  

• Applications: They are primarily used as aggregate for new concrete and sub-base for roads.
• Benefits:
• It reduces the need for virgin aggregates and thus reduces the environmental impact of concrete production.
• By diverting demolition waste it also helps to reduce landfills.
• Since it delivers strength and durability that is comparable to new concrete, it becomes a sustainable alternative recommended by construction materials suppliers in Dubai.

Recycled Bricks

Recovered from demolished buildings with care, they can be cleaned for reuse in new construction.

• Application: They are found suitable for renovation works, landscaping, and new builds where property owners prefer to go with sustainable and cost-effective choices.
• Benefits:
• They retain the charm and character of aged bricks thereby giving unique aesthetic appeal for construction.
• Reusing also conserves natural resources.
• It also reduces energy consumption and carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new bricks.
• With an option to crush and use as aggregate in new brick production or other construction purposes, it offers an extended lifecycle.

Reclaimed Wood

These are wood sourced from old buildings and other structures.

Its benefits include:

• It projects a unique aesthetic with a rich history. As a result, they find extensive applications in flooring and architectural features.
• Since it reduces the need for new timber, it helps reduce the strain on forests and wildlife habitats.
• It also reduces wastage that would otherwise have gone to landfills.

Other than these common materials, the construction industry is also found to encourage the use of recycled glass, plastic, gypsum, topsoil, and rubber among others. Now that a glimpse of some popular recycled construction materials has been given, it is time to explore further the benefits that add to the popularity of recycled construction materials.

Recycled Materials in Construction: Relevance and Benefits

Reduced Environmental Impacts

First of all, they reduce the demand for raw materials. Thus natural resources such as timber, minerals, and water are saved.  According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), about 40% of raw materials are conserved in this way.

Then there is the lower energy demand for recycling processes compared to the processing of new materials. Thus energy consumption is reduced which again reduces the stress on nature.

Manufacturing of new construction materials is a rigorous process that involves the release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. That is also minimized with recycling.

Thus recycled materials advocated by construction materials suppliers in Dubai extend an eco-friendly and sustainable option for construction.

Cost Savings

Due to lower production and transportation costs these materials turn out to be less expensive than virgin alternatives.

Then there is the cost savings in logistics by making use of locally sourced recycled materials.

The government is very likely to give incentives, tax cuts, and grants for such construction projects as a part of promoting sustainability initiatives. In the UAE where the incumbent government is committed to sustainability goals such incentives are very much expected.

According to a report by the Construction Materials Recycling Association (CMRA) such cost savings could be in the range of 20 to 30%.

The end product is a financially viable and competitive construction project which is essential for the country’s economic prospects.

Waste Reduction

Recycled materials delivered by building materials companies in UAE lead to a significant reduction in construction waste. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims that such diversion of waste from landfills could be in the range of 75%.

To quote unquote Michael Taylor, Director, EPA Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery: “Recycling construction materials is essential for reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.”

Here it is also worth mentioning that this practice not only conserves landfill space but also reduces pollution associated with waste disposal.

Innovation and Creativity  

Repurposing materials is a task that prompts designers and builders to think out of the box. Consequently, it results in improved architectural features and efficient building systems. According to a survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), 67% of architects believe that these choices foster such innovation in designs.

Improved Building Performance

Research such as the one conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) shows that recycled concrete has a comprehensive strength compared to new concrete.

This is only one example. The recycled products offered by construction materials suppliers in Dubai impact the building performance in various ways.

One more example in this direction is recycled glass which provides better insulation and aesthetic appeal. Likewise, with in-depth analysis, it is possible to unveil other possibilities of recycled materials such as better thermal performance, resistance to corrosion, and structural integrity.

Compliance with Regulations

Governments and regulatory bodies, especially in the UAE, are implementing stricter directives to fasten sustainability and reduce the environmental impacts of construction activities.

In this context, incorporating recycled materials into construction helps contractors comply with such regulations while staying away from potential penalties.

Market Demand

So far we have discussed the advantages of recycled construction materials from reduced environmental impacts to compliance with regulations. However, in the background of these commitments lurk an opportunity that can be capitalized by building contractors. This is an emerging market that inclines towards sustainable products and practices.

Here, we will find consumers, investors, and stakeholders increasingly prioritizing projects that minimize environmental impacts. Such a market further underscores the relevance of construction materials suppliers in Dubai that deliver sustainable product choices.

Now that a detailed picture of the benefits of such material choices has been provided, you can confidently make an informed choice. Here comes another question. Where to find the best building materials companies in UAE who can deliver such supplies with reliability. In this direction, Plaza Middle East will be a prudent choice. Feel free to visit our online stores to explore the immense sustainable construction material choices we have in store for you.