Weighing up the pros and cons of different materials – in terms of their initial cost, their cost in use, and their impact on the environment, their availability and performance – is a challenge. There are a lot of issues to consider. For example, some materials use a lot of energy to manufacture but are easily recyclable and very durable, while others use less energy to make but won’t last as long. Some are cheap to purchase but expensive to maintain, while others may be expensive initially but cost little to keep in good condition. Potentially harmful side effects may occur as a result of manufacturing, as a result of emissions in use, or during disposal.

Using materials sustainably means examining them throughout their entire lifetime – from extraction to processing/manufacturing to construction/installation to use/maintenance to eventual re-use or disposal.

There are many definitions of ‘sustainable’. One is that the process is replaceable without depleting current resources. Very few materials meet that standard. Therefore, the aim should be to:

• firstly, use renewable materials
• secondly, use fully recycled closed loop materials
• thirdly, use materials that are plentiful.

This page explains the key issues to consider.

For your clients

To help your clients understand the sustainability and health implications of different material choices, refer them to www.smarterhomes.org.nz/materials.