The challenges and opportunities of transitioning from conventional materials to natural and sustainable materials in commercial projects

Abstract

There is a noticeable trend in the building sector towards more ecologically friendly and sustainable methods. Concerns about climate change and the environment have led to an increased focus on the commissioning and construction processes of new buildings, with particular attention paid to how energy and resources are used. This is not limited to the developed world; policy officials in both developed and developing nations are promoting it.

Nonetheless, the implementation of sustainable building is beset with several difficulties. The main difficulty was choosing the right materials and providing evidence for the choices chosen. On many occasions, using locally sourced materials increased project costs and caused construction delays. Since few natural materials need to be treated before being used.

The main challenge in many developing countries is not finding or affording native materials, but rather combining locally available, sustainable resources with appropriate, contemporary technologies. This combination is essential for coming up with creative solutions to meet the increasing demand for sustainable building and construction projects. The fundamental problem and opportunity in both cases center on unified decision-making and efficient use of knowledge and abilities to ensure the application of the best practices for environmentally friendly building solutions.

This study examines the opportunities and difficulties that come with switching from conventional to natural building materials in commercial construction. There are several advantages for the ecology and human health when using natural materials like wood, bamboo, rammed earth, and lime. However, barriers to their use in commercial enterprises include availability, pricing, and regulatory compliance. This study looks at case studies and best practices to show that employing natural materials in commercial building is feasible and has benefits. It highlights that in order to make this shift easier, creative design, cooperation amongst stakeholders, and the creation of supportive legislation are required.