It may sometimes seem like modern cities are made entirely out of concrete. It's a useful and versatile material and there's a reason why it's used by so many commercial properties. However, it isn't the only option out there for constructing large buildings.

There are a lot of other more eco-friendly options that are becoming more popular as green businesses try to cut down on their carbon footprint and accommodate the needs of their clients in this regard. These new materials aren't only useful for the environment; they are also a way to save money on both the construction and energy in the long-run.

Straw bales

Straw used to be the most popular material for construction. It's easy to find and move and it's one of the best materials in terms of insulation and heat preservation. Straw wasn't used for a while because other more modern materials took its place. Now when green construction and natural materials in focus again –it's making a comeback.

It's not something that can be used for constructing large buildings but smaller projects and even private houses could be made entirely out of straw bales. This change in design also means that the corporate culture will have to change and adapt to these smaller and tightly managed spaces.

Recycled steel

Large buildings can't be constructed without support beams. They keep the entire construction upward and need to be made out the materials that are both durable and easy to create. The most obvious choice used to be wood, but this has changed years ago and most construction companies tend to use steel.

Since steel is the most common choice you need to think about mitigating its negative effects on the environment. This can be done by using recycled steel materials. It's important not to compromise the quality of the steel in favor of not affecting the environment.

Insulation

One of the most important things to worry about when constructing a commercial building is how to insulate it and thus save on heating bills. These bills can really add up and mean a lot in the long-run. There were a lot of materials that were used with this effect in mind but a lot of them have proven to be unsafe for both the occupants and the environment.

An unlikely material is now used for this purpose. Two sheets of insulation materials are held together by fast-binding concrete which creates a wall within a wall and makes the whole building more sturdy and warmer.

Lightweight bricks

Bricks are used all over the world and for construction projects of all shapes and sizes. They have been in use for centuries now but their main purpose has changed. It used to be as main construction material but now they are mostly decorative. They usually come in standardized size but they vary in weight and the material they are made out of.

Alex International for Mining and Refractories (AIMR) offers lightweight bricks that aren't only good for construction but also provide an additional layer of insulation.

Bamboo

Bamboo has proven to be a valuable substitute for all other types of wood used in construction. It has the look and feel of the woods that are traditionally used in these parts of the world and it's equally easy to shape and maintain.

One of the reasons bamboo is replacing other types of wood is because it doesn't need to be cut down in order to be used for construction. That means that you don't need to damage the area you're using for resources – it continues to grow after you're done.

Construction materials are changing and adapting to the needs of new customers and homeowners. These materials are both eco-friendly and can be used to help you save money on energy bills since they provide better insulation.