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How The Building And Hardware Industry Can Respond To The Conscious Consumer

Over the past few decades, consumers in the building and hardware industry have increasingly demanded greener construction practices. From solar power to eco-friendly materials, the industry has had to adapt significantly to ensure its environmental footprint is both ethical and sustainable. There is a growing recognition that “going green” is not just necessary but also beneficial, leading to a resurgence of old materials and innovative solutions. Here are some ideas to help your building and hardware business appeal to the conscious consumer and keep pace with changing expectations.

Why Is It Important to Find Green Alternatives?
The building and hardware industry has a substantial impact on the planet. It plays a crucial role in society’s physical development, affecting both businesses and homes, as well as natural resources. Worldwide, this industry accounts for 40% of energy production, 30-40% of solid waste, and significant CO2 emissions. This underscores the need for alternative building materials that go beyond being a mere “nice to have.”

Eco-Friendly Processes

• Green Roofing and Facades: This sustainable option involves planting greenery on roofs or building facades. It helps buildings blend with their surroundings and maximizes space usage, contributing to long-term economic sustainability.
• Modular Building Methods: Constructing buildings off-site allows for quick on-site assembly, using fewer raw materials. This method does not compromise quality, reduces production interruptions, and requires less manpower on-site.

Green Products
The materials used in the building and hardware industry form its foundation, impacting both private and public sectors. By adapting manufacturing processes, greener conditions can be established. This starts with using sustainable materials at both retail and wholesale levels. Here are some innovative examples:

• Hempcrete: This breathable, airtight, and flexible product combines lime, hemp fiber, and water to create lightweight blocks. It is free from toxins, mold, and pests, can be replenished relatively quickly, and has excellent carbon-capturing properties—about 165 kilograms of carbon can be locked in through the production of one cubic meter of hempcrete wall. This product is already in use overseas and is being explored in South Africa.
• Ecomo: Rather than a stand-alone material, Ecomo refers to a home-building company that specializes in sustainably constructed, prefabricated homes. Based in Cape Town, the company uses low-maintenance materials and allows for flexible arrangements in any configuration, minimizing waste and damage.
• Recycled Plastic: This innovation helps mitigate the environmental impact of discarded plastic. In South Africa, companies like Primwood Products convert plastic waste into various products with a wood-like quality, including planks, decking, chairs, benches, bridges, and bins.

The Bottom Line
The world is increasingly recognizing that green building is not just a luxury but an environmental necessity and a moral imperative. The construction and hardware industry has a significant responsibility in this regard, but there are many ways to adopt green practices. Numerous companies are already capitalizing on this shift in mindset. As the industry where building and innovation begin, the possibilities and economic opportunities are truly endless.