Choosing the Right Materials

The construction industry is a big consumer of recycled materials. Be it asphalt, wood, cement, steel, or glass, much of what you see on a final project has been used elsewhere.

In fact, one of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry is a shortage of businesses that can produce enough usable recycled material in order to keep pace with demand. Many large construction companies have developed recycling companies just to handle the demand for recycled material.

Sometimes it is not possible to use recycled materials. In these instances, the construction industry does its part to minimize the impact to our environment. Materials are chosen that are manufactured close to the project site, eliminating long transportation requirements. Lumber is harvested from responsibly grown forests. Glues, solvents and other materials selected have no off-gassing or other harmful pollutants. Smoking is often banned on project sites to eliminate contamination of the finished product. In short, the construction industry recognizes it has a part to play in the protection of our environment.