New Research Shows Big Shift Towards Sustainable Construction in 2021

NEW RESEARCH by Roofing Megastore reveals that UK homeowners are increasingly opting for more eco-friendly building materials.

The online roofing merchant’s study analysed Google search data over the past two years for building materials and construction methods to uncover which have seen the biggest increases in interest over time.

Synthetic Slate

Synthetic slate roof tiles came out on top, receiving 252% more searches in 2020 than 2019, growing almost 100% more than traditional, less sustainable concrete roof tiles. Crafted from a mix of limestone and recycled plastic, these sustainable roof tiles are desired for their low weight, longevity, and simple installation.

Other green materials that are increasingly popular include energy saving windows, eco-friendly insulation, cedar shingles, and rammed earth.

Eco-Friendly Building Materials

This eco-friendly shift comes alongside the government’s £134m pledge to build back better, as well as moves by some of the industry’s biggest names towards sustainability. For example, not-for-profit Changing Streams has recently partnered with Arup, aiming to work alongside their experts to identify where plastic waste can be reduced in construction. Construction and consultancy firm, Mace has also pledged to reduce single-use plastics in its ‘Time to Act’ campaign.

Top 15 Sustainable Building Materials Increasing Most in Popularity in 2020

1. Synthetic Slate Roof Tiles 252.48%
2. Energy Saving Windows 244.58%
3. Rammed Earth Building 195.98%
4. Eco Friendly Insulation 179.05%
5. Cedar Shingles 176.33%
6. Ashcrete 168.97%
7. Slate Roof Tiles 165.24%
8. Green Roof Systems 161.78%
9. Sheep’s Wool Insulation 153.57%
10. Wood Fibre Insulation 142.46%
11. Timbercrete 135.58%
12. Hemp Insulation 132.98%
13. Recycled Plastic Insulation 126.86%
14. Bamboo Reinforced Concrete 116.36%
15. Precast Concrete 114.35%

Concrete Alternatives

The first clear category identified in this data is sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete, such as rammed earth construction. Concrete has long been favoured for its strength and low price point, however, its harmful effects on the environment cannot be denied. In fact, if global concrete production were considered a country, it would count for 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions, coming third to the US and China. So, it’s no surprise that as sustainability becomes an ever-growing factor in our minds, we’re beginning to seek viable alternatives.

Natural Insulation

Greener forms of insulation also feature heavily on this list, as homeowners are on the lookout for less harmful ways to keep properties warm. Traditional materials such as synthetic glass mineral wool offer high levels of performance but require large amounts of energy to produce and must be handled with care whilst wearing PPE. Natural materials such as hemp or sheep’s wool however require very little energy to create and can be installed easily without equipment.

Gian-Carlo Grossi, Managing Director at Roofing Megastore commented: “As COVID-19 brought our physical health to the forefront, we also had a chance to consider the health of the world around us. Last year showed homeowners clearly turning towards more sustainable alternatives for their projects. As we all seek to create a healthier, more sustainable built environment.”

The full research, including broader trends in the construction industry can be found here.