Green Building and eco-friendly design should be part of every homebuilder’s vernacular. Today’s homebuyers are making environmental issues a top priority for new construction and remodeling. Because concrete masonry is an inorganic product, (made from the most abundant local materials on the earth, water, aggregate and cement) building homes and hardscapes with this masonry product has sustainability and durability attributes that are unmatched with other home building materials. Concrete masonry is an environmentally friendly product using earth produced products, natural and recycled materials.

Exposure to toxic mold in homes and buildings has been blamed for ailments ranging from headaches to severe respiratory infections and immune system disorders. Mold can thrive on any organic material, especially in warm, moist, humid conditions. Mold can feed on drywall and wood studs, joists, and wall sheathing. Concrete doesn’t support the growth of toxic mold and it does not excrete VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or toxins into the air, unlike some pressure treated wood materials, allowing for a healthy living environment. Concrete masonry homes also have less air infiltration, less maintenance and less bug intrusion.

Today, energy efficiency is vital in every home. Because of the thermal mass, concrete masonry is excellent for solar home designs, which use high-thermal-mass materials to collect and store radiant energy. In winter, concretes’ thermal mass absorbs heat by direct sunlight through properly oriented windows. At night, the concrete releases the stored heat to warm rooms.

There are many environmental benefits to using concrete masonry in exterior applications as well. Concrete pavers are an excellent choice in building residential sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Instead of building a deck made of wood, consider saving lumber and eliminating the need for regular maintenance with solvent-based wood stains and sealers by installing a patio made from pavers.