The Benefits of Using Sustainable Building Materials | Modern Mill

The building materials industry is constantly evolving and adapting to meet changing consumer needs. First, there was wood, which delivered beauty and easy workability. Then came traditional composites, which reached a new level of performance capabilities. While sustainability has continuously been top of mind for homeowners, previous “green” materials haven’t been able to meet performance expectations, were difficult to work with, or were too niche.

In recent years, the building materials industry has grown to where sustainable innovations are capable of matching the beauty and workability of wood as well as the performance and durability of composites. Modern Mill’s rice hull-based material ACRE™ is virtually indistinguishable from wood and is changing the way that sustainable materials can perform.

There are enormous benefits to using sustainable materials for your renovation or on the job site. Below are some expected outcomes when opting for high-quality sustainable alternatives:

Environmental Preservation

Sustainable building materials play a crucial role in reducing the depletion of natural resources. Traditional wood products contribute to deforestation, rising carbon emissions, and loss of natural resources. By choosing sustainable alternatives, you will help conserve old-growth trees, which can take hundreds of years to regrow.

Construction projects also often have a significant carbon footprint, especially when using materials that require extensive processing and transportation. Modern Mill manufactures ACRE in a low-impact, zero-waste manufacturing facility in Fernwood, Mississippi. Being a made-in-the-USA product, the production of ACRE reduces unnecessary international travel emissions and is readily available and in stock for fast installation. By choosing eco-friendly materials, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your home or building.

Durability and Longevity

Sustainable building materials haven’t always reached performance expectations until recent years. Industry-fresh innovations like ACRE are redefining the way that sustainable materials can perform by being resistant to water, weather, pests, rot, splintering, and more. The product has a limited lifetime guarantee warranty and is built to last the life of a building. Choosing materials with high-level performance and durability leads to fewer repairs and replacements that are often needed with traditional wood products.

Supporting Waste Reduction

Sustainable building materials can often be made from recycled materials or waste resources that otherwise occupy landfills. For example, ACRE products are made from upcycled rice hulls, a material that’s typically discarded in the food production process.

The rice hulls used to make ACRE are sourced from local fields in Mississippi, providing farmers with an additional revenue stream and reducing agricultural waste. This approach supports responsible farming practices and encourages the efficient use of natural resources. Innovative approaches that turn waste into useful building materials help minimize overall waste and support a circular economy, where materials are reused and repurposed to make new products.

Healthier Living Environments

Traditional and modified building materials can contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact indoor air quality and occupant health. These substances can emit gas over time, releasing toxins into the air that can affect air quality. Sustainable materials often avoid using harmful toxins and chemicals in products. Modern Mill’s ACRE products are free of phenol, formaldehydes, adhesives, forever chemicals, and are low VOC. Choosing materials with low to no harmful ingredients can help prioritize overall air quality in buildings around the world.

Meeting Green Building Standards

Homeowners and businesses are encouraged to practice healthy living by being offered cost savings benefits through programs like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This program offers contribution points for using materials that reduce operating costs and environmental impact. ACRE products can assist in contributing to various LEED categories. Incorporating eco-friendly materials into your building projects not only benefits the environment but also demonstrates your commitment to sustainable building practices and environmental responsibility.

Conclusion

The benefits of sustainable building materials go far beyond environmental conservation. Products like ACRE effectively simulate the warmth and aesthetic of rich tropical woods without compromising workability or performance. Sustainable building materials offer long-term durability, energy efficiency, and opportunities for cost savings.

At Modern Mill, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, eco-friendly building materials like ACRE to enhance your projects. ACRE is a one-of-a-kind building material, so be sure to adhere to our best practices, installation guides, and refer to our coatings resources for optimal performance.

Ready to elevate your home with ACRE? Order samples today or fill out the contact form to start the conversation!