Natural Materials
Natural materials typically create a lower environmental impact than synthetic alternatives, however they can cost more. Example products and associated impacts/benefits are set out in the table below.
| Standard product | Impacts and benefits | Natural alternative | Impacts and benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical based paint | Production includes complex chemical processes and can be toxic during manufacture and application | Low VOC paint – water and vegetable oil based paints | Has low embodied energy and mostly non-toxic |
| Foam insulation | Good thermal performance and less thickness is needed, but produces toxic substances in combustion | Wool insulation | Can be 100% natural (sheep wool) and provide good thermal performance |
| Chipboard | Has high chemical and adhesive content, but contains recycled timber chippings. Difficult to recycle. | Compressed timber composite (plywood, softwood) | Has no chemical content and provides a good base for finishes |
| Reconstituted slate | Has high chemical content and high embodied energy but low cost and easy to install and maintain | Natural slate | 100% natural material with no chemical content. It is non-combustible, resistant to acids and highly durable |