Sustainable Building Materials: Options for Alberta Homes

Sustainable building isn't just good for the environment—it often means healthier indoor air, lower operating costs, and homes that stand the test of time. Here's what works in Alberta's climate.

What Makes Materials "Sustainable"?

Key Criteria

Environmental Impact:

Low embodied energy (energy to produce)

Renewable or recycled content

Low emissions in production

Responsibly sourced

Performance:

Durable (longer life = less waste)

Energy efficient in use

Low maintenance requirements

Appropriate for climate

Health:

Low or no VOCs

Non-toxic manufacturing

Good indoor air quality

No harmful off-gassing

Sustainable Options by Category

Flooring

Hardwood (FSC Certified)

Sustainably harvested

Long life (can be refinished)

Natural and renewable

Canadian options available

Bamboo

Rapidly renewable (3-5 years to harvest)

Very durable (harder than oak)

Not all bamboo is sustainable (source matters)

Climate considerations in Alberta

Cork

Harvested from bark (tree lives)

Comfortable underfoot

Natural insulation properties

Renewable every 9 years

Reclaimed Wood

No new resources used

Character and history

Often old-growth quality

Local options available

Recycled Content LVP

Some brands use recycled materials

Very durable

Water resistant

Affordable

Countertops

Quartz (Recycled Content)

Some brands use recycled stone

Very durable

Non-porous, low maintenance

Local manufacturing available

Recycled Glass

Made from recycled bottles

Unique appearance

Durable

Higher price point

Concrete

Can include recycled aggregates

Very durable

Local sourcing possible

Lower embodied energy than some options

Butcher Block (FSC)

Renewable resource

Can be refinished

Warm aesthetic

Requires maintenance

Insulation

Cellulose

80-85% recycled newspaper

Excellent performance

Lower embodied energy

Works well in Alberta climate

Mineral Wool

Made from rock/slag (abundant)

Excellent fire resistance

No off-gassing

Good for sound and thermal

Natural Fiber (Hemp, Cotton)

Renewable resources

Low embodied energy

Good performance

Higher cost

Wall Finishes

Low/No VOC Paint

Standard for most quality paints now

Healthier indoor air

No performance compromise

Similar pricing to conventional

Clay and Lime Plaster

Natural materials

Breathable walls

Beautiful finish

Humidity regulation

Reclaimed Wood

Feature walls

Character and history

No new resources

Local options

Exterior Materials

Fiber Cement

Long lifespan (50+ years)

Recyclable

Durable in Alberta climate

Fire resistant

Reclaimed Brick/Stone

No new extraction

Character and history

Very durable

Local availability varies

Metal Roofing

Long life (50+ years)

Recyclable at end of life

Energy efficient (reflects heat)

Snow shedding (Alberta advantage)

Wood (FSC Certified)

Renewable

Carbon storage

Requires maintenance

Beautiful natural aesthetic

Alberta-Specific Considerations

Climate Performance

Materials must handle:
• Temperature extremes (-35°C to +35°C)
• Low humidity environments
• Freeze-thaw cycles
• High UV exposure
• Occasional chinook winds

Local Sourcing

Benefits of local materials:
• Lower transportation emissions
• Support local economy
• Faster availability
• Often better suited to climate

Alberta-Made Options:

Engineered wood products

Concrete products

Some insulation manufacturers

Metal roofing fabricators

Cost Considerations

Premium Pricing

Some sustainable options cost more:
• Reclaimed materials (labour-intensive)
• Specialized products
• Smaller production runs
• Certification costs

Equal or Lower Pricing

Some sustainable options are competitive:
• Cellulose insulation
• Low-VOC paints
• FSC lumber (similar to conventional)
• Recycled content products

Lifecycle Value

Consider total cost:
• Durability (fewer replacements)
• Energy savings (insulation, windows)
• Health benefits (fewer medical costs)
• Resale value (growing buyer interest)

Making Sustainable Choices

Start with the Big Impacts

Focus on: 1. Insulation - Biggest energy impact 2. Windows - Major efficiency factor 3. Flooring - Large surface area 4. Countertops - High-use surfaces

Balance Priorities

Consider:
• Budget constraints
• Availability
• Performance requirements
• Aesthetic preferences
• Maintenance tolerance

Questions to Ask

For any material: 1. Where does it come from? 2. What's in it? 3. How long will it last? 4. What happens at end of life? 5. Is it certified? (FSC, GreenGuard, etc.)

Our Approach

At The Renovators Inc., we:
• Offer sustainable options on all projects
• Source locally when possible
• Prioritize durability (less waste long-term)
• Use low-VOC products as standard
• Minimize construction waste through careful planning

Ready to Build Sustainably?

Let's discuss sustainable options for your project:

Contact us for a consultation

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Explore our services and learn about our building process that incorporates sustainable practices.