Aluminum and Green Building Design: Leading Material for Sustainability

Aluminum and green building have become one of the most researched topics in recent years. There are many reasons why sustainable materials have become a necessity rather than an alternative for every sector. Among these, the population is increasing day by day, and the work carried out by the construction sector to meet the needs of the growing population is also increasing. Aluminum and green building design, that is, updating the construction sector with sustainable materials, are among the most successful works carried out in recent years.

Using Aluminum in the Construction Industry

The use of aluminum in buildings is advantageous in many ways. Aluminum is the third most preferred element on earth after oxygen and silicon. Aluminum, which was discovered about 200 years ago and started to be used in many areas such as the construction sector following technological developments, is considered the second best option after steel in the construction sector. About 20% of aluminum is used in the construction industry. It can be said that it is almost impossible to build a building without using aluminum. It is a sustainable material because it is lightweight, biodegradable, resistant to corrosion and non-toxic.

Aluminum and green building

Sustainable material aluminum stands out with its many properties such as strength, durability, recyclability and corrosion resistance when used in the construction industry. In this respect, it is observed that it has been widely used in building applications in the last 50 years.

What is a Green Building and What are its Features?

Structures that are designed in accordance with certain standards, that cause less damage to the inhabitants and the environment than the damage caused by standard buildings, and that are produced with construction practice are given as an answer to the question of what is a green building . Making the most of the land, green buildings are turning to renewable energy sources. One of its most important features is that its materials are recyclable and recyclable. Buildings that use fossil fuels as little as possible, make maximum use of daylight, have their indoor air quality inspected and encourage their production are considered green buildings. Window, wall and roof insulation of green buildings is maximized. This demonstrates that they are sufficiently compliant with environmental responsibility throughout the life cycle.

What are Green Building Materials?

Green building materials are the least harmful to the environment. Certain factors are taken into account when selecting materials for the production of green buildings. These are;

• Materials with reduced carbon emissions during production and transportation,
• Renewable, locally sourced and recycled materials associated with energy consumption, reducing transportation and extraction,
• Durable and long-lasting materials,
• Low emission of volatile organic compounds, high indoor air quality, recycled materials, rose recycled materials,
• Materials that can adapt to changing environmental conditions and future building changes.

Aluminum and green building

Can Aluminum and Green Building ensure Sustainability in the Construction Industry?

Aluminum is an environmentally resistant material. Approximately 20% of the total aluminum in the world is preferred for the construction sector. This shows that it is possible to achieve sustainability by using aluminum in the construction sector. Aluminum, which stands out with its high strength and durability, is also used in areas such as roofs, doors, windows, stairs and facade cladding. Aesthetic and impermeability features are among the reasons why it is widely preferred.

With a minimum design life of 80 years, aluminum is considered a sustainable option. Its most important feature is that it can be used in all climatic conditions. Aluminum, which does not lose its properties even at temperatures between -80 and 300 degrees, has a low specific gravity. Half the weight of steel of the same hardness makes it a sustainable and easy-to-use option. When used in high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, it creates significant advantages with its lightweight feature. Therefore, it is possible to give a positive answer to the question of whether sustainability can be achieved in the construction sector with aluminum.