If we’re to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, it is imperative we begin utilising materials that minimise harm to the earth. There are alternatives to the usual building products that are more sustainable, ethically sourced and mindful of the environment.

Green building materials are becoming increasingly accessible to those within the construction industry, and for good reason. Without them, the construction industry continues to contribute approximately a third of the world’s carbon emissions. If the entire industry and suppliers of materials can make a conscious effort to be environmentally responsible, we may well ensure that global temperatures remain below 1.5^oC.

The Sustainability Awards rewards the companies and suppliers that look to create ethically responsible materials with the Green Building Materials category. The award criteria requires that a building product is renewable, environmentally responsible and that its impact is considered over its entire lifetime. Given the importance of driving down emissions, this category always includes many sensational entries, from which our esteemed jury must choose a winner and It’s heartening to see that many of the finalists make significant contributions across the built environment.

The winner for last year’s award was ECOPact and ECOPact Zero. Launched in April 2021, the alternative to cement has been created by Holcim. Utilising either of the ECOPact products, the carbon intensity of a structure can be lowered by up to 60 per cent. Embodied carbon is entirely offset through the use of ECOPact, meaning the concrete component of a project can be carbon neutral.

ForestOne is the Green Building Materials category partner for the 2022 Sustainability Awards. As Australia’s largest independent distributor of wood panels, timber and decorative surface products, the company has over 140 years of experience supplying to Australia's construction industry.

ForestOne has a strong focus on providing ethically sourced building products, with a mission to supply the best-in-class materials that empower specifiers with sustainability goals. The values of the company most certainly align with the category criteria of the Green Building Materials award.

Last year the winner of the Green Building Awards category was also the recipient of the Best of the Best award. Could history repeat itself in 2022? There’s only one way to find out. We're now accepting submissions. Enter yours here.

Jarrod Reedie

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