We’ve touched before on ways that AI-assisted technology and robotics will be able to shape the future of construction, but there are already a multitude of eco-friendly products and processes that can be incorporated into builds to increase efficiency and comfort while also reducing our carbon footprint.

On a hot summer day, a traditional roof can reach temperatures of up to 65.6 degrees Celsius (150 degrees Fahrenheit) and cause the interior temperature of the building to go up, which can lead to excessive use of air conditioning systems. Where there are older less efficient air conditioning systems in place, costs, energy use, and emissions will all go up as a result of trying to keep the interior at a comfortable temperature.

Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight than traditional roofs do, and can reduce roof temperatures by 28 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), reducing interior temperatures and reliance on air conditioning systems to keep people cool.

Cool roofs also reduce the heat island effect; heat islands are urban areas that experience higher temperatures compared to nearby rural areas due to buildings, roads, and other architecture absorbing and then re-emitting the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes do. Installing a cool roof is as simple as choosing white or cooler coloured shingles, tiles, and paints than traditional dark roofing.

Insulation is another important factor in keeping houses and buildings at comfortable temperatures. Fibreglass insulation is the most widely used type of insulation in building projects, but can lead to skin irritation during contact, and if not sealed properly, bits of glass can break down and enter into ventilation systems and be breathed. Two alternatives to fibreglass insulation are cotton and cellulose insulation.

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