© Theo Peekstok
Recycled and reused materials continue to grow as a more attractive alternative in the construction field. They are at most times a coveted sustainable substitute to conventional building materials, offering a financially resourceful solution when appropriately sourced and implemented. Aside from saving up on raw material cost, establishing recycling facilities or factories might present a good opportunity to generate jobs within a local setting (collecting, handling…). The recycling process might also be used as a gateway to lower energy consumption, with some plants eventually generating their own power through specific material transformation techniques (Heat generated power).
The collecting, processing and reprocessing cycles would however require a well-designed, and properly conceived healthy building. It is important to facilitate the meticulous and demanding processes in a safe environment. For what is the use of promoting sustainable construction means and materials if the factory that produces them is even more harmful to the workers’ health and damaging to the environment?