Material Efficiency page added below for editing purposes before being posted to real page:
Material efficiency is a description or metric which expresses the degree in which usage of raw materials, construction projects or physical processes are used or carried out in a manner which consumes, incorporates, or wastes less of a given material compared to previous measures.[1] Making a usable item out of thinner stock than a prior version increases the material efficiency of the manufacturing process.
The term Material efficiency can also signify the degree in which a material can handle a particular load, strain or weight upon it.
Material efficiency can be achieved through using recycled materials, materials that use renewable energy, and other ways. For example, using recycled steel instead of new steel "reduces the energy produced in making the steel by 75 percent, and saves space in landfills as well."</ref> [2]
Material efficiency in the building processUsing materials that are more "efficient" in the building process today can be ore expensive than normal building materials. An example of this would be using recycled steel to erect the frame of a building instead of using wooden timbers. Using recycled steel saves room in landfills that the steel would otherwise be taking up, saves 75% of the energy required to produce steel in the production process, and saves trees from being cut down to build homes. The recycled steel can be fashioned in the exact dimensions needed for building and can be made into "customized steel beams and panels to fit each specific design."[2] Plant-based Polyurethane Rigid Foam is made from plants such as bamboo, hemp, and kelp, that "offers high moisture and heat resistance, excellent acoustics and protection against mold and pests. It also has a higher R-value than fiberglass or polystyrene, meaning that it has a higher thermal resistance and insulates better."[2] Another way to utilize material efficiency is with "Cool Roofing" which involves using roofing which direct sunlight back into the atmosphere instead of being absorbed by the material and being passed into the building.[2] This Cool Roofing can save money by lowering the cost of keeping a building cool with air conditioners. The same process can be used to keep heat in and lower the cost of a heating bill. These new, more efficient materials, can cost more initially when being used in building button time will save money through lower heating/cooling bills, lower electric bills, and other kinds of bills. Over time you can recoup your money and save even more all the while staying comfortable inside your home.
