Alternative Building Materials (ABM): Towards Adoption of Common Terminology and Definitions

Abstract

There are differences in the definitions of Alternative Building Materials (ABM) and differences in the terminologies that are used in describing ABM by different researchers in the construction industry. ABM is a generic term, which is characterised of or relating to a class or group of building materials, not really specific. It encompasses building and construction materials that in literature are referred to by different names such as alternative materials, local building materials, unconventional building materials, alternative residential construction materials, sustainable building materials, indigenous building materials, vernacular building materials, green building materials, environmentally responsible building materials, eco-friendly building materials, etc. The research employed systematic literature review and content analysis to generate and analysedall the necessary information as the methodology. A working (operational) definition of Alternative Building Materials is being offered as building materials that are an alternative to conventional building materials in the form of total or partial substitution of the materials or its constituents for the purpose of reducing the cost, addressing environmental issues or dealing with lack of conventional materials. The characteristics of ABM have been identified to include low or no chemical emissions that can lead to poor indoor air quality, recycled content (post-consumer and preconsumer), no CFC, HCFC, or other ozone depleting substances content, low embodied energy, locally produced, possibility of repairs and replacements with local means and social acceptability amongst others. Some of the benefits of utilizing ABM include; low embodied energy (often leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions), ease of construction, widespread availability and low cost.

Appraising alternative building technologies adoption in low-cost housing provision to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11

“…The term ABT is a generic name with no universal definition, but different terms have been used to describe the context. This includes environmentally responsible building materials, eco-friendly building materials, alternative materials, sustainable building materials, green building materials, vernacular Appraising alternative building technologies building materials, unconventional building materials, indigenous building materials, local building materials and alternative residential construction materials (Marut et al, 2020). Constructor's work, as cited in Marut et al (2020), defined ABT as materials that can replace traditional building materials.…”

“…, 2020). Constructor's work, as cited in Marut et al. (2020), defined ABT as materials that can replace traditional building materials.…”

“…Chanlers (2018) defined ABT as products that have been developed with environmental problems in mind, assisting in mitigating the large amount of carbon dioxide produced by the industry. However, Marut et al (2020) defined ABT as the materials that constitute an alternative to the traditional building materials in total or partial replacement of the traditional materials or their constituents to mitigate construction costs, tackle environmental problems or deal with inadequate traditional materials.…”

“…Energy Information Administration, 2014). Marut et al. (2020) opined that construction materials constitute about 60–70% of the building cost and compounded by double-digit inflation.…”

“…Also, the approach consumes more energy (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2014). Marut et al (2020) opined that construction materials constitute about 60-70% of the building cost and compounded by double-digit inflation. The outcome motivates exploring other approaches, such as the ABT, to mitigate construction costs.…”