Developing sustainable communities requires planning, implementing, and promoting sustainability goals that benefit individuals and the community. Sustainability is important for environmental, social, and economic reasons. Sustainability practices can be integrated into an existing community or planned during community development.
Fiber Cement Siding Is an Eco-Friendly Product
One way to help build sustainable communities is by using sustainable materials to construct or renovate homes in the community. When homeowners or builders choose James Hardie fiber cement siding, they get an environmentally friendly exterior option made from sustainable raw materials.
Home renovation projects, like replacing your home’s siding, can be done using sustainable practices and eco-friendly products. Siding options include wood, vinyl, stucco, fiber cement, and other materials. Homeowners should choose durable and sustainable siding products that are low maintenance, non-toxic, and recyclable.
Fiber cement siding is the one material that proves to be the best for sustainable building practices. It is a dependable resource in the construction and remodeling of homes. The most popular provider of fiber cement siding products is James Hardie. Fiber-cement was created by the James Hardie company in the 1980s. It is made up of a combination of renewable materials, including sand, cellulose fiber, Portland cement, and water.
Fiber cement has a much smaller environmental footprint than materials like vinyl. The unique qualities of fiber cement are advantageous to conserving resources. Most siding materials will last around 15 or 20 years, with various needs for upkeep and maintenance. Fiber cement siding from the James Hardie company, on the other hand, has a guaranteed warranty of 30 years, lasting up to twice as long as other siding materials.
James Hardie Is Doing Their Part to Preserve the Environment
Sustainability is based on using less, getting the most use out of what is used, and using everything at a pace that can be reused again. The demand for sustainable communities continues to grow. The James Hardie brand has committed to sustainable practices wherever possible.
Everyone in a community makes decisions every day that affect the environment. James Hardie puts forth a strong effort to re-evaluate eco-friendly choices that can keep the air, land, and water clean. They are committed to improving their sustainability performance, and proactively managing its social and environmental impact. This is done in the following ways:
1. Commitment to Communities
The team at James Hardie carefully manages their impact by employing, sourcing, delivering, and giving locally. Nine manufacturing facilities across the country allow local vendors and contractors to take advantage of fiber-cement siding products. Locally sourced products benefit the environment and are important for the economic well-being of the community.
Building sustainable communities call for the use of products and materials made locally since they travel fewer miles to get to you. This means less air pollution and fuel consumption resulting in a smaller environmental impact.
The James Hardie company also invested $800 million in local communities where the products are made. Raw materials for their durable home construction products are sourced from within 100 miles of the manufacturing facilities. Local businesses are supported and the reduced mileage helps to minimize their carbon footprint.
2. Environment
Prioritizing the management of water, waste, energy, and emissions are important to building sustainable communities. Fiber cement siding is made with recycled materials. James Hardie fiber-cement siding recycles the materials in its products – including reusing the water, which is recycled four times throughout the process.
The strategic placement of manufacturing facilities optimizes the movement of siding and trim products. James Hardie plants are intentionally built near suppliers to help reduce fuel consumption. When possible, shipping by rail is prioritized, which is more efficient and produces fewer emissions than road transportation.
The leaders at James Hardie understand the importance of minimizing their material use, energy consumption, and waste generation while delivering a high-value product. They delivered 100% post-consumer recycled fibers in the fiber gypsum products. Their environmental footprint is a key focus. James Hardie strives to help improve the impact the building and construction industry has on the environment.
They have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas intensity by 40% by 2030.
James Hardie facilities have also made a goal to reduce landfill waste.
3. Innovative Products and Processes
The research team at James Hardie is always testing and committed to transforming new products into sustainable solutions. The siding and trim options are designed to hold up against moisture and prevent rotting. The durable composition of fiber cement eliminates the need to re-side homes often, thus reducing the consumption of replacement materials. Fiber cement siding will last for years, saving resources, time, and money.
James Hardie continues to invest in innovation to advance its ability to provide sustainable products for homeowners and builders. Three new products have been added this year with sustainability benefits. James Hardie® products are known to deliver superior performance and are designed to last. This helps build resilient and sustainable communities.
4. Zero Harm
The James HardieZero Harm culture seeks to ensure the safety of their products, employees, partners, customers, and communities. James Hardie products are asbestos-free and contain non-toxic components. They are committed to using alternative materials that are not harmful to the environment.
Keeping employees, customers, and suppliers safe inside manufacturing facilities is important. Their goal is that every employee returns home to their family safely at the end of every working day. James Hardie employees are a key part of the local communities where they operate. Ensuring their safety helps to ensure the local community continues to thrive. James Hardie believes that every safety incident is preventable. The goal is to continue to improve every day toward zero incidents.
Benefits of Building Sustainable Communities
A sustainable community manages its human, natural, and financial capital to meet current needs. This ensures that resources are available for future generations. Sustainability improves the quality of life, protects our ecosystem, and preserves natural resources. Sustainability is beneficial for everyone and the environment.
Ensures a Future for the Next Generation
Our present choices and actions have long-term impacts on future generations. Practicing sustainability now ensures that future communities are safe and livable for everyone. If we deplete resources, future generations will be depleted. Regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we do, we all have a moral obligation to each other to sustain the planet.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Reducing energy costs is beneficial for homeowners and businesses. Some quick solutions include switching to energy-efficient lighting, using solar and wind energy, and buying energy-efficient equipment. These all can help reduce monthly utility bills.
Waste Reduction
Americans generate an estimated 251 million tons of waste every year. Taking a proactive approach to reducing waste can help the environment. You can choose to recycle, reduce, or compost as much waste as possible. Purchasing products packaged with recycled materials is also helpful. Communities can encourage recycling, employ strategies designed to convert waste to energy, and compost organic materials for use around town.
Making Sustainable Choices
It’s easier now to make sustainable choices. Communities, businesses, and local governments are making sustainability a priority in products these days. There are many ways you can choose sustainability no matter where you live or work.
Pollution Control
There are numerous pollution-control strategies that communities can employ to reduce emissions and pollution. Choose to use public transportation or eco-friendly vehicles. Local governments can construct sidewalks to encourage foot traffic, and offer incentives to citizens who use green energy sources to power their homes.
Energy Conservation
An essential part of developing sustainable communities is the conservation of energy sources and the use of renewable, clean energy. Making use of solar power, geothermal HVAC systems, and wind energy can significantly reduce a community's reliance on gas, coal, and other forms of energy.
Support Local Businesses
Supporting local businesses directly increases the economic sustainability of a community. When money remains in a neighborhood, it is available for use by those that live there. When local businesses prosper, new jobs are available to other residents. Communities can support local businesses by providing local business directories, removing subsidies from businesses outside of the community, and instituting campaigns that encourage buying locally.
Use Sustainable Products
From clothing to beauty brands, to food and energy companies. There are so many sustainable options to choose from. Buy from brands that make sustainability a top priority. Choose brands that use recycled plastic or materials rather than brands that continuously add to the landfills. If you are a business owner yourself, careful planning across your business processes can help you stop sending waste to landfills. Businesses can take a lot of simple steps to achieve more sustainable practices.
Sustainable Building Professionals
Want to make your home or neighborhood more sustainable? You can choose products for your home that are good for the environment, your home, and your wallet. Here at Banner Construction, we have full confidence in James Hardie siding products. We are a James Hardie Preferred contractor who has full knowledge and experience installing their products. If you’re ready to choose sustainable materials for your next home, contact us today for a free consultation.