4.5.3 Rapidly-renewable materials
Rapidly renewable materials are materials that grow faster than traditional extraction demand (i.e. planted and harvested
in less than a 10-year cycle) and do not result in significant biodiversity loss, increased erosion or impact on air quality.
Here are some common rapidly-renewable building materials:
Bamboo
Linoleum
Cork
Wool
• Main use: - flooring
- furniture construction
•
With differnt colours, patterns and textures
• Main use: - flooring
•
Made from linseed oil, cork dust and wood fiber
• Main use: - flooring
•
Harvested every nine years with no harm to the tree
• Main use: - carpets
- rugs
•
Sheep feed on grass, and wool is rapidly renewable
TECHNICAL NOTE
Know more about rapidly-renewable materials
There is an increasing focus on the use of rapidly renewable materials. Shopping mall developers, shop
owners and shop tenants should have a better knowledge of each material and apply them in the design of
shopping malls and shop spaces.
Read more at:
1. Stephens, J. (2009). Growing Demand – The Green-Building Industry Seeks Rapidly Renewable
Materials. Eco-Structure. Retrieved 8 April 2013, from
2. BuildingGreen.com. (2012). Green Building Products. Retrieved 8 April 2013, from
3. California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). (2013). Green Building
Materials. Retrieved 8 April 2013, from
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Green design for shopping malls and shop spaces
4.5
Material selection
Hong Kong Green Building Council 121
