12 Sustainable Tech Innovations Making a Real Impact on Our Planet

5. Eco-Friendly Building Materials

A building’s impact on the planet goes far beyond the lights and AC—it starts with what it’s made from. That’s where eco-friendly building materials make their mark. Low-carbon concrete uses alternative ingredients to slash emissions, while bamboo composites and recycled plastic panels offer tough, renewable options to traditional wood or steel. According to global architects and the United Nations, scaling up these green materials could shrink construction’s carbon footprint by up to 45% by 2030. And it’s not just high-profile “green buildings” getting in on the action; more city codes across North America are rewarding projects that swap out old-school materials for sustainable ones. For anyone renovating or dreaming of a new home, these supplies could help your space look—and feel—a lot greener.