Recyclable Materials in Green Building Win Attention from Eco-Conscious Builder Marco Bitran

PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 03, 2013

For eco-friendly homebuilder Marco Bitran, there is an endless variety of construction and design options that can help homeowners produce a "greener home." According to Bitran, while standards in green construction are heavily debated today, there are already many ways that the casual homeowner can introduce eco-conscious practices in the home today. For instance, Bitran is a heavy proponent of composting practices and the use of tankless water heaters. While there are numerous ways that homeowners can improve the eco-friendliness of their existing home, Bitran notes that some of the best enhancements take place during the actual construction of the property.

For this reason, Marco Bitran highlights a recent article from DesignBuild Source that showcases "five recycled materials for eco-friendly housing." While Bitran notes that there are many green materials that can be used in construction, he endorses the ones featured in the article, such as plastic bottles, reclaimed wood, shipping containers, tires and pallets. Bitran adds, "Many of those who are aware of green practices may be very familiar with the recycled use of these everyday items. However, this article showcases just how extensively they can be used."

For example, the article explains, "Recycled materials can be used in rustic buildings or brilliantly incorporated into stunning modern residences along with new materials. Such materials are sometimes left in their original state of degradation to provide a sense of history or highlight green design and architecture. Other times, they are processed into 'new' materials, leaving no trace of their origin." Marco Bitran responds, "By taking a look at the images of houses made from recycled materials in DesignBuild, homeowners can get a sense of how green resources can be applicable to any style."

According to the article, many of the items referred to in the list are often major sources of waste. For example DesignBuild explains, "In the US alone, 700 million wooden shipping pallets are produced each year, 150 million of which end up in landfill sites." So while using these materials may cut down the waste the public produces, the question remains: Will they improve other elements of the home? According to Marco Bitran, these materials--and many more--can not only produce energy-efficient homes but also prove stable and secure in terms of construction.

To illustrate this point, Bitran highlights the cost-effective use of tires in green home construction. The article explains, "Tires are used in ecological homes known as Earthships. These houses are passive solar buildings made of natural and recycled materials, typically rammed earth and tires. Walls made of tires provide thermal mass and can keep indoor temperatures constant while the outdoor temperature fluctuates. This type of building is ideal in desert climates and provides a low-cost housing option in third-world countries."

"Green construction materials have proven effective and low-cost, as DesignBuild demonstrates. While many individual homeowners can investigate building homes with these materials on their own, it is important that the construction industry develop a widespread implementation of eco-friendly materials. The results are proven, so it is time that homebuilders everywhere start looking at ways they can improve the standard construction process," Marco Bitran concludes.

ABOUT:

Marco Bitran is interested in the development of property, as he applies a range of skills to ensure that the final product is one that is not only efficient, but built for a long-term positive impact. Today, Bitran, a graduate of MIT, works as a multi-faceted builder for a company that specializes in the development and management of multi-family real estate. However, unlike the typical multi-family property builder, Marco Bitran is focused on contributing to projects that are eco-conscious, youth-friendly and energy-efficient.