Faced with climate change and dwindling resources, engineering must go beyond just efficiency and cost-effectiveness. What consumers and countries are looking for are buildings that consider environmental responsibility from the very start.

Whether it’s the design, material choices or system approaches, having an eco-friendly mindset from the beginning will ensure that the environment is protected and communities remain liveable for generations.

The urgent need for sustainable materials

Manufacturing materials account for roughly half of global CO₂ emissions and contribute up to 90 percent of biodiversity loss through resource extraction. Not only can this be expensive, but it’s also clearly harmful to the environment.

Switching to sustainable materials isn’t always cheaper, but it can reduce environmental impact and improve how green construction is perceived by the public. Some sustainable materials include:

Mycelium-based materials

Mycelium composites use fungal networks to bond agricultural byproducts into lightweight, durable panels. While these materials won’t replace wood or steel anytime soon, some researchers are exploring the use of this technology in brick form. Of course, the biggest concern is how this organic material can last outside for decades.

Mass-timber

Made from compressed layers of wood, mass-timber has become a more common sustainable building material in recent years, as many cities have adjusted their building codes to permit its use. The obvious advantage is that it’s a natural resource, and it’s significantly cheaper than concrete.

Carbon-storing concrete & bio-cement

Traditional cement produces CO₂ emissions, but carbon-storing cement offers a more eco-friendly alternative. Essentially, CO₂ is injected directly into fresh concrete, instantly mineralizing and locking in the carbon. Because the CO₂ becomes permanently embedded, less is released into the atmosphere.

Recycled plastic bricks

Mixed-polymer waste can be recycled into interlocking plastic bricks that compare to traditional concrete in strength but are lighter and pest-resistant. Besides saving tons of plastic that could end up in the ocean, these blocks also provide better thermal insulation and are quicker to assemble since they’re similar to Lego blocks.

Eco-friendly systems and technologies

Renewable energy integration and smart grid technologies form the foundation of sustainable engineering. As climate change affects living spaces and working environments, the following systems can have a major impact on everyone:

Advanced water-reuse systems

Building with water-reuse systems is not new, but more engineers should advocate for them. There’s already a proven track record, and when implemented, these systems can reclaim up to 80% of wastewater on site. This is especially important as we face more heatwaves and less rainfall.

Thermal energy systems

Using mediums such as water tanks, phase-change materials or concrete, buildings can be heated or cooled when excess energy is available. When combined with HVAC systems and heat pumps, these systems shift loads away from peak periods, enhance overall efficiency and support the integration of renewable energy by balancing supply and demand over time.

Carbon capture, utilization and storage

Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) involves capturing CO₂ emissions from sources like power plants or directly from the air. The CO₂ is then either reused in industrial processes, such as making building materials or stored deep underground for long-term containment, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Challenges and what the future holds

Despite clear economic and environmental benefits, high initial costs, fragmented regulations, and deeply rooted industry norms slow the adoption of eco-friendly engineering innovations. Expanding pilot projects into widespread use will require stronger incentives, more efficient certification processes, and cross-disciplinary training.

Eco-friendly engineering is no longer a niche pursuit; it’s the defining challenge and opportunity of our era. By integrating innovative materials, resilient systems and forward-thinking concepts, we can develop infrastructure and industries that heal the planet rather than deplete it. The future of engineering isn’t just about structures and machines, it’s about cultivating a thriving, regenerative world.

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who frequently makes media appearances. His blog Money We Have is one of Canada’s most trusted sources when it comes to money and travel. As a completely self-taught, do-it-yourself investor with no formal training, he makes money easy to understand for all Canadians. His specialties include personal finance, budget travel, millennial money, credit cards, and trending destinations.

Barry Choi is a paid spokesperson of Sonnet Insurance.