Green Building: Just a Trend or a Necessity?

Today, sustainability is no longer just a sign of ‘goodwill’; it is our shared responsibility. This responsibility is even greater in areas that have a direct impact on the environment, such as the construction industry. Every step we take and every material we use plays a decisive role in the future of our planet.

From material selection to design, we place nature and people at the centre of every stage of our projects and embrace sustainability as our fundamental principle. Because we believe that a more liveable future is only possible through conscious steps.

Why is material so important?

What a building is constructed with is not just a technical detail. It can also be considered a commitment we make to the environment and its users. Every material we choose actually seeks to answer the following questions:

• How much energy was used to produce this material?
• How much of a burden will it place on the environment throughout its lifetime?
• Can it be recycled after use, and does it harm the environment?
• What is its effect on human health?
• And most importantly: Is there room for improvement?

We ask these questions again and again in every project we undertake. Because we don't see our work as simply construction; we are also part of building a more liveable world.

What are the materials of the future?

Bio-based Materials

Natural materials such as hempcrete and mushroom bricks are now gaining more attention. These materials, obtained from organic waste, create a building language that is in harmony with nature. 

• Hemp Concrete (Hempcrete): It is produced from lime and ground hemp stalks. Thanks to its breathable structure, it improves indoor air quality, maintains moisture balance and has carbon storage properties.
• Mycelium Bricks: It is obtained by growing mushroom roots (mycelium) together with agricultural waste. It is fire-resistant, lightweight and completely biodegradable.
• Straw Panels: These panels, made from compressed straw bales, offer high thermal insulation and improve the energy performance of buildings.
• Fibre-reinforced panels (e.g. flax or coconut fibre): Composite panels made from recycled paper, natural resins and plant fibres offer a decorative, healthy and environmentally friendly alternative for interior spaces.

Recycled Materials

With the development of waste management infrastructure, recycled materials are expected to find more use in the construction industry.

• Recycled Concrete Aggregate: Concrete aggregate obtained from demolition waste can be used in the production of new concrete. This reduces dependence on natural sand and gravel sources while also providing a solution to the problem of waste storage. It has high potential, especially in large urban transformation projects.
• Building Elements Obtained from Plastic Waste: Insulation panels, pipes, and composite wood-like materials produced from waste plastic bottles or industrial plastics are particularly notable for their lightness and water resistance. With the growing awareness of waste collection and separation in Turkey, the widespread use of such materials is likely.
• Granules and Rubber Products from Waste Tyres: Granules obtained from end-of-life tyres are used as flooring in children's playgrounds, sound insulation materials or sports field surfaces. This both prevents environmental pollution and provides raw materials for new products.

Smart Materials

Self-repairing concrete, glass that becomes transparent depending on the light... Material technologies are making structures not only stronger, but also more efficient and intelligent.

With the advancement of technology, there will be increased interest in smart, high-performance materials that improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce maintenance requirements.

• Phase Change Materials (PCMs): PCMs that can be integrated into wall panels or plaster balance indoor temperatures by storing heat. This saves energy by reducing the cooling load of buildings, especially during the hot summer months in Turkiye.
• High-Performance Insulation Materials: Thin, high-insulation panels or vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) manufactured using nanotechnology maximise energy efficiency while saving space in urban areas. They are critical to the energy efficiency transformation of Turkiye's existing building stock.
• Self-Cleaning and Air-Purifying Surfaces: Titanium dioxide (TiO2)-coated facade materials have the ability to clean themselves and improve air quality by breaking down pollutants in the air with sunlight. This may be of particular interest in large cities where air pollution is a problem.

Local and Natural Materials

Traditional materials such as earth, straw and clay plaster are becoming popular again due to their low carbon emissions and healthy indoor environments. What's more, they are often very aesthetically pleasing.

• Rammed Earth and Adobe: The ancient construction heritage of Anatolia, adobe and compacted earth, is being reinterpreted today using modern techniques. Due to their low carbon footprint, excellent insulation properties and healthy indoor atmosphere, their use is increasing, particularly in boutique hotels, rural tourism projects and ecological settlements. They are also beginning to be preferred by architects seeking aesthetics and sustainability in large cities.
• Wood and Bamboo: Although forest resources are limited in Turkiye, the use of local wood produced in accordance with sustainable forestry principles is increasing. Engineered wood products such as laminated wood (GLT/CLT) are particularly noteworthy for their earthquake resistance and speed of construction. Although bamboo is an imported product, its rapid growth and durability have led to it being considered as an alternative for interior design and exterior claddi
• Natural Stone: Turkiye has rich natural stone resources such as marble and travertine. Locally sourcing these stones reduces transportation costs and carbon footprint. Their durability and recyclability make them attractive for sustainable projects. Their use will become more widespread, especially in exterior cladding and landscaping.

Green Materials That Will Come to the Forefront in Turkey in 2025 and Beyond

Sustainable construction trends are no longer just global; they are rapidly changing in Turkey as well. It is predicted that certain materials will be used more extensively in 2025 and beyond:

• Green Cement: It stands out for its low carbon emissions and government incentives. It will become more widespread by 2025.
• Hemp Concrete: With its lightness, insulation power and carbon capture properties, it is rapidly spreading in research and pilot applications in Turkiye.
• Straw Panels: It is highly insulated, natural and non-toxic, making it a popular choice for rural and ecological buildings in particular.
• Recycled Steel: The reuse of scrap steel reduces both resource consumption and carbon emissions.
• Solar Bricks: Surface coatings that harness solar energy and purify the air are likely to feature in projects after 2025.
• Wood and Local Stones: Traditional materials are making a comeback due to sustainability and aesthetic concerns.

Material Selection with Diem's ESG Approach

At Diem, we base our material selection on the ESG approach, as we do in every stage of our architectural design process. This approach comprehensively evaluates not only the technical performance of buildings, but also their impact on nature, society and decision-making processes.

Environmental

We consider all stages from the production of each material to its application, service life and disposal. We prioritise environmental sustainability by choosing materials that are

• Low carbon footprint,
• Renewable or recyclable,
• Consume natural resources at a minimum level.

Social

We care about fair production conditions and the use of materials that are harmless to human health in the material supply chain. We prefer to work with suppliers and business partners who

• Respecting workers' rights in the production process,
• User health-conscious,
• Do not ignore the needs of society.

Governance

We act in accordance with transparency, traceability and ethical principles in our decision-making processes.

• We take into account material performance certificates, environmental product declarations (EPD), and international certifications such as LEED/BREEAM.
• We structure supply chain audits and resource management specifically for each project.
• We establish long-lasting, low-maintenance relationships with responsible manufacturers.

Thanks to this approach, we produce projects that are not only aesthetic and functional, but also sensitive to nature and society. We see ESG criteria as the cornerstone of structures that will determine the quality of life for future generations. Green materials should be part of our lives not because they are ‘trendy’ today, but because they are a necessity. For Diem, sustainability is not a goal, it is a way of doing business.

👉🏻 For more information about our ESG approach