VIEW THIS SITE IN ENGLISH OR SPANISH
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOUSE?
LEVEL UP WITH THESE PRO TIPS.
As a general rule of thumb, always choose materials that are:
1
LOW-MAINTENANCE
2
DURABLE
3
NON-TOXIC
4
LOCALLY-SOURCED
5
HUMIDITY-RESISTANT
6
ANTI-CORROSIVE
ITEM 7
PEST-RESISTANT
BUY LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS
Reduce your carbon footprint & energy usage when purchasing local sourced, sustainable materials. Investing in local sourced materials also supports your local community.
1
Teak is pest resistant, durable, and locally available.
2
Bamboo is pest resistant and durable, but sourced from farther away.
3
Recycled materials or reclaimed wood are a great option, especially for details such as countertops, decking, fencing or roofing.
4
Natural stone is a great, locally-sourced option for aesthetic accents.
5
Cellulose or recycled insulation is a more sustainable alternative to fiberglass or styrofoam.
6
Shipping containers or other pre-fabricated homes greatly reduce waste, construction time, and the overall impact of your build but you'll need to insulate and ventilate to reduce long-term energy requirements.
7
Clay or earth blocks are a sustainable alternative to concrete, if you can find a builder with experience using these materials.
8
Concrete, although not the most sustainable option (it requires a lot of water), cement is produced here in Costa Rica. Concrete requires less maintenance and is a great insulator from the heat.
BUILDING TIP
Sustainable materials will save you money and decrease your carbon footprint, but are also more easily sourced and workers are familiar with them.
SUSTAINABLE NOSARA
YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THINGS SUSTAINABLE IN NOSARA