Earth Instead of Concrete: How Earth Building Can Slow Down Climate Change

The numbers are alarming: Around five billion tons of cement are produced annually, accounting for about 8% of global human-caused CO₂ emissions. This puts concrete among the largest greenhouse gas producers, on par with coal, oil, and gas. But there is an alternative: earth.

Concrete: A Climate Killer

Concrete production is extremely energy-intensive. Cement production is particularly problematic as it requires extremely high temperatures generated by burning fossil fuels. Additionally, the chemical reaction, known as calcination, releases large amounts of CO₂. As a result, each ton of cement produced generates approximately one ton of CO₂. This energy-intensive production makes concrete one of the most climate-damaging building materials worldwide.

Earth: The Climate-Friendly Building Material

The CO₂ footprint of earth, however, is extremely low. The extraction and processing of clay subsoil require minimal energy, and the entire production process is significantly more resource-efficient. The clay soil is often mixed with other natural materials like sand or straw and then air-dried – a technique that doesn't require energy-intensive heating.

100% Recyclable: No Waste, No Problem

Unlike concrete, which often ends up as construction waste and is difficult to recycle, earth can be easily reintegrated into the natural cycle. Already dried earth building components can be simply softened with water and reshaped without losing quality.

Comfort Climate: Natural Temperature Regulation

Another advantage is the pleasant indoor climate that earth buildings provide. Earth has hygroscopic properties, meaning it can absorb and release moisture from the air. This naturally regulates humidity and creates a healthy living environment. Additionally, earth stores heat, contributing to a building's energy efficiency. In summer, it keeps spaces pleasantly cool, while in winter, the material stores heat and releases it slowly.

Where Can Concrete Be Replaced with Earth?

While earth is not suitable for every type of construction, there are numerous areas where it can easily replace concrete. Walls – both load-bearing and non-load-bearing – can be built using various earth building techniques. Whether Cob, Adobe bricks, Light Straw Clay, or other techniques – each method brings its own advantages. New Zealand leads by example: There, modern earth building is already anchored in building law, and particularly lightweight adobe bricks have proven to be an innovative solution for load-bearing walls.

Conclusion

Returning to a proven building material, earth is a sustainable alternative to concrete that actively contributes to climate protection. Its regional availability, minimal processing, and excellent building physics properties make it an environmentally friendly, healthy, and versatile solution for modern construction. In times of climate change, it's time to give this traditional building material the attention it deserves.