Brick (clay)

Uses - Walls, paths, driveways

Advantages - Versatile, good thermal mass
Disadvantages - Production is energy-intensive and uses non-renewable resources.
Earth-wise tips - Look for recycled bricks.

Concrete

Uses - Floors, walls, supports

Advantages - High thermal mass, strong, durable, economical, resists termites and earthquakes

Disadvantages - Production involves quarrying and creates greenhouse emissions; poor insulator, needs reinforcing.
Earth-wise tips - Use autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), which is lightweight, energy-efficient and non-toxic, or concrete made with recycled aggregate.

Steel

Uses - Frames, supports
Advantages - Strong, economical, durable, recyclable

Disadvantages - Production is energy-intensive and highly polluting; coatings are often polluting.

Earth-wise tips - Buy recycled steel or opt for renewable timber.

Stone and composite stone

Uses - Walls, floors, supports
Advantages - Abundant, durable, high thermal mass, economical if available on site; no toxic emissions
Disadvantages - Non-renewable; extraction and transportation can be energy-intensive.

Earth-wise tips - Use salvaged stone or products made with waste stone from local sources.

Timber

Uses  - Floors, walls, supports and roof frames
Advantages - Strong, easy to work with, versatile, potentially renewable, biodegradable
Disadvantages - Some timber is non-renewable; often treated with toxic chemicals.

Earth-wise tips - Use recycled wood or timber from sustainable sources, with no chemical treatments.