The choices made in construction materials can greatly reduce environmental impacts.
For example, when recycled materials are used, fewer natural resources need to be harvested or mined. At Jamieson Place, 20% of construction materials had a high recycled content. These materials included steel, ceiling tiles, and concrete.
When local construction materials are used, transportation impacts such as fuel use and pollution, are greatly reduced (and the local economy sustained). Regional materials make up 25% of the materials used in the construction of Jamieson Place.
During construction, recyclable materials were separated from waste. As a result, 50% of construction waste – including wood, aluminium, asphalt, and drwall – was diverted from the landfill.