Buildings made with earth-based materials—raw soil mixed with water, fibers, and additives—have been prevalent for thousands of years. Earth materials can be fabricated with and without fire. Unfired, earth materials can be returned to the soil when no longer in use. Products that utilize non-permanent binders are circular building materials.
Permanent binders, such as cement, have become prevalent because they are fast-drying and fabrication methods have become efficient. Cement and concrete have fundamentally changed how we build. Cement now contributes at least 8% of global CO2 emissions because of the energy-intensive, high-heat processes required to convert minerals into cement binders.
Unfired earthen materials require no heat and little fuel to make them usable and therefore present a significantly lower greenhouse gas emitting solution to building construction. Unfired Earth materials have lower embodied carbon, they passively regulate temperatures and provide better indoor air quality to living spaces. Clay materials can be repaired, reused, and recycled.
Best practices source locally. It reduces transportation emissions, expenses, and keeps soils native to regional ecosystems. Using soil displaced from onsite excavation is a good choice. Some building material producers source soil from local quarries to their production facilities to standardize mixes and achieve higher quantities of materials. Construction methods vary widely and include Rammed Earth, Adobe, and Compressed Blocks.
This collection focuses on unfired earth-based products that are currently available in large quantities and avoid permanent binders as much as possible.
Below are a few examples of Earth products that meet our rigorous evaluation. For further help on your own search for working with Earth, scroll down to "Spec Guidance”.
Earth
11 products
About Our Collections
The goal of our collections is to help promote transparency in the material ingredients of building products by fostering knowledge and awareness of products and materials for which life-cycle information is available, and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycle impacts.
Keep an eye out for the following symbols:
A Healthier Affordable Building Product
Products with the designation of "Healthier & Affordable" were specified and installed in at least one of our Case Studies of healthier affordable housing.
Available at the Donghia healthier Materials Library
The Donghia healthier Materials Library library is open to Parsons student and faculty. Learn more about access and opening hours here.
Low Embodied Carbon
“Embodied Carbon” is the total amount of carbon emitted during the process of making a material. *HML refers to a manufacturer's EPD to determine whether a product's A1-A3 carbon emissions falls within HML's threshold for Low Embodied Carbon.
New Product
This product has been added to the collection within the past six months.
Product in Development
Products with this designation identify they are currently scaling or only available in markets outside of the building industry. they could be experimental or in use in capsule collections.
Available in the EU
Products with this designation are currently available only in the European Union and identified as being an exemplary healthy option in the respective product group.
Ingredient Disclosures
There are several ways of evaluating a material’s health that we include with product information. Disclosures are reports by manufacturers about product ingredients, impacts, or other attributes.
Key Disclosures include:
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
A voluntary technical specification for reporting information on product contents and associated health information, intended to be the health-analogue to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Declare Label
Declare is a transparency platform and product database that answers three questions:
1. Where does a product come from?
2. What is it made of?
3. Where does it go at the end of its life?
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
A standardized format for communicating the environmental effects associated with a product’s raw materials extraction, energy use, chemical makeup, waste generation, and emissions to air, soil, and water.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A reporting format that provides basic information about a material’s chemical ingredients, the potential safety hazards to installers, and recommended practices for installation.
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products.
Other
Manufacturer | Product | Ingredient Disclosures |
---|---|---|
American Clay | Loma™ Plasters |
Loma™ PlastersLoma Clay Plasters from American Clay are a mix of natural earth and pigment. The plasters are made in New Mexico with 72% recycled content by weight. Clay is naturally a softer material that requires care. It can be successfully installed without the use of a binder to avoid acrylated styrene polymer. CategoryPlaster, ClayManufacturerAmerican ClayMaterial composition*Reclaimed Marble, Sand, Clay, <2% Quartz, Pigment, Water *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJanuary 19, 2024 |
Arizona Adobe | AZ Adobe Blocks |
AZ Adobe BlocksArizona Adobe creates two types of bricks from local soils: puddled (a combination of earth and water mixed to a near mud consistency, sun-dried over 2-4 weeks) and pressed adobe bricks (a mix of soil and water condensed per hydraulic presses and machine automation, bricks emerge nearly dry). They come in standard and veneer sizes. All projects are provided a mortar with a matching composition. Custom and site-made bricks are available upon request. CategoryMasonry, AdobeManufacturerArizona AdobeMaterial composition*Clay, Water, 8% Portland Cement *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJanuary 09, 2024 |
New Mexico Adobe | New Mexico Adobe Blocks |
New Mexico Adobe BlocksNew Mexico Adobe makes unstabilized blocks from local mud and straw. The blocks are made by pouring the mixture through a wooden mold and sun-dried. They come in a standard and veneer size. CategoryMasonry, AdobeManufacturerNew Mexico AdobeMaterial composition*Clay, Water, Straw *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedNovember 30, 2023 |
Native Earth | Compressed Earth Blocks |
Compressed Earth BlocksNative Earth is a scaled manufacturer of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB). The Blocks come in 3 standardized blocks for interior, exterior, and structural use. The materials are sourced from quarries in Texas and New Mexico. Rammed earth and mortar can also be made with similar clay, lime, and cement composition. CategoryMasonry, Compressed Earth BlockManufacturerNative EarthMaterial composition*Clay, Silt, Sand, Aggregate, Water; stabilizing agents: Lime, Cement *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING10"x14", 4"x12", 7"x14" CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJanuary 10, 2024 |
Colorado Earth | ECOBLOX |
ECOBLOXColorado Earth makes unfired compressed earth blocks (CEB) and adobe bricks from clay and lime. The materials are sourced in Colorado from local quarries, by-products of the excavation operations, and are low-carbon masonry units. Earthen mortar and plasters can be made with the same compositions as CEB and adobe bricks for use with these products. This product has no Portland Cement content. CategoryMasonry, Compressed Earth BlockManufacturerColorado EarthMaterial composition*Sand, Clay, hydrated Lime *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJanuary 02, 2024 |
Clayworks | Clay Plasters |
Clay PlastersAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryLow-Embodied Carbon MaterialClayworks clay plasters are blends of unfired clays mixed with natural minerals and pigments. They provide a 100% natural alternative for gypsum plaster and paint wall finishing. Clayworks clay plasters are non-toxic, avoid synthetic additives and emit zero VOCs or formaldehyde. They are free of heavy metals and can be composted. The clay plasters help regulate indoor relative humidity and temperature, absorb toxics and odors, and are easily repaired. They are made in the UK and supplied in a dried form, ready to mix with water and apply with conventional plastering tools and skills. The BM-1 hazard on the HPD relates to respiratory protection. The clay plasters also contribute to WELL and LEED certifications. Per Claywork's product-specific EPDs, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. CategoryPlaster, ClayManufacturerClayworksMaterial composition*Blended Sands, Kaolin, Other Proprietary Ingredients *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedJune 20, 2024 |
Hart Keramik | Lemix® Clay Panel |
Lemix® Clay PanelAvailable At the Donghia Materials LibraryAvailable in the EULEMIX® clay building panels are a healthier alternative for any type of drywall construction. Being made of 100% natural materials, clay panels are naturally mold resistant, eliminating the need for harmful biocides. Due to being made from clay, they can regulate humidity and heat while absorbing VOCs, pollutants, and odors. They can be compostable and recyclable. CategoryDrywall, ClayManufacturerHart KeramikMaterial composition*clay, potters clay, wood fiber, starch, hessian mesh (rear side only) *as reported by the manufacturer AVAILABLE SIZING49.2" x 24.6" x 1/2" or 3/4" thick CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Natureplus
Additional DocumentsLast UpdatedApril 15, 2024 |
Criaterra | Criaterra Wall Tiles |
Criaterra Wall TilesCRIATERRA creates 100% natural, compressed earth blocks through an innovative manufacturing process with no kiln required. Their cement-free "Bio-Geo Stone" building products are currently made as wall tiles. It is recommended to install with disassembly considerations as the material is recyclable and able to return to the earth after use. CategoryTile, ClayManufacturerCriaterraMaterial composition*CRIATERRA is composed of hay plant fibers, silt, sand, and clay. *as reported by the manufacturer COLORSAvailable in a range of colors CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedJanuary 23, 2024 |
BC Materials | Molded Block |
Molded BlockAvailable in the EUBC Materials create molded blocks from brick, clay and loam. They source 75% secondary resources from locally available construction sites and materials are 100% reusable and recyclable. They are sourced within a 250km radius. The drying time is 28 days. The Léém blocks have been tested to ensure they are free of pollution such as: PCB,PFC, asbestos, lead, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, mineral oils, VOCs, flame retardants, phthalates and isocyanates and do not emit any harmful substances. The evolving industrial production creates levelled surfaces that allow for 2-3 mm joints with respective mortar. Note: CEB can be selected for loading-bearing walls. These contain 3.85% cement as a stabilizer. CategoryMasonry, Compressed Earth BlockManufacturerBC MaterialsMaterial composition*Clay, Loam, Brick; 3.85% cement for load bearing product *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedMarch 29, 2024 |
BC Materials | Clay Plaster |
Clay PlasterAvailable in the EUBC Materials create a natural breathable plaster of clay, loam, sand and fibers. Different types of sand and clay will determine the color and texture of the plaster. The ingredients are sourced from urban sites in a 250km radius. Léém plaster has been tested to assure it is free of pollution such as: PCB,PFC, asbestos, lead, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, mineral oils, VOCs, flame retardants, phthalates and isocyanates and do not emit any harmful substances. CategoryPlaster, ClayManufacturerBC MaterialsMaterial composition*Clay, Loam, Sand, Natural Fibers *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Last UpdatedMarch 29, 2024 |
AURO | High-grade Clay paint No. 331 |
High-grade Clay paint No. 331The Auro No. 331 High-grade Clay Paint is a water-based clay and mineral paint for interior walls. It has a moisture regulating effect and is highly breathable. It meets the EU EcoLabel, Indoor Air Comfort Gold, Nordic Swan, WELL, BREEAM, and LEED standards. It is free from preservatives. The paint comes in white only, natural pigments can be added. CategoryPaint / Earth, ClayManufacturerAUROMaterial composition*Water, clay, mineral fillers, 11% titanium dioxide, Replebin® binding agent, cellulose, surfactants made of rapeseed and castor oil, ammonia *as reported by the manufacturer CERTIFICATIONS & DISCLOSURES
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Declare Label
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
USDA Certified Biobased Product Label
Other
Eurofins Gold Indoor Air Comfort
Last UpdatedAugust 20, 2024 |
The products in this collection have been evaluated for their contents and performance. To be considered, the product must have a primary ingredient (by volume) that is derived or harvested from raw earth avoiding asphalt, concrete, and additives harmful to humans and planet. Procurement should prioritize products made with local materials.
Spec Guidance
Ask manufacturers for transparency and LCA information as much as possible. Traditional earth materials and fabrication methods may not yet have certifications and disclosures. Note: Manufacturers of newer products often keep ingredients proprietary.
Avoid petrochemical additives like asphalt and high contents of Portland cement. Prefer lime binders when possible. Note: this might result in slower dry times.
Opt for locally available soils from as close to the construction site as possible. Test clay compositions to determine necessary percentages of additives and binders.
Consider geographical context for technique and regulation. For example, Adobe techniques are best suited for dry climates.
Opt for local fibrous agricultural byproducts to use in combination with clays.
Spec mortars from the same composition as earth blocks. Typically, mortars can be sourced from the same supplier.
Consider labor costs and time. i.e., Rammed Earth requires higher skilled masonry techniques than Adobe and Compressed Earth Block construction.
Consult and collaborate with local natural builders for expertise and best practices. Knowledgeable local builders are often the best resources.
Calculate energy and material savings of an earth-based project. Factor in necessary maintenance intervals.
Updated September 22, 2023
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