*3.1.2 Environmental issues related to building materials*

Building materials over their life cycles, from resource acquisition, throughout construction, demolition, and disposal or recycling, are related to various environmental problems. Such issues include environmental destruction, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, climate change, resource depletion, and waste.

The strategy of reducing environmental impacts related to housing materials can be divided into three: (1) material saving, (2) extension of housing lifespan, (3) use of low-environmental-load materials [18]. "Material saving" aims to reduce the amount of material in a housing structure. The "extension of housing lifespan" requires tactics for long-life homes, such as selecting durable materials, adopting deterioration prevention measures, and considerations for adapting to future layout changes. Meanwhile, the "use of low-environmental-load materials" includes various options, such as using locally produced materials, utilizing recyclable or recycled materials, and sustainable use of renewable materials [18].
