The root meaning of sustainability is the ability for a system or process (most commonly in relation to a biological system) to endure, live, and thrive. One of the most viral dangers for biological and ecological systems is human competition for land and resource. Therefore, the human footprint must have minimal implications for a sustainable environment to endure, both for our ecological surroundings and us.

With that said, for contractors, engineers, and architects, finding a way to uphold changing sustainability standards or meet unique eco-friendly client needs is a rising challenge. While it is an important feat and a crucial area of improvement, many companies struggle due to the financial and design challenges that sustainable materials provide.

Playing in tandem with the need for sustainable and eco-friendly structures, are building challenges caused by climate change. Due to drastically altered weather patterns many builders have been forced to experiment with alternative materials that will stand up against gale force winds, snow, and acrid heat, but will also conform to environmental standards and their clients design desires.