Month: October 2025

5 Sustainable Building Materials You Should Consider for Your Next Build

It’s no secret that the construction industry is a major contributor to climate change. From increasing environmental waste to depleting natural resources, the industry irreparably hurts the environment. It’s for this reason we need to adopt more eco-friendly solutions, one of which involves utilizing more sustainable building materials. 

This is because whether you’re constructing a home, an office, or a commercial structure, the materials you choose play a critical role in the environmental impact of your build. Fortunately, there is a growing list of sustainable materials that combine performance, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness.

Without further ado, here are 5 of the most promising and widely used sustainable building materials you should definitely consider for your next project:

1. Low-Carbon Concrete Alternatives:

Traditional concrete production is one of the largest contributors to global CO₂ emissions. This is largely due to the production process of cement. However, there are so many other sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete, and they work just as well. A couple include:

Sawdust and Wood Ash Concrete: Created using a combination of sawdust, wood ash and cement, it is said to have properties that make it a useful substitute for traditional concrete. In a previous article, we took a deep dive into how to make this sustainable alternative and how to get a sample of it. 

Fly ash or slag cement: Fly ash is essentially a by-product of coal production, while slag is a by-product of iron production. Both are usually used to replace a portion of Portland cement in concrete.

Geopolymer concrete: Made through the activation of aluminosilicate materials, geopolymer concrete produces significantly less carbon than traditional concrete.

These concrete alternatives, like traditional concrete, are used for foundations, walls, and pavements, as well as structural elements.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Redcity Company (@redcityco)

2. Recycled Steel:

Recycled steel is obtained by reclaiming and repurposing steel scraps, instead of producing it from scratch. Not only does using recycled steel reduce mining and the need for resource extraction, but it also reduces environmental waste, making it very sustainable. Recycled steel is also very durable which is why it is usually used for framing, roofing, beams, and structural components.

3. Hempcrete:

A bio-composite material, hempcrete, as the name implies, is made using the woody core of the industrial hemp plant, also known as cannabis. This woody core is typically mixed with a lime-based binder to create this carbon-negative material that is naturally resistant to pests and mold.

Additionally, hempcrete is fire-resistant, lightweight, and has superb thermal and acoustic properties. These therefore make it perfect for insulating walls, floors, and roofs in both residential and commercial buildings.

4. Earth and Rammed Earth:

One of the oldest building materials, mud and rammed earth, are making a steady comeback in modern construction. Known for their thermal mass, minimal processing and durability, these materials are perfect for constructing walls, floors, and foundations. They are usually locally sourced and so require little to no energy consumption or CO2 emissions.

5. Recycled Plastic Composites:

Everyone knows plastics are a menace to the environment. They take decades to degrade and are difficult to get rid of. However, when recycled, plastics make very good building materials. 

Their durable and low-maintenance nature makes them resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. Plastics are also versatile, making them reusable for a wide variety of purposes such as decking, outdoor furniture, fencing, structural panels, etc. In addition to this, recycling plastics helps to divert plastic waste from landfills and the ocean.

Conclusion

Choosing sustainable materials is not just about environmental responsibility; it’s also about building smarter, healthier, and more resilient spaces. While the right materials depend on your specific project, location, and budget, integrating eco-friendly options where possible can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and operating costs over time.

Here at Redcity, we prioritize sustainable construction, which is why these materials are our go-to for projects. Check out our products and services here and request a quote here to construct one or two with us. Also, visit our blog here for more enlightening news and updates, and check out our YouTube channel here for a lot of exciting content.

Would you be using any of these 5 sustainable building materials in your next project? Let us know your thoughts below.

5 Best Battery Swapping Stations in Lagos

As you may already know, Lagos is gradually becoming a hotspot for electric mobility innovations. One solution aiding this transition is battery swapping stations because they enable electric vehicle (EV) drivers to swap dead or low batteries for fully charged ones, instead of waiting hours to charge them.

In this article, we will explore the five best battery swapping stations in Lagos. However, before that, let’s briefly discuss what battery swapping stations are, why they are being used, and how they compare to charging stations.

What are battery swapping stations? 

Battery swapping stations are facilities that store fully charged batteries so as to allow owners of electric vehicles, especially electric motorbikes, to replace their depleted batteries with already charged ones.

They are usually modular and can easily and quickly be installed anywhere as kiosks or fixed structures. Most times, they are built with solar panels to make charging the batteries more affordable and sustainable. Moreover, they are very beneficial since they support rapid turnaround and help reduce range anxiety, especially for commercial or delivery fleets.

Why Use Them?

Speed & convenience: Unlike charging, swapping takes just minutes instead of hours to carry out.

Reduced downtime: With battery swapping, users, especially commercial riders, need not experience periods where the vehicle becomes inactive since they can easily swap dead batteries for fully charged ones.

Reliability in regions with irregular power supply: This is because some swap stations incorporate solar or hybrid power to ensure supply.

Environmental benefits: They ensure fewer greenhouse gas emissions, especially if powered by clean energy. Moreover, most, if not all, of these stations are less reliant on petrol or diesel.

The Best Battery Swapping Stations in Lagos

Below are some of the best battery swapping stations, or planned systems, in and around Lagos.

1. AaraGO Battery Swap Station:

Located in Victoria Island, AaraGO is a green‑technology startup that launched a solar‑powered battery swapping station for electric motorbikes in Lagos. This swapping station, situated in Ikoyi, supports solar power, making the station more resilient to grid instability. 

2. Swap Station Mobility (SSM) Swap Stations:

Based in Ikoyi, SSM is another clean-energy company providing swap station points along major demand routes and logistics bases in Lagos. They have a partnership with Glovo & Siltech to equip Glovo couriers with e‑motorbikes and provide battery swapping and charging facilities. They also recently partnered with redcity to install swapping stations and kiosks in various areas around the state.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SWAP STATION MOBILITY (@swapstationmobility)

3. MAX’s Solar‑Powered Battery Swap Station:

MAX is a Lekki-based company reported to have launched West Africa’s first fully solar‑powered swap station. According to sources, the station, positioned in Lekki, uses a 20 kWp solar photovoltaic array, a 24 kW inverter, and a 30 kWh battery bank. It also stores excess energy for use after sundown or during low sunlight, making it very sustainable. In addition to this, the company plans, in the coming years, to position many more stations along major routes in the state, including Ikeja, Yaba, and so on, to make them more accessible to drivers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @weare.max

4. Spiro Swap Stations:

Spiro, an electric mobility company in Nigeria, is said to have a network of 100 active battery swap stations across Nigeria, 64 of which exist in Lagos. They can be found in areas such as Oshodi, Ebute Metta, Ikorodu, and more. The company is currently making plans to scale up to 1,000 stations by the end of 2025, and 2,000 nationwide by 2026.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SPIRO Nigeria (@spiro_nigeria)

5. Siltech Swap Station:

Another Victoria Island-based company, Siltech focuses on developing an electric mobility ecosystem. They’ve achieved this by not only manufacturing electric vehicles but also battery swapping stations for said vehicles. The company remains a pioneer in electric mobility in Africa and their products are known to be reliable and efficient.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SILTECH WORLD (@siltechworld)

Conclusion

Battery swapping stations are rapidly emerging as a practical, efficient, and cleaner alternative to traditional charging, especially in a traffic‑dense, grid‑unstable city like Lagos. With players like Swap Station Mobility, AaraGO, MAX, Spiro, and Siltech, the momentum is building. For residents, riders, and fleet operators, staying informed about the locations, costs, and services of these stations helps in making smarter choices and contributing to a greener, more efficient transport future for Lagos.

Here at RedCity, we design and build the skeletal frameworks for the battery charging ports. Whether it’s a solar kiosk or a fixed structure, you can trust us to get it done. Get a glimpse into some of our past jobs here and request a quote here to get started. While you’re at it, check out our other products and services here and discover more of our exciting content here.

What do you think of these 5 best battery swapping stations in Lagos? Would you be trying out any? Comment below.

Modular construction is gaining serious momentum in the construction industry, and for good reasons. With an increasing demand for faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective building methods, it offers a compelling alternative to traditional techniques. 

This article explores what modular construction is all about and why it is reshaping the construction industry.

What is Modular Construction?

Modular construction, also known as modular building, is a form of prefabricated construction. Here, structures are built in individual sections called “modules”, and this is done off-site, under controlled factory conditions. The modules are then transported to the construction site and assembled into a complete building. 

Usually, each module is constructed using the same materials used in traditional construction. They are also done in line with the same codes and standards as conventional buildings, ensuring structural integrity, durability, and compliance with local regulations.

However, unlike conventional building, which happens entirely on-site and is often subject to delays due to weather or labor shortages, modular building is faster, safer, and allows for more efficient project delivery.

Modular Construction vs Traditional Construction

While both methods have their place in the building industry, we will need to consider their differing attributes. Therefore, here are the differences between traditional and modular construction:

Construction Site: Usually, structures built using modular construction are built off-site in a factory, then assembled on-site. In traditional construction, however, you build the entire structure on-site from the ground up.

Timeline: Because site work and module fabrication happen simultaneously in modular building, the process is usually faster, whereas it is slower when building traditionally because of the sequential construction process required.

Quality Control: Due to factory conditions and the fact that the quality of the materials used is more likely to be properly checked in modular building, there is a high consistency in the quality of the structures. However, in conventional construction, quality may vary depending on site conditions and labor.

Labour: Modular construction typically requires fewer on-site workers since it is done in an enclosed factory environment. Meanwhile, traditional construction is labor-intensive, usually requiring a full crew on-site.

Waste Management: Because modules are built in a controlled factory setting, there is usually less material waste since leftover materials can easily be reused and properly disposed of. In contrast, there is usually higher material waste from cutting and overordering in traditional construction. The leftover materials are also more prone to improper discarding since they are usually just left on-site until construction is completed, and sometimes, they end up buried in the soil.

Flexibility: Modular structures are usually easy to expand or relocate since they are made using individual modules, but traditionally built structures are usually permanent and can’t be relocated. Expanding them also requires a lot of money and strenuous work.

Clearly, modular construction offers a more forward-looking solution that meets the increasing demands for speed, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.

Where Modular Construction is Used

Modular construction is incredibly versatile and is used across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Residential Housing: E.g., single-family homes, apartment complexes, affordable housing, and so on.
• Commercial Buildings: E.g., offices, retail stores, hotels, etc.
• Healthcare: E.g., clinics, hospitals, emergency response units, etc.
• Education: E.g., classrooms, dormitories, training centers, etc.
• Industrial: E.g., site offices, warehouses, control rooms, etc.
• Public Sector: E.g., military housing, prisons, government facilities, and so on.

Moreover, with its adaptability and efficiency, it is especially popular in areas where speed, cost control, or environmental concerns are top priorities.

Benefits of Modular Construction 

1. Speedy Construction

One of the biggest advantages of modular building is speed. This construction method significantly reduces build times by allowing site preparation and module fabrication to happen at the same time. This parallel workflow helps complete projects 30–50% faster than conventional builds, making it ideal for time-sensitive developments like schools, hospitals, or housing.

2. Cost Efficiency

With reduced labor costs, less material waste, and shorter timelines, this construction method often results in more predictable and often lower total costs. It also minimizes expenses related to project delays and on-site inefficiencies since factory-based production helps prevent weather interruptions or subcontractor scheduling issues, which are common in traditional construction.

3. Improved Safety

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces. Modular building, however, reduces on-site labor, which in turn lowers the risk of accidents and injuries. In addition, factory settings offer safer, ergonomically designed workspaces with strict adherence to health and safety regulations, reducing exposure to dangerous conditions for workers and nearby residents.

4. Sustainability and Waste Reduction

Sustainability is a core advantage of this method of construction. This is because factories can optimize material use with precision, reducing waste by up to 80% compared to traditional methods. Many modular projects also incorporate recycled or eco-friendly materials and use energy-efficient systems, making them very suitable for the environment.

5. Design Flexibility and Scalability

Contrary to popular belief, modular construction isn’t limited to cookie-cutter designs. It allows for a wide range of customization, from floor plans and finishes to architectural styles. Additionally, one can easily expand, disassemble, or relocate modular buildings.

Conclusion 

In summary, modular construction isn't just a trend; it's a strategic, innovative solution to the evolving demands of the construction industry. With faster timelines, improved quality, and a significantly reduced environmental footprint, it's no wonder more developers, engineers, and architects are steadily making the switch.

Whether you’re building affordable housing or luxury high-rises, Redcity offers modular construction services that will get your project done faster, safer, and more sustainably. To join in on the trend, simply request a quote here and discover how we can get you started. If you would also like to check out our other construction services, visit here. While you’re at it, also visit our blog and YouTube channel for more insightful news and content like this.

Would you consider using this ingenious method of construction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.