To improve the performance and efficiency of domestic buildings, straw bale construction could be used as it is thicker than standard brick and block construction, straw bale walls should be 450mm thick. Straw bale construction has better U-values (0.13).Straw bale constructed houses have low U-values, are great insulators and the straw bales breathe, this reduces the amount of greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide). The straw bales absorb carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen throughout its life cycle. Also, the embodied energy content of straw bale construction is vastly lower than standard brick and block, and straw bale construction is more cost effective. Using straw bale construction instead of brick and block reduces the cost of the building by £10,000.

Therefore, straw bale construction is better for the environment, more cost effective, and more efficient.