SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
What does 'sustainability' in construction actually mean?
Resource Efficiency: Using renewable and recyclable materials to minimize waste and reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources
Energy Efficiency: Designing buildings to use less energy, incorporating energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources
Environmental Protection: Reducing the environmental impact of construction activities by minimising pollution, protecting natural habitats, and using eco-friendly materials
Lifecycle Approach: Considering the environmental impact of a building throughout its entire lifecycle, from design and construction to operation, maintenance, and eventual deconstruction
Health and Well-being: Ensuring that buildings provide a healthy environment for occupants by using non-toxic materials and improving indoor air quality
Economic Viability: Balancing environmental goals with economic considerations to ensure that sustainable practices are cost-effective and provide long-term savings
Social Responsibility: Promoting practices that benefit the community, such as creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and ensuring fair labour practices
Examples of sustainable materials
- Recycled Plastic: Reduces waste by repurposing plastic into building materials like bricks and lumber
- Laminated Timber: Prefabricated timber that is stronger and more water-resistant than traditional timber
- Reclaimed Wood: Reduces deforestation by reusing wood from old buildings
- Cork: Renewable and mould-resistant insulation material
- Mycelium-based Materials: Compostable and fire-resistant, made from fungal networks
- Recycled Steel: Uses less energy to produce compared to new steel and is highly durable
- Sheep’s Wool: Long-lasting and effective insulation
- Recycled Glass: Used in tiles and countertops, reducing the need for new raw materials
Examples of sustainable materials
- Recycled Plastic: Reduces waste by repurposing plastic into building materials like bricks and lumber
- Laminated Timber: Prefabricated timber that is stronger and more water-resistant than traditional timber
- Reclaimed Wood: Reduces deforestation by reusing wood from old buildings
- Cork: Renewable and mould-resistant insulation material
- Mycelium-based Materials: Compostable and fire-resistant, made from fungal networks
- Recycled Steel: Uses less energy to produce compared to new steel and is highly durable
- Sheep’s Wool: Long-lasting and effective insulation
- Recycled Glass: Used in tiles and countertops, reducing the need for new raw materials
How does it differ from a traditional build’s life-cycle analysis?
Design & Planning:
Sustainable Construction: Focuses on minimising environmental impact from the outset. This includes considering the building’s lifecycle, energy efficiency, and the health and wellbeing of occupants
Traditional Construction: Primarily focuses on meeting building codes and budget constraints, often without considering long-term environmental impacts
Materials:
Sustainable Construction: Uses materials with low embodied energy, which means less energy is consumed in their production, transportation, and disposal. Recycled and renewable materials are often prioritized
Traditional Construction: Typically uses the most cost-effective and readily available materials, regardless of their environmental impact
Energy Efficiency:
Sustainable Construction: Emphasizes energy-efficient designs and systems, such as solar panels, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and insulation that reduces energy consumption
Traditional Construction: May not prioritise energy efficiency, leading to higher operational energy use and costs
Waste Management:
Sustainable Construction: Aims to minimise waste through techniques such as modern methods of construction, efficient supply chain management, and recycling of construction and demolition waste
Traditional Construction: Often results in excessive material consumption and waste generation
Long Term Impact:
Sustainable Construction: Considers the long-term effects on the environment, including the building’s impact on local ecosystems and its carbon footprint over its entire lifecycle
Traditional Construction: Generally focuses on immediate needs and costs, with less consideration for long-term environmental impacts