SustainableEngineering@Edinburgh Group 21: Sustainable Building Materials

By: Lynda Angus (0452459); David Duffy (0788618); Leanne Fitzgerald (0788584); IMS3 Sustainability Module, March 2008

References•www.doubleglazing.com/low_e_glass•www.greenspec.co.uk/html/materials/pitchedroofs•www.woodforgood.com•Institute of Structural Engineers (1999) Building for a sustainable future: Construction without depletion. SETO, London

“Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable - to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” Brundtland Report

The world is developing at a very rapid pace, with the construction industry contributing heavily to the pollution of the planet. The construction and operation of buildings in the UK accounts for 50% of the nation’s CO2 emissions, which has had a massive impact on the environment. One of the ways the building industry has tried to reduce its negative impact on the planet is by using sustainable building materials, which not only has environmental benefits, but also economic and social benefits.

The world is developing at a very rapid pace, with the construction industry contributing heavily to the pollution of the planet. The construction and operation of buildings in the UK accounts for 50% of the nation’s CO2 emissions, which has had a massive impact on the environment. One of the ways the building industry has tried to reduce its negative impact on the planet is by using sustainable building materials, which not only has environmental benefits, but also economic and social benefits.

Key Aspects of the Problem & Benefits to Sustainable Building Materials

The Challenge: to provide affordable, safe, functional buildings whilst minimising the impact of their design, construction, renovation, re-use and demolition on the natural environment. The Problem: changing the public’s attitude towards building using sustainable materials and making them aware of the benefits, and making the industry change old habits and switch to using greener building materials.

What the Government Says: • Government focus on sustainable construction and buildings: CAN’T BE IGNORED• Significant changes to legislation to ensure wide adoption in construction industry• Changes to building regulations, planning and requirements for BREEM standards on government owned development• Sustainability strategy includes “use of natural resources PRUDENTLY”

Potential Sustainable SolutionsKey factors in choice of sustainable materials: 1. Embodied energy going into production 2. Pollution caused in manufacturing3. Easily recycled 4. Durability 5. Material efficiency

Conclusion• Choosing, using, re-using and recycling materials during design, manufacture, construction and maintenance• Stronger and more efficient implementation of government policies• Education on the benefits of greener housing• Use local materials/workforce/energy to reduce transport• Use more low energy/energy saving materials

Socially: • Landlords demanding lower energy costs from using “GREENER” materials •Improved air quality leading to better working and living environment • Improved company image from using sustainable materialsEconomically:• Large operational savings• Increase in employee productivity by improving working conditions• Lower material and landfill dumping costs by reuse and recycle

3 possible Sustainable Material Solutions:

Roofing Materials• Wide range of options• Timber shingles & shakes (sourced within the country, is reusable and recyclable) • Natural Slate (durable, easy to use) • Also steel coverings and clay, concrete & fibre cement tiles. Not as sustainable

Timber• Naturally renewable• Locks up C02 from atmosphere for the life of the building• Retains energy within structure due to its thermal efficiency• Easily recycled• Local sourcing means pollution due to transportation can easily be reduced`

Low Emissivity Glass• Low E Glass has a special metal coating on one side of the glass•Insulting Glass- Increases energy efficiency by reducing transfer of heat or cold•Can be used in single glazing applications• Utilizes passive solar heat gain