Road To Zero Carbon Feature
Road To Zero Carbon
Why wall panels are the greener option
With the environmental impact of the built environment well known to most, housing managers are always looking for new ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Scott Beattie from Fibo, explores why wall panels can offer a more sustainable option for bathroom and kitchen spaces
A
s we approach ever closer to the Net Zero 2050 target, many housing managers are becoming more environmentally conscious with the materials they use and their approach to refurbishment projects.
Research shows that the built environment generates nearly 40% of global Carbon Dioxide emissions, with building and infrastructure materials and construction accounting for 13% of this per year. With this in mind, reducing these emissions and finding more sustainable methods of construction are key. Trough the specification of more sustainable materials in properties,
together we can build the greener homes of the future. For example, when looking at bathrooms – one of the busiest and most popular rooms to refurbish in any home – opting to use a waterproof wall panel system rather than traditional tiles can provide numerous environmental benefits.
SUSTAINABLE COMPOSITION Typically manufactured with a multi-layered plywood core – an inherently sustainable and renewable material – wall panels made from PEFC-certified wood can help to reduce a project’s carbon footprint. Ensuring that any timber products used are PEFC-certified is a great way of ensuring that it comes from a sustainably managed forest source.
EASE OF INSTALLATION Wall panels are famously easy to install, offering an installation that is up to five times quicker than tiles. As well as being great on-site, this also brings with it more environmental benefits, such as a reduction in waste, with wall panels able to be fitted directly on top of existing tiles (as well as plasterboard or timber stud work). Tis eliminates the need to strip old tiling off bathroom walls or time-consuming wall preparation work, something which can contribute to Carbon Dioxide emissions. Not only this but, with no specialist tools or wet trades required to fit
wall panels, any additional materials used in the installation process are further reduced.
DURABILITY Tat said, it is important to look beyond the initial installation too. Once a product or system is installed, you need to have the reassurance that it will last and won’t need replacing further down the line. A key way of achieving this is by installing long-lasting and strong building materials that require little maintenance or upkeep. Wall panels yet again can help with this. Extremely durable, with minimal upkeep required to keep them looking
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMJune/July 2023 | 31
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