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A copper-bottomed sustainability case


As well as wide applications in contemporary architectural design, there is more to copper than meets the eye when it comes to recyclability, sustainability and longevity, explains Graeme Bell of Aurubis


opper is a natural element found within the earth’s crust, and which has been incorporated into living organisms throughout evolution. The wide range of architectural copper surfaces and products available today replicate natural ‘mineralogical’ changes that otherwise occur over time in response to the local environment. They are produced in modern plants with strictly monitored environmental performance, and well-established recycling routes. The solutions available to architects include high levels of recycled materials, saving on energy and greenhouse gases, and contributing to the circular economy.


C Long life


While offering a lightweight and flexible covering for building facades, copper can also reduce structural support demands, resulting in lower carbon and ‘whole of life’ costs. Then, at the end of a building’s life, the material retains a high scrap value which drives recovery and recycling. Copper can be recycled again and again without any loss of performance or qualities, and its lifespan can be regarded conservatively as 200 years when correctly installed. When copper roofs or facades are replaced, it is generally due to substrate or structure failure, rather than the copper. Copper requires no decoration, maintenance or cleaning – saving resources, cleaning chemicals and cost. Its interaction with the environment has been assessed under the European REACH policy on chemicals, and has no classification or restrictions under that process.


RAVENSWOOD SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, SYDNEY Solar screen of pre-patinated copper with perforation pattern echoing gum tree seedlings. Photo: Tom Ferguson


Architectural & practical The material’s unique architectural qualities are defined by its naturally developing patina which cannot be replicated successfully using other materials with


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