SUSTAINABILITY
Exploring changing standards in green construction
B
Despite being a major source of greenhouse gas emission in the UK, embodied carbon within construction currently lacks regulation, with its measurement and mitigation remaining voluntary for industry professionals. Andy Leah, technical manager at Duraproducts delves a little deeper
ridging the regulatory gap and establishing standardised processes is crucial for the construction industry to meet its Net
Zero targets by 2050. The recent shift towards sustainability has significantly influenced the types of products entering the market, emphasising the need to assess products based on their quantitative environmental impact in the context of upcoming carbon Net Zero targets.
Since 2003, we have noticed a slow uptake in stakeholder’s commitment to the environment, and only recently has it become the cornerstone of new product development strategies. After two decades, the market is finally opening its doors to innovations which are functional, sustainable and economical. Assessing products based on their quantitative environmental impact in the context of upcoming carbon Net Zero targets has become pivotal, especially with the construction sector’s scrutiny of CO2e emissions during manufacturing and on-site construction alike. As a result, Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) have emerged as essential precise tools in measuring the environmental footprint of projects, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the cradle-to-grave impact of construction. Widely adopted by planners, designers, and contractors, LCAs not only facilitate the comparison of materials and processes but also set performance targets and establish ‘green’ building codes, promoting the widespread adoption of sustainable practices. In tandem with LCAs,
there is a growing demand for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which include Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental
Management Plans. Similar to LCAs, EPDs function as indicators of commendable environmental practices. The surging demand for EPDs is down to them not only highlighting potential environmental issues but also fostering collaborative discussions with stakeholders to address concerns. This demand positions EPDs as essential tools for enhancing transparency and credibility within the industry. While there may be initial scepticism regarding simplified models and assumptions, the insights offered by these standardised certifications far outweigh such concerns. The ongoing advancement of technology and increased accessibility to data within the construction industry will continue to boost the accuracy of LCAs and EPDs, further solidifying their indispensable role for industry professionals striving to achieve environmental transparency in their projects. There is a noticeable trend among specifiers who are increasingly considering the end- of-life potential of construction solutions—a shift more pronounced than just half a decade ago. The focus is not on whether products can be recycled or reused, but extends beyond the traditional focus of production and installation emissions to the entire product lifecycle, prompting fresh discussions within the industry. With imminent Net Zero targets in mind, the emphasis is now on selecting products based on their LCAs rather than cost considerations, underlining the industry’s commitment to sustainability and responsible product choices. Plus, it has to be said that truly sustainable products do not compromise on longevity and resistance to damage. The cellular structure of recycled plastic products has been reported by residential developers to drastically reduce post construction re-fit of
the kerbs. Where small amounts of damage have occurred due to construction traffic, it was generally to a single point, maintaining the integrity of the unit and in most cases, requiring a small repair rather than a full refit. This helps to further reduce unnecessary carbon emissions, installer costs, and the need for heavy machinery, enhancing the sustainability of recycled plastic materials during housing development projects.
Sustainability in practice
One example of a project that truly exemplifies a shift in sustainable infrastructure design is the partnership between Duraproducts and The Greater Cambridge Partnership. Since 2019, Duraproducts has been at the forefront of construction projects in the region, supplying its range of shallow-profile, pedestrian-cycle- friendly linear kerb and drainage systems. The collaboration has evolved to play a pivotal role in delivering environmentally friendly transport solutions crucial for shaping future towns and cities. A notable project in Milton Road, Cambridge, stands as a testament to this pioneering initiative, featuring recycled drainage systems (Duradrain), standard kerb (Durakerb), and traditional kerbing in diverse road and pavement details. Central to this partnership’s sustainability
8 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MARCH 2024
commitment is the carefully curated selection of products with minimal environmental impact. Duradrain and Durakerb were specifically chosen for their low carbon footprint and high recycled content, plus their EPD certifications, obtained in 2023. These systems, with their lightweight and sustainable properties, contribute to reduced resource consumption, lower energy usage, decreased risk, and streamlined installation processes from delivery to on-site logistics and final installation. Plus, they offer the opportunity to be recycled or reused after initial use.
Creating a more sustainable future
The integration of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Protection Documents (EPDs) into industry practices has begun a transformative era in sustainable construction, providing nuanced insights and transparent evidence to guide decision-making. As pioneers in sustainable solutions, Duraproducts anticipates that advancing technology and increased access to data will further enhance the accuracy of these methodologies, solidifying their position as indispensable tools for achieving environmental transparency in construction projects.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
