BSEE
Using natural materials to meet the 2030 climate challenge
With the UK government implemenng ambious CO2 reducon targets, the enre construcon industry needs to work together, taking sustainable steps to achieve these.
A
key element of healthy building involves using natural, sustainable materials. Such materials are fundamental in
achieving the aspirational targets set out by the government. Adrian Judd, operations director, Steico UK, explores how natural materials are key to meet the government’s net zero climate challenge.
In June 2019, the UK passed laws challenging the country to become net zero carbon – or better – by 20501
, becoming the first major economy, globally, to pass laws to significantly reduce its contribution to global warming. The government guidelines stipulate that all new build homes should be net zero or better by 2030 and all existing homes by 20502
.
In support, The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) drew up its own targets3
, challenging
architects to ensure all buildings they design are net zero carbon by 2030, including the renovation of existing buildings and new builds. The construction industry plays a crucial role in achieving these ambitious targets. As such, companies are now tasked with adopting building practices and materials which have minimal impact on the environment to ensure our buildings release as little CO2 as possible. The challenges not only require the construction industry to make changes to the way new builds are constructed – but also to adopt more sustainable, healthy processes when renovating, refurbishing or retrofitting existing buildings.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Healthy building – utilising natural, sustainable materials – is key to meeting both RIBA’s 2030 climate challenge and the 2050 net zero carbon target stipulated by the UK government.
The benefits of using natural materials
Trees sequester carbon throughout their lifetime. They remove CO2 from the atmosphere and hold it within their matter until the wood comes to the end of its life – through burning or decomposition. As such, using natural materials, such as woodfibre insulation, can help to achieve the net zero carbon challenge, as their use can offset the CO2 produced during the construction process. Certain natural materials also have a high thermal efficiency, meaning they store heat within their matter before slowly releasing it at a later time. During cooler months, this means that the internal environment will stay warmer and more comfortable for longer. This will result in reduced reliance on artificial heat and as such, minimise energy consumption and associated CO2 emissions.
In addition to their benefits in achieving the net zero carbon challenge, the use of natural materials in construction has multiple, other, significant benefits, including:
• Sustainability – natural materials are sustainable, meaning they do not deplete natural resources and can continue to be used without adverse impact on the environment.
• Supporting occupant health – due to their vapour-permeability, natural materials can contribute to an increased indoor air quality which supports occupant health. Any internal air pollutants can be filtered out of buildings and into the external atmosphere to contribute to a higher indoor air quality, mitigating the symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as asthma. A higher indoor air quality can also allow for a better night’s sleep, increasing productivity and focus for building occupants.
• Robustness – natural materials benefit from durability and weather resistance, meaning buildings made from natural materials will stand the test of time. The need to replace or maintain elements of a building made from natural materials will also be reduced.
The benefits of using natural materials are undeniable. Their use in our buildings can help to achieve the ambitious net zero carbon challenge as stipulated by the government and RIBA, resulting in a healthier, more sustainable planet to support future generations.
By adopting healthy building – using natural, sustainable materials – as the norm, the entire construction industry can unite to achieve the ambitious building targets and support the health of our planet for future generations. For more information on the benefits of using natural building materials or to get involved in the ‘Supporting Healthy Buildings’ campaign, visit the website.
www.steico.com
1
www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-becomes-first-major-economy-to-pass-net-zero-emissions-law 2
www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/05/02/new-buildings-must-be-net-zero-carbon-by-2030 3
www.architecture.com/about/policy/climate-action/2030-climate-challenge
10 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2020 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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