Introduction to Natural and Biological Materials in the School of Specification
Going Green With Natural Materials: Insights From Ian Pritchett
Leaning into the world of eco-friendly construction, Ian Pritchett, the Growth & Innovation Director at Greencore Homes, sheds light on the realm of natural and bio-based materials in sustainable development. We're diving deep into the methodology behind carbon budgets and targets, the significance of the 'one planet living' framework, and strategies to sustainably build homes.
Natural Materials: The Sustainable Construction Game-ChangerIan chooses to categorize natural materials based on their prerequisites:1. Local and regional2. Unprocessed or with minimal processing3. Historically widely available4. Secondary products or waste5. Low-energy and low-carbon materials
These materials carry numerous advantages - let's highlight a couple. Vegetable or bio-based materials are renewable, meaning they can be grown and then regrown. Additionally, natural substances lower energy consumption during growth and are often multifunctional, excelling at more than one task.
The Path to Achieving Carbon Budgets and TargetsIn 2015 at the Paris Climate Conference (COP 21), numerous governments agreed to legally binding targets restricting the global temperature increase to less than two degrees (ideally 1.5 degrees). To reach this goal, we must limit greenhouse gas emissions. This assessment is presented as a carbon budget, starting at a global scale and breaking down into national and local authorities.
Embracing 'One Planet Living'The core idea of 'One Planet Living' is that we should live within our fair portion of the planet's resources. In present-day Western Europe, consumption is three times the fair share, while North America stands at five to six times. This concept forms the basis for designing sustainable projects, spotlighting health and happiness, equity, culture and community, land and nature, sustainable water, local and sustainable food, travel and transportation, materials and products, zero waste, and zero carbon energy. Adopting this framework is crucial to create sustainable places and communities for the future.
Building Homes for TomorrowFor reduced embodied carbon and carbon-in-use properties, we opt for the following strategies:1. Utilization of bio-based and renewable materials that lock up carbon.2. Adherence to the Passivhaus thermal performance standard, resulting in minimal energy usage.3. Implementation of electric heating, hot water, and cooking, eliminating fossil fuels.4. Installation of roof-mounted Photovoltaics (PVs) to generate renewable electricity and energy storage systems.5. Carrying out post-occupancy evaluation to ensure homes function as intended
The 'One Planet Living' Framework: Key to Sustainable Living'One Planet Living' outlines the necessity of living within our fair share of planetary resources. 'One Planet Living' encompasses the aspects of:1. Health and happiness2. Equity and local economy3. Culture and community4. Land and nature5. Sustainable water6. Local and sustainable food7. Travel and transportation8. Materials and products9. Zero waste10. Zero carbon energy
Our mission is to design and create sustainable places and communities for a thriving future.
Are There Downsides to Natural and Bio-Based Materials?While some may see natural materials as old-fashioned or primitive, they can still produce sophisticated structures. However, these materials may not always be easily obtainable, requiring higher skill levels in design and construction, lasting less, or being more labor-intensive.
Sometimes these materials may come with a cost premium. To offset this, one can source and install the materials themselves, being hands-on throughout the process.
Join Ian Pritchett to explore more on the topic of natural and bio-based materials in sustainable construction at:- www.schoolofspecification.co.uk/courses/bio-based-materials/- www.schoolofspecification.co.uk/register/
- The adoption of natural and bio-based materials in sustainable construction, as advocated by Ian Pritchett, not only aligns with the goals of reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change but also promotes health and well-being.
- In embracing these materials, we should be aware of the data and cloud computing challenges associated with tracking their environmental footprint and ensuring their sustainable supply, as these factors are essential for monitoring progress towards environmental-science goals.
- Furthermore, the use of technology, such as data-and-cloud-computing systems, can help in the efficient management and optimization of resources in the construction industry, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
- As we strive to build homes and communities that address the concerns of climate change and promote a healthier environment, it is essential to recognize the importance of integrating fashion and culture in our designs, creating spaces that both function sustainably and reflect the values and desires of the people who inhabit them.
- Lastly, as we focus on building sustainable homes and communities, we must also consider their role within broader societal issues like transportation and travel, ensuring that the locations we choose facilitate healthier lifestyles and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, ultimately contributing to a global shift towards a more sustainable future.
