Sustainable materials and processes

Sustainability Considerations

The sustainability of materials is determined by factors such as source, processing methods, hurtfulness to the environment, potential for reuse or recycling, and disposal methods.
Sustainable materials are typically low impact; this means they cause minimal environmental harm during their lifecycle.
Renewable resources like timber are often considered more sustainable than non-renewable resources such as metal, as they can be replenished with time.

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) looks at the environmental impacts of a material over its entire lifespan, from extraction, through production, use and finally to disposal.
LCA helps to make informed decisions about which materials to use based on their overall environmental impact.
It assesses factors such as energy use, waste generated, and greenhouse gas emissions at each stage of the material’s life.

Certifications and Labelling

Look for sustainability certifications to ensure that materials meet standards of environmental stewardship.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifications, for example, ensure timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide concrete data on a material’s environmental impact.

Sourcing and Transportation

Materials should ideally be sourced locally to decrease transportation costs and carbon emissions.
When shipping is required, the method of transportation and the distance travelled should be considered to reduce the project’s ecological footprint.

Reducing Construction Waste

Implementing efficient construction processes to minimise waste is an important aspect of sustainability.
This can be achieved by careful planning, exact measurement and cutting, and by using prefabricated components where possible.
Deconstruction instead of demolition allows for materials to be carefully removed and reused, further reducing waste.

Energy-Efficient Methods

Choosing energy-efficient construction methods can significantly contribute to sustainability.
This can be achieved by using plant machinery efficiently, maintaining equipment properly to reduce fuel consumption, using tools with lower energy demand, and optimising site layout for reduced energy usage.

Durable and Low Maintenance

Equipment and construction methods that are durable and require less maintenance are more sustainable as they use fewer resources over time.
This can include high-quality tools and machines, as well as construction methods that ensure a long lifespan for the built structure.

Responsible Site Management

Effective site management is essential to reduce pollution, minimise disruption to surrounding wildlife, and manage resources efficiently.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) can help to set clear policies and objectives regarding environmental performance, and to regularly monitor and adjust these practices.