Architects consider the suitability of
materials for buildings in terms of strength, aesthetic value, durability and
adaptability. We also need to consider the impact of the choice of material on
the environment, the economy and the community. Re-using building materials,
such as stone, has a long history. It avoids the energy and expense of
quarrying and cutting. However, recycling of building materials for re-use can
encompass potentially all materials.
Exciting re-use of glass, metals, stone,
brick, concrete and wood are emerging, partly in response to environmental
pressures but also as a cheaper alternative. We are also more likely now to
think about whether a material is easily renewable or not. Renewable means
continuously produced in the environment (eg through coppicing and planting)
and sustainable. Renewable materials include wood based products, natural
fibres – such as wool, straw or hemp. Aggregates or petroleum-based products
are not renewable because they are produced over millennia and we use them much
faster than we can replace them. Some hardwoods fall in the same category.
- Which materials are proposed for use in the building?
Can any be replaced by recovered or recycled materials?
- Can the materials proposed for construction be obtained
from a sustainable source, that is, renewable? Will they be?
- Could the materials to be used in construction be
recovered and recycled at the end of the life of the building? Is there a plan
to do so?
- Are the materials used safe to be released into the
environment after use with no harmful effects - eg pollution?
- If any of the materials are intended to be sourced from
unlisted buildings - will a check be carried out to assess whether these
buildings ought to be preserved/refurbished anway for their inherent heritage
qualities?
- Renewable and recycled materials are usually cheaper
- Energy is saved from production and transport
- Pollution from production and transport is reduced
- Materials can be sourced locally, helping the local economy
- Materials may contribute to the character, aesthetic
value and sense of place of the development
- Seeking recycled and renewable materials and sustainable
sources will promote ingenuity, creativity and innovation
- Materials information exchange (www.bre.co.uk/waste).
This Internet based exchange is designed to match the suppliers of building
waste material with potential users during the short and critical
time when it becomes available at one site
and is needed on another. Due to the low value of the materials being replaced
by recycled product, the service has remained free and largely
self-maintaining. It allows for waste products to be advertised by geographical
location so you can search for a product or advertise that a product is wanted
by area. A searchable database holds info on current research, publications,
web links etc
- Penamayne Court, St. Ives - re-use of dressed granite
(Architects: Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole)
- Penwith Housing Association scheme, Penzance - use of
reclaimed granite from demolished buildings (Architect: Rodda Lloyd Associate)
- Holwell, East Down - recycled newsprint used as roof
insulation (Architect: Clive Jones Associates)
- Bristol City Council - sustainable timber use policy (see
www.bristol-city.gov.uk)
- Building Research Establishment - www.bre.co.uk
- Building the Future: a guide to building without pvc,
including alternatives to pvc: suppliers guide, Greenpeace with the Association
for Environment Conscious Buildings. Free. Suppliers list included, and cites
local government research that indicates reduced costs by avoiding PVC
- The Green Guide To Specification: a guide to
environmental performance of building materials and components, N Howard, D
Shires and M Sinclair, BRE, 1998, Normal price £35
- The Whole House Book: Ecological Building Design and
Materials, by Pat Borer and Cindy Harris, published by CAT, 1999 - £29.95
- South West Industrial and Commercial Waste Minimisation
and Recycling Directory - Environment Agency. A free guide to companies that
offer recycling services. It lists wastes in alphabetical order - together with
the companies who can recycle them and the areas they cover. It also lists
contact details for waste exchange services and local green business clubs.
Contact the Environment Agency general helpline (0845 933 3111) for more
information
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