It would be impossible for a computer programme to give you a
definitive answer as to which materials are most sustainable for use in
construction because experts also cannot give a definitive answer. This simple
piece of software is designed to give an alternative to your current material
selected rather than the answer. A fully sustainable building
material would have no negative impacts on the environment, no negative impacts
on social well being and at the same time being an economically viable option.
This product does not currently exist.
Sustainability has three sides to it. Economics, Environment
and Social. Before any project starts, it is an idea to set aside some time for
the material selection to be discussed as to its sustainability. Within this
group ideas both mundane and outlandish may be discussed in an attempt to
re-evaluate the position that is the norm.
Each of the three sustainability issues should have an
influence on the decision making process that is actioned before a project is
started.
Economic decisions are those that are currently already
fairly clear to most developers, however the decision should not just be taken
on which material is the cheapest. Economic decisions work in a number of
different ways.
 | Longevity. Each material has a finite life and it is important that this
is considered. To construct a building that will require major elements
replaced in less than twenty years is currently going on with the average
building being constructed to last less than 50yrs. Question whether the
building is going to be temporary or permanent. Design the building around
future needs as well as current ones if possible |
| Durability. Some materials require at intervals to be treated to prevent
rotting or cleaned to maintain their appearance. These are costs that are
rarely added to the overall costs |
| Waste. Some materials during fitting require excess to be scraped off or
cut to shape. This material is generally put into the waste stream that will
cost money to be disposed of. It may be possible for the material to be
recycled as opposed to disposed of which will save money on disposal however
it would be advantageous if the disposal was not necessary. By selecting
materials that are either cut to size as opposed to standard length it is
possible to dramatically reduce the amount disposed of. |
| Fitting. The speed with which materials may be fitted will also play a
part in the overall economic costs. The ease with which other fitters may
work around each other will also play its part. This time saved in fitting
will make a difference to the cost of labour for the whole project. |
| End of Life. Once the building has reached the end of its useful life it
will require to be dismantled and disposed of. Dismantling buildings can be
a complex issue as most of the design that is involved is in keeping the
building up. |
| Extraction. The process of extracting the material from the environment
will often consume large quantities of power and also scare the environment. |
| Processing. To convert raw materials into the final product may consume
more power and also may release chemicals to the environment. In products
such as Cement the energy required for this stage is factors larger than any
other stages. |
| Transport of Materials. It is always advantageous for materials to be
sourced locally. A consequence of the global economy is that materials are
transported around the world and are still the economic choice. Sourcing
materials locally will reduce the pollution caused through transportation.
It should be noted however that the pollution created by transporting a
tonne of granite from China to London in a bulk cargo chip is equivalent to
driving it from London to Aberdeen by road. |
| Storage on site. Once on site the product may pose a danger to the
environment if it is released to the environment in an uncontrolled fashion.
Spills of paints or solvents into water courses can result in major
pollution incidents and for this reason it is important that safe storage
and pollution prevention equipment is available |
| Waste disposal. Excess materials and packaging waste are going to be
created during building work. It is advantageous to ensure that routes of
disposal other than to land fill are examined. Many of the materials used as
packaging may be returned to suppliers for re-use with waste products being
able to be used as a secondary purpose or alternatively being recycled. |
| Ventilation. It is important that a buildings air is circulated regularly
to ensure that levels of odours, CO2 or other damaging
pollutants. Without this staff absentee levels will be raised and general
moral will be low |
| Internal Environment. The internal atmosphere of a building may be
influenced by a number of factors including décor, colour and lighting.
These factors can effect the mood of the workers within. |
| Security. A safe area onto and off the premises as well as a safe
neighbourhood ensures that people are safe coming from public transport or
cars into the building. This can be done by ensuring adequate lighting
around the building and if necessary surveillance |
| Day-lighting. Artificial light, though good is no substitute for natural
lighting. Through the use of materials and design it is possible to maximise
the amount of daylight without dazzling or overheating occupants. The use of
day-lighting also minimises the requirement of power for lighting |
| Access. Bringing materials onto a site may cause disruption to locals
through either blocked roads or because of mud or similar on roads or paths
both of which can be minimised through good practice |
