1. Sustainability of the materials it is constructed from
2. Energy Efficiency
3. Impact on the environment in the event of demolition of the building
Sustainability of Materials
An eco building should be constructed from materials which are responsibly sourced and if possible renewable. We need to consider where the materials have come from, and whether they can realistically be replaced.
Traditionally used such as bricks are made from naturally occurring clay, which creates an obvious negative impact during extraction and a less widely known impact through production of fluorine: which is a highly reactive element that is dangerous to humans.
Traditional Stone is also clearly a naturally occurring product; but not is renewable. Quarrying has an obvious negative impact in the environment!
There are many options for eco-materials, but the only truly sustainable, renewable and natural construction material is timber. Timber is also a traditional construction material which has been used for centuries. Ancient timber buildings can be found throughout the world.
By using timber throughout your green building: not just in the frame, but for the internal and external walls as well you can be confident in a truly sustainable building envelope.
Look for FSC and PEFC certification to confirm sustainable sources.
Efficiency use of Energy
As the cost of energy increases and potential for shortages in the future grows, an eco-building will ensure that energy use is minimised in order to reduce ongoing costs and, if possible, dependency.
High levels of insulation are a must: the "U" values of your new building should be checked to ensure that lost energy is being minimised. The "U" values will often be shown against different elements of the building such as windows, flooring cassette or walls. Make sure that there are no weak spots. If you have selected a wooden building such as MPL (Machine Profile Log) then low "U" values such as 0.16W/m²K for the roof and windows potentially as low as 1.0W/m²K will be an obvious attraction.
Good natural light has multiple benefits: financially it will help reduce energy bills, however, more important are the personal benefits as sunlight not only improves mood but general health and well-being and is even proven to kill germs within the furniture and building. Your eco-building should give opportunities for sun-tubes and roof lights to help increase the natural light especially in corridors.
Ventilation is also an important consideration in your new eco-building. Avoid expensive cooling systems and ensure that there is adequate passive ventilation. Such simple options as opening windows and electronically operated roof lights can help to ensure that there is good air-flow. Make a good choice of sustainable materials ie timber log walling: wood is able to better regulate humidity than artificial materials and does not retain any electro-static charge. This is of benefit in particular to allergy sufferers which account for approximately 1:4 of the population.
Don't forget - insulation works both ways keeping summer heat out as well as winter heat in!
Impact on the environment after demolition
Depending on the choice of sustainable building the lifespan will vary. An MPL building from Cabinco will typically last well in excess of 80 years. The larch cladding alone will last 60 - 80 years without treatment. Eventually, almost all buildings come to an end of their natural life, whether through degradation of materials of advances in construction and design making them obsolete. You need to make sure that your new eco-building will not be a burden to the next generation.
Check to see that the materials offer a sensible option for re-cycling. Brick and block can be crushed for hardcore on other building projects - but this tends to only happen on larger sites, otherwise it is potential landfill as it is expensive to transport. Steel and glass can be re-cycled and re-made but it is likely to be only a small element of the construction. Plaster from demolition almost always ends up in landfill. Timber is 100% recyclable and at the very least will always be in demand for fuel: which is a growing market and certain to be required even when the building itself is no longer.
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When looking for an eco building, look for a timber one. Timber is the only sustainable material for construction which is natural, traditional and renewable.
Cabinco Ltd is an expert in green building and provide sustainable timber buildings for educational, commercial and private sector throughout the UK. For more information visit Cabinco website and blog at http://cabinco.co.uk and http://cabinco.co.uk/blog.
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