From Concrete to Comfort: Materials Shaping Health and Well-being

Dear Sustainability Enthusiasts,

Welcome to the September edition of our newsletter! In celebration of World Green Building Week, we explore the vital themes of Reduce, Electrify, Adapt, focusing on innovations that are reshaping the future of sustainable construction. This month at GBCE, we emphasize the transformative potential of carbon-negative materials and examine practical strategies to lower emissions in the building sector. Our Knowledge Hub this month covers key topics such as improving indoor air quality, tackling glare and visual comfort in workspaces, and exploring carbon-negative building materials.

EXPERT FOCUS

Rethinking Construction Materials for a Low Carbon Built Environment

A recent study highlights the critical importance of rethinking the materials we use in construction to significantly reduce our environmental impact. According to the study, by transforming our construction methods and focusing on innovative materials, it is possible to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90%. This transformative potential lies in the development and adoption of carbon-negative materials, which actively capture and store carbon throughout their lifecycle, reversing the traditional high-emission model of the construction industry.

Carbon-Negative Materials: The Future of Sustainable Construction

Carbon-negative materials offer a groundbreaking way to actively reduce emissions in the construction industry. These materials capture more CO? than they emit throughout their lifecycle. Key examples include bio-based wood, which naturally sequesters carbon during growth; carbon-capturing concrete, which absorbs CO? as it cures; and bio-based insulation like hemp and flax, which provides both insulation and carbon storage. Read more to discover how these materials can revolutionize the industry. [full blogpost]

IN OTHER'S WORDS

"The shift to bio-based and carbon-capturing materials offers the construction industry a critical opportunity to significantly reduce embodied carbon emissions. By prioritizing renewable resources and innovative technologies, we can transform buildings into carbon sinks, helping to mitigate the climate crisis."

— World Economic Forum

IN NUMBERS

63 %

of all the greenhouse gasses generated by the use of raw materials worldwide come from the construction sector.

Sources : McKinsey Global Energy Perspective 2023 CO2 Emissions and [1].

KNOWLEDGE HUB

Indoor Air Quality: Factors and Sustainable Design Recommendations

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) poses serious health risks, affecting millions globally. Factors such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials and insufficient ventilation contribute to IAQ degradation. Sustainable design strategies—like using low-VOC materials, improving ventilation systems, and incorporating indoor greenery—can dramatically enhance air quality and occupant well-being, making IAQ a key consideration for architects and builders.

For a complete overview, read the full blog post here. [complete blogpost]

How to Blind an Office Worker?

Glare from poorly positioned lighting and windows can severely impact office worker productivity and well-being. Excessive brightness can cause eye strain, headaches, and reduced focus. Effective design solutions, such as optimizing natural light, using adjustable fixtures, and incorporating shading systems, can greatly improve visual comfort in workspaces and enhance overall employee productivity.

For a complete overview, read the full blog post here. [complete blogpost]

Shaping the Future: What Architecture Students Think About Sustainability

The future of sustainable building is being shaped by today’s architecture students. Recent insights [2] reveal that these students are not only focused on energy efficiency and passive design but are increasingly considering the critical role of material selection in sustainable architecture. Natural, renewable, and low-carbon materials are emerging as top priorities, as students recognize the profound impact that material choices have on reducing the environmental footprint of buildings. This new generation is well-prepared to tackle the challenges of sustainable design, rethinking construction practices to prioritize materials that minimize emissions and enhance the long-term resilience of the built environment.

For a complete overview, read the full article here. [full article]

IN PICTURES

Improving indoor air quality is essential for our health and well-being. Whether at home or in the office, simple actions can make a huge difference! Discover our key tips on our instagram post.?

REACH OUT TO US

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