How can you reduce transportation emissions by incorporating local materials?

1 What are local materials?

Local materials are those that are produced, harvested, or recycled within a certain distance from your project site, usually within the same country or region. They can include natural materials, such as wood, stone, clay, or straw, or manufactured materials, such as bricks, concrete, metal, or glass. The distance that defines a local material can vary depending on the availability, quality, and type of the material, as well as the transportation mode and infrastructure. However, a general rule of thumb is to use materials that have a low embodied energy, which is the amount of energy required to extract, process, transport, and install them.

3 How to choose local materials?

When it comes to sustainable design, choosing local materials requires research, planning, and creativity. To start, assess the availability and quality of local materials in your project area compared to non-local alternatives. Additionally, evaluate the lifecycle impacts of local materials on the environment, health, and society. Furthermore, consider the suitability of local materials for your design goals in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and compatibility with other materials and systems. Finally, select local materials that meet your criteria and preferences while adhering to standards, codes, and regulations.

4 How to use local materials?

To use local materials for sustainable design, some skills, techniques, and strategies are necessary. Consider using local materials in their natural or minimally processed forms to preserve their inherent qualities and reduce their embodied energy. Additionally, you can apply local materials in innovative or unconventional ways, such as using recycled glass bottles for insulation or straw bales for walls. Combining local materials with other materials or technologies, such as solar panels with local wood frames or local concrete with steel reinforcement, can also enhance their performance and efficiency. Furthermore, using local materials in a modular or flexible way, such as prefabricated panels or interlocking bricks, can facilitate transportation, installation, and reuse.

5 What are some examples of local materials?

Local materials can be found and used in various types of design projects, from buildings to products and furniture. Bamboo, for example, is a fast-growing and renewable plant that is widely available in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It can be used for structural, decorative, or functional purposes to create durable and elegant design solutions. Cork is a natural and biodegradable material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees that is mainly produced and used in Portugal and Spain. It provides insulation, acoustic, and aesthetic benefits. Hemp is a versatile and sustainable crop cultivated and used in many countries like France, Canada, and Australia. It offers strength, flexibility, and resistance to pests and fire. Wool is a renewable and recyclable material produced from the fleece of sheep or other animals. It is widely available in Europe, North America, and Oceania to provide warmth, comfort, and moisture control.