With an ever-changing world and a focus on reducing carbon emissions in the UK by 2030 and all companies being Net Zero by 2050, we are looking at how what we can do to achieve this target. Green practices have already been implemented within the office, with the introduction of electric pool cars and an electrical car scheme. We are now looking at how we can design more environmentally conscious buildings as buildings in the UK use 46% of all UK energy.
At Roberts Limbrick, we work with a wide range of sustainable products and materials in our designs which helps to reduce the amount of carbon in a building design. The more sustainable work we do the more we see our clients more wanting to explore these sustainable options to see how their project can benefit. We are glad to use our expertise in sustainable design and design features to help our clients create the best, most sustainable building possible.
We have recently used sustainable materials on a project in West Oxfordshire, increasing the sustainability credentials of the project. The client was keen from the outset of the project to showcase sustainable design, this was to be reflected in the materials used for the project. The cladding specified for the project was a 100% recycled plastic shingle collected from construction waste. This product stood out to us because it uses recycled PVC to create a weatherproof and fire-tested building cladding and when compared to traditional PVC production, this product produces 2.4kg less CO2 per kg. This product has helped shape the design of one of our projects and we are proud to be at the forefront of architecture using these sustainable materials in our architecture.
Why use these materials?
Using sustainable materials is a key way to ensure that we are doing our part to reach the UK's Net Zero goal. Materials such as Pretty Plastic, the recycled plastic tile, serve as a look into the future of construction materials, as they are creating a more circular construction process by reusing materials that already used lot of energy expended in the creation of them, reducing the amount of energy and carbon needed for construction. Focusing on more sustainable materials is paramount to the continued success of the construction industry as more and more environmental requirements come into play. Setting out to be at the forefront of sustainable architecture and incorporating sustainable products and materials into our designs is a key focus of our business to ensure we remain innovative and ahead of the curve with our designs and sustainable values.
There are numerous environmental benefits to using sustainable materials and products in construction. For example, by repurposing old PVC into rainscreen tiles, Pretty Plastic prevents thousands of tons of plastic is prevented from ending up in landfills while reducing the energy needed to create a non-recycled product. This benefit transitions to the project they're used on as it will hold less carbon and can help when applying for sustainable accreditations such as BREEAM, Whilst also reaching the overall goal of Net Zero Carbon.
The Future of Sustainable Architecture
As more architects and developers prioritise sustainability, sustainable materials like Pretty Plastic are becoming a go-to choice, taking up a larger portion of the market. Becoming an early adopter means you will have industry-leading expertise in using these materials which will become more commonplace. There is a huge amount of materials available, for example for one project we researched a Cork MD system, Natural Cork Insulation, Straw wall and roof panels and many more, showing there is a huge market out there already.
Additionally, as these products grow in popularity, they will begin to shape and revolutionise architectural designs, becoming a main focus point for many buildings. Environmentally friendly buildings don’t always need to have recycled components built in as there are many other sustainable products that can be used in building design. For example, we have seen the growth in popularity of green walls and roofs which has massively impacted the architectural landscape, something that was once a concept is now commonplace among developments. Architects have the unique opportunity to shape the future by choosing materials that are both innovative and responsible.
There are many benefits to using sustainable materials, from reducing waste to offering versatile design options, Pretty Plastic is a prime example of one of the ways sustainable materials are revolutionising architecture.
Interested in making your next project more sustainable? Contact us to discuss how eco-friendly materials can enhance your design.
