Practical Sustainable Development

Measures Database

MATERIALS: SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS SPECIFICATION

Fit as standard* Review on a site by site basis Low - medium cost Achievable implementation EcoHomes and BREEAM credits achievable *Achieving an A-rating for boundary fences and floors can be hard, a flexible approach may be required.
Description
The Green Guide to Housing Specification and Green Guide to Specification (available from BRE) provide a simple method of comparing the lifecycle impacts of different construction materials and methods of construction. For each element of a building (i.e. roof, walls, floor, window frame etc) the guide compares the relative environmental impacts of the alternative construction methods typically used to build that element. The relative impact of the construction method is assessed against 12 key issues and awarded a rating of A to C. A summary rating reflecting overall performance is also provided. Those materials and construction methods with an A rating will have reduced lifecycle impacts compared to those with B or C ratings. The Green Guide is used to support the Materials sections in EcoHomes and BREEAM, but can be used by anyone involved in developing the specification for a new development. The environmental issues against which building materials and components are assessed are climate change, fossil fuel depletion, ozone depletion, freight transport, human toxicity, waste disposal, water extraction, acid deposition, ecotoxicity, eutrophication, summer smog and mineral extraction.
Cost
Variable – depending on exact construction specification. Many common specifications receive an A rating, so would incur no extra cost.
Benefits
Local Authorities	Specification of green construction products can help meet policy objectives. Several local authorities (LA) have supplementary planning guidance on the use of more sustainable construction products. Where the LA has a sustainable procurement policy, specification of A rated construction products will help to meet policy objectives.
Global Environment	Construction materials with A ratings are less likely to contribute negatively to the environmental issues listed above.
Occupier	Materials with reduced impacts on human health may be of direct benefit to building occupants.
Developer	Specification of green construction materials may help to achieve planning permission if the relevant local authority has Supplementary Planning Guidance, which promotes sustainable building practices.
Implementation notes
Developers may be reluctant to change their standard construction type. Some A-rated materials may require more maintenance than lower rated materials, such as softwood timber framed windows (as opposed to uPVC), so clients may be reluctant to use them. For walls and roofs there are a wide range of methods for achieving A ratings, for some elements such as upper floors it may be more difficult to specify A rated solutions.