GOING GREEN: WHY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS PLAY THE STARRING ROLE Green building materials are more accessible than ever. Callum Tasker from online retailer Construction Materials Online, examines the standards and materials set to dominate the future of green buildings. The concept of green building is familiar in construction and quickly evolving from a trend to watch toz mainstream status. At every level of the supply chain - from architect to specifier – people are seeking out innovative ways to differentiate their projects. There is also substantial pressure being placed on local authorities to deliver new, high quality sustainable homes, meaning that green building practices, methods and natural materials are now encouraged during early planning stages. Certification schemes such as BREEAM, Passivhaus and the Home Quality Mark are trusted methods of green measurement, and for each standard developers must provide credible and verifiable evidence, from design and planning to material procurement and long term energy efficiency. True green construction projects focus on quality assurance at every stage of a building’s life cycle, from planning and specification, to final occupation and even demolition. The materials industry has reacted accordingly with thousands of innovative solutions flooding the market, alongside a resurgence in traditional building methods. For instance, timber framing has experienced a revival in recent years, and is accredited as being the most economical and efficient method of construction. It’s effectively carbon neutral, easy to install, can be manufactured offsite, and timber build programmes are completed up to 30% faster than traditional methods. With contractors now under pressure to achieve stringent U-values, specifiers are turning to natural and recycled insulation to meet strict green targets. Sheep’s wool remains a go-to option for many green builds. As one of the most efficient natural thermal insulators available, sheep’s wool absorbs and neutralises harmful substances to improve air quality. It can also absorb 33% of its weight in moisture without compromising insulating ability. Other green insulation innovations include recycled plastic products. Constructed from 85% recycled plastic bottles and 15% nylon, these are safe to install and free of floating fibres and dust. Products such as sealing tapes have also been improved for green builds, used to seal breather membranes as a means of maximising ventilation systems and reducing energy loss. Roofing is also an area which has benefited substantially from green building, with a broad range of materials now available. Unbreakable synthetic slates leave no waste during installation, lightweight polymer tiles, made from reclaimed products which were otherwise destined for the landfill, and green, living roofs, with plants pre-grown in the UK – all have excellent green credentials and are becoming popular choices for commercial and domestic projects. Even drainage is getting a makeover to tackle crucial issues surrounding planning and building in varied climates, helping to improve resilience to flooding, droughts, rising sea levels and extreme weather by mimicking natural water management processes. Sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) are also now frequently specified for large scale developments. Materials including galvanised steel, iron and copper are often chosen over standard plastics. With the range of innovative, high quality, natural and sustainable materials set to increase, green builds could set the standards for all new developments and projects. Engineers, contractors, architects and homeowners should collaborate more closely than ever, as they seek to achieve green standards, make time savings and achieve reduced energy costs and improved health. For more information about buying sustainable materials, contact the teams for excellent customer service, and the best price and delivery times, or visit our superstores online: www.roofingsuperstore.co.uk, www.drainagesuperstore.co.uk, www.insulationsuperstore.co.uk 2 ECO BUILDER: THE SPECIFIERS JOURNAL - <strong>2018</strong>-<strong>2019</strong>