Introduction

Raw Materials, Products and Construction Projects

In the building industry we use a range of materials that may be:

• Natural, renewable resources that may be of mineral, vegetable or animal origin: primary materials
• Items that have, as part of their lifecycle been recycled: secondary materials.
This resource is potentially very important in terms of volume but poses problems of traceability and safety (chemical substances, heavy metals etc)

The processing of these raw materials leads to the creation of goods and products:
components; manufactured products and by-products.

These goods and products are then assembled into buildings and other construction projects.The performance of the component materials is a function of their integration within the different types of construction.

There may be many specific “works” that combine into a complete building or construction project.

Broadening the criteria for selecting materials

Building techniques, products and materials are traditionally chosen solely on the basis of technical data and cost.

The Environmental Quality Initiative (HQER, Eco-Building) within construction incorporates into the selection process environmental and safety factors across the whole product lifecycle.  Consideration is given to the processes of extracting raw materials and the potential for  re-use or recycling those materials at the end of their useful life.

Hence the choice of materials incorporates a broader range of criteria:

• Traditional Technical Data: technical performance, functional performance, architectural quality, durability and ease of maintenance
• Cost: initial cost, ongoing costs (maintenance and renewal); cost savings (health, productivity, demolition/removal, transportation)
• Environmental and Safety Criteria: resource savings, reduced environmental impact

Evaluation of Environmental Impact

To be accepted for use, products must satisfy the requirements of durability, reliability and security.

However, there can be substantial variation in the environmental impact of products used within construction.  Indeed, it is important to evaluate the environmental impact across the entire product life-cycle – from initial extraction to use and final demolition/removal and recycling.

The evaluation of product performance, durability and fitness for purpose by experts and professionals from within the building industry will allow eco-orientated preferences to be established.

Among the principal evaluation criteria are:

• The use of natural raw materials that are renewable in the short term or those for which supply is limitless.  Alternatively, the use of recycled or manufactured components that are adequately traceable.
• An environmentally certified manufacturing process.
• Performance that is at least equal to traditional materials and scores well in terms of energy efficiency, air quality and health of building occupants.
• The proximity of the site of extraction/collection and processing to the place of use (with the exception of energy generation).
• The planned recycling or re-use of a material at end of life.

Learn more about materials selection => please contact us! a.wignacourt@cd2e.com

Definition of Eco-Materials

Eco-Materials and Eco-products are manufactured materials that are:
• Designed for use within construction projets
• Affordable and durable
• Are fit for purpose