Environmental impact of biomaterials and biomass (FB 67)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Environmental impact of biomaterials and biomass (FB 67) was written by Nigel Jones and Jo Mundy and published by BRE on 27 May 2014. It is part of a series that provides comparable information on windows, masonry and concrete, metals, floor finishes, cladding and insulation to assess the environmental impact of specific construction materials.
This 24-page report reviews how biomaterials and biomass have been assessed within The Green Guide to Specification (4th edition), including the application of the environmental profiles methodology. The way in which biomaterials and biomass are addressed within building-level environmental assessment schemes such as BREEAM and the Code for Sustainable Homes is also explained.
Within The Green Guide, biomaterials are classed as naturally-derived construction materials (ie those originating from plant or animal sources) providing both structural and non-structural functions within the building fabric. Biomass is a biological material used as a fuel.
The report gives manufacturers and specifiers a general understanding of the benefits and impacts of biomaterials and biomass over their life cycle and helps identify opportunities for improvements in their environmental performance.
It’s contents are:
- Glossary
- Introduction
- Sector overview
- Life cycle assessment, Environmental Profiles and The Green Guide
- Applying the updated Environmental Profiles methodology to biomaterials and biomass
- Key impacts and opportunities for the biomaterials and biomass sector
- Where more data are required
- Conclusions
- References
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Biogas.
- Biomass.
- Biomaterial.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BREEAM.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Code for sustainable homes.
- Environmental impact.
- Life cycle inventory.
- Sustainable materials.
- Timber.
- Types of fuel.
- Wood pellet mill basics.
Featured articles and news
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.