INTD 51 human environments

key issues—materials

The best friend on earth of man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on the earth.

--Frank Lloyd Wright

materials

area of most influence for interior designers

materials we choose can aggravate:•resource depletion•climate change•water scarcity•biodiversity loss•waste•even our health

also can cause pollution during production

impacts of materials

resource depletion—natural materials are finite; plastics, metal, stone

wood is renewable, but replenished slowly

forests need to be managed—deforestation leads to:•loss of habitat for wildlife•topsoil erosion•diminished capacity to absorb carbon dioxide

impacts of materials

the embodied energy of materials indirectly impacts climate

energy necessary to obtain, process, manufacture, transport, install, maintain, demolish & dispose of a material

stone:•blasted from quarry•driven to factory•cut & honed into panels•driven to building site•fixed into position

fuel is used at every stage

• once in use: cleaned, repaired, replaced

• dismantled• transported for

reuse, recycle, or disposal

impacts of materials

generally, natural materials need less intensive processing & lower embodied energy than man-made alternatives

impacts of materials

materials have embodied water as well—used at most stages of a materials life cycle

natural materials are likely to use less—cotton is the exception; accounts for 3% of entire global water use

impacts of materials

major impact on waste—putting pressure on land use & triggering pollution

caused by •demolition of existing buildings and spaces•over-ordering of new materials•inefficient manufacturing processes•failure to design standard modules

impacts of materials

materials selected can affect our own health and well-being

asthma & sick building syndrome associated with:•off-gassing VOCs from many finishes, adhesives, & furnishings•dust & mold aggravated by certain materials & conditions

approaching sustainable specification

must reduce consumption & consume wisely

priorities:•first reduce•second reuse•third recycle•ensure that any new materials used are renewable

consider environmental impacts at every life cycle stage

rigorous research can help designers navigate greenwash

approaching sustainable specification

project type, location & budget guide decisions

•renovation—reuse existing materials•new-build—pioneer innovative, environmentally sound materials•site location dictates local use of materials, products & skills

approaching sustainable specification

temporary—•what happens after demolition?—select reusable, or recyclable materials•materials should be used sparingly & perhaps be prefabricated to lessen waste

flexible—•materials or products should serve more than one function•durable, low-maintenance materials essential to withstand wear & tear from frequent rearrangement

approaching sustainable specification

long-term—•may be able to justify some materials with higher embodied energy—if offer enhanced durability or thermal performance•EXAMPLE: concrete (high embodied energy) contributes thermal mass to passive solar design•durability & performance are critical•consider frequency & method of cleaning and maintenance over lifetime of product (water, chemicals, energy)•air quality should be major concern

specification checklist

it is helpful to use a specification checklist to ensure you are considering all the environmental impacts associated with a material throughout its life cycle

Is the material needed?Is it reused or reclaimed?Is it sourced & processed near the site?Is it from a renewable source?Does it have low embodied energy & water?Does its production have low environmental impact?Does it have recycled content?

specification checklist

Does it have minimal or recyclable packaging?Is it nontoxic and low-emitting during installation & use?Does it improve the building’s performance?Do its application, treatment, and finishes have low environmental impact?Does it require little maintenance or cleaning, and by nontoxic methods?Can it be reused or recycled at the end of the project?

the designer should aim to be able to answer yes to most of the questions

reduce

seek to reduce materials used & their negative effects

reduce amount of raw materials as well as:•waste•packaging•embodied energy & water•transportation•air pollution

ensure materials are hard-wearing & seldom require maintenance

natural, biodegradable materials avoid creating a long-term landfill problem

reuse

includes •salvaging demolition waste•using reclaimed materials•ensuring specified materials can be reused at end of project

prevents existing materials going to waste & saves on embodied energy and water used to produce new materials

reusing is more effective than recycling because of extra energy, water & transportation needed for recycling process

reuse

if existing materials cannot be reused in the project, can they be:•recycled•donated to local salvage yards or flea markets•given to charities•advertised for sale

recycle

distinct from reusing—existing materials are reprocessed into a new form

diverts waste materials from landfill & reduces amount of virgin resources needed to make new products

•check that materials selected are recyclable•Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) & Rematerialise websites include databases of recycled-content materials•provide storage space for recycling once interior is occupied

renewables

when using virgin materials is unavoidable, take care to specify ones that originate from renewable sources

valid for both natural & synthetic materials

natural•plentiful, fast-growing & self-•replenishing materials (ash, larch, bamboo, hemp, wool & alpaca, cork)•insist that wood & rubber come from a certified renewable source

renewables

man-made•be aware of raw ingredients & environmental impact

EXAMPLE: plastics derive from finite fossilfuels; recycled plasticsmuch better option

materials assessment

materials can be evaluated in a number of different ways by a number of different organizations

client binder

Section 4—Green Design Specification•research 7-10 “green” products/materials that can be used throughout the residence•include a cut sheet with an image as well as a brief description of how each will be used