Eco-Build NW - Construction flows
Analysis of resources, waste and impacts in the construction process
Eco-footprint of construction
The construction sector in the region can be characterized by the eco-footprint (EF) metric as follows:
- The total eco-footprint of the construction sector is 7.1 million gha, second only to the footprint of the food sector. The energy content of common construction materials and the reliance on virgin materials drives the majority of the footprint
- Most of the EF is taken up with 'energy land', reflecting the high energy intensity of key construction materials (cement, bricks, glass and so on), and the small proportion of renewable materials
- The largest material EF type was 47% with minerals, bitumen and other mineral products: these are both heavy and energy intensive
- 24% of the construction EF is taken by quarry products, where energy / emissions are involved with transportation
- 14% of the construction EF is taken by cement and plaster manufacture, which are particularly energy intensive
- A Factor Four improvement in resource efficiency is the general target for sustainable construction, equating to a 75% reduction in resource use
The next steps focus on the housing stock and take an integrated asset management over the life cycle. (details in the construction report available in the resource section).
- Apply these averages to the actual housing stock in the region
- Investigate the opportunities and priorities for upgrading of individual dwellings
- Explore the possibilities for greater critical mass at the block and neighbourhood level
- Assess the regional spatial strategy, LDFs and local regeneration programmes for potential in upgrading
- Bring together different organizations such as finance & mortgate companies, social landlords, utilities, contractors, neighbourhood groups and so on
