From energy usage to carbon emissions, the construction industry has a huge impact on our planet. The primary goal of an eco build, however, is to reduce these effects and it doesn’t end when it is complete. Adopting environmentally friendly construction methods isn’t an overnight thing, but if you’re already using products with green credentials, we salute you! There’s also no question that developing buildings the sustainable way comes with better PR – let’s look at the key essentials we need.
The essentials that make a sustainable building
Enough insulation
Although insulation is used in buildings for thermal purposes, it additionally provides solutions for fire and acoustic concerns. A lack of proper insulation also comes at an expense as you’ll need to invest in heating and cooling devices that consume more energy than necessary. Simply put, the more insulation you use, the better the build and the more heat it will retain. Specialists use the term ‘thermal envelope’ to describe the space inside a building that is suitable for humans.
Airtightness
One of the most important maintenance checks, airtightness maximises the efficiency of insulation and reduces fuel bills. Leaks and drafts can make a building more expensive to run and less environmentally friendly, not to mention uncomfortable for occupants.
Thermal mass
In building design, thermal mass describes a material’s capacity to absorb, store and release heat. Concrete and brick are both great examples of this and can help to maintain comfortable temperatures inside a building all year round.
Natural light
Natural light is the most sustainable lighting and a free renewable source that can also produce energy savings. Maximising this source through the use of roof lights and good windows will help to reduce your need for artificial lighting.
Renewable energy
In recent years great strides have been made towards bringing renewable energy to construction sites. Not only can it reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also cut costs; for instance, a single 2.5 MW wind turbine can generate enough electricity to power over 1,400 households annually! When it comes to renewables, the number one rule is to let the building do the work. Whichever renewable option you choose, your contribution will make a significant change for the environment.
Responsibly sourced green materials
Sustainability in the built environment is a complex topic but there are various ways to ensure the products you use are as green as possible. Responsibly sourced materials will not only improve your building’s credentials but also eliminate risk and ensure they deliver the required commercial and environmental benefits. In particular, natural stone is a sustainable choice and has been proven to enhance human health and wellbeing. In fact, unlike many other building materials, the quarrying of stone releases no embedded carbon – just make sure to pick a quarry that is responsibly managed.
3 reasons to choose FILA for your GREEN project
1. We offer CPD for Construction Professionals
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a mandatory requirement for over 500,000 members of the UK construction industry. CPD is the means by which professionals can maintain and enhance their skills for future progression through regular training programmes. At FILA, we are CPD partners and are able to organise courses online or in person, to help your organisation reach its business objective. Activities can include online and distance learning, industry technical reports and seminars or workshops.
2. Our water-based products can save you money and promote better site safety
One great advantage of natural stone is that if it is properly maintained it will last a lifetime and, therefore, save you money. Our water-based sealer, MP90 ECO XTREME, is a low VOC product, performs just as well as a solvent and is friendly enough for the contractor to use. Whatsmore, there’ll be no need to store solvents on site, promoting better site safety and our breathable products are great for the building, biodegradable and very easy to use. If you also use the right stone with the right product, like FILA’s CLEANER PRO, your floors will perform everywhere! One other great benefit of using MP90 ECO XTREME is that it can withstand residual humidity, and can therefore be applied 24-48 hours after the initial wash. This makes treatment for the contractor much quicker, and the surface can be walked on after just 2 hours.
3. We aim to be carbon-free by 2040
At FILA, we’ve signed the Climate Pledge, a pact promoted by Amazon and Global Optimism, and we aim to be carbon-free by 2040. In July, we were also awarded a silver medal by EcoVadis, which certifies how we are advancing on our path towards environmental sustainability.
Successful property developments with FILA Surface Care Solutions
If you’re planning a project, at FILA, we have all of the surface care solutions you need. We also have plenty of experience in sustainable builds; in fact, our project 100 Liverpool Street earned an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM score, with a post-construction certification of 89.2%. It was also our pleasure to support Southbank Place with the treatment and maintenance products for the natural stone throughout this incredible development. To discuss a green project with us, please get in touch – the best way to predict the future is to design it! Thank you for reading.
