GRJ0049
● Construction materials choice is part of the answer to job creation;
● Materials options also reduces carbon emissions;
● Strawbale buildings are part of this mix.
2.1. SBUK is an association of Practitioners, Designers, Academics, Enthusiasts and Trainers who work to promote straw bale building and best practice. Strawbale buildings offer key advantages in construction including energy efficiency in occupation, use of local materials, low fire risk, robust and durable, can be constructed affordably, tried and tested.
3.1. This response aims to look at Q. 6. and offer some supportive information.
Q.6. Are the Government’s ambitions for green job creation in the public and private sectors sufficient for the scale of the challenges? What changes should be made?
3.2. SBUK believe that the government’s ambitions for the green sector fall short not just on job creation, but on the scale of the challenge relating to emissions. There appears to be a disconnect between activities that generate jobs and real carbon reduction measures.
3.3. Both Housing and carbon emissions are problems in the UK and it is estimated that over 50% of all greenhouse gases are produced by the construction industry and its associated transport and yet materials choices to help with this and the general emissions reduction targets are based on bolt on renewable technologies often manufactured outside the UK and limited in reach in terms of job creation and affordability generally.
3.4. If the focus were to turn to more fundamental materials selections then it is possible that UK agriculture, manufacturing and construction could be enhanced. Materials such as gypsum plasterboard and plaster products, and insulation products are standard in every construction project and the impact of their creation, use, waste and end of life removal are high in carbon emissions.
3.5. Replacements are available but considered 'niche' or high cost, however the laws of demand and supply could alter this narrative very quickly if government were to address the issue. Replacing gypsum plasterboard with a recycled fibreboard product could utilise some of the waste paper/wood products and save them from landfill.
3.6. Similarly using cellulose or sheep's wool insulation invigorates the agricultural opportunities within the UK creating a closed loop for supply and manufacture. These products exist now, have the same properties as the high carbon options in use and could be made within the UK increasing manufacturing opportunities.
3.7. Consideration of lime based plasters and mortars instead of concrete can increase the longevity of the finish whilst sequestering even more carbon. Lime emits less carbon in manufacture and uses less energy too.
3.8. Strawbale buildings can help to reduce the impact of increasing energy bills as they typically use 60-75% less energy than a traditional brick house a saving of up to £450 per year. Further to this they are considered to have lower carbon emissions saving an approximate 15 tonnes per dwelling against 68 tonnes of carbon for a brick alternative.
3.9. By using regional sources of waste straw, we can contribute to a reduction in emissions through transport. A further saving is made the the fact that straw bales are not processed beyond being baled, they do not need to be fired like bricks and don't need cement to be used to keep them adjoined, or in their foundations. Additionally, whilst growing, straw has absorbed and stored CO2., further reducing their polluting impact. At the end of the building's life expected to be at least the same as a brick construction, the straw will biodegrade naturally, leaving no trace.
3.10. As well as increasing opportunities for healthy new homes, and new skills in the construction industry there is a valuable bio agriculture / construction link to be forged with the annual growth of a renewable crop that has mass waste and off gas potential.
3.11. The UK government requires 300,000 homes to be built annually, an average over recent years has been taken only 120,000 homes made of straw can:
● Reduce building construction time;
● Save on waste material;
● Offer higher quality, certified buildings;
● Create additional services in the green jobs area I.e. training, certification, licensing and manufacturing.