Are you like a rabbit caught in the headlights when it comes to the design of low carbon buildings?

240620_Duncan Baker-Brown cropped

Duncan Baker-Brown on how to embrace sustainable practices, reduce material consumption, and help drive the transition to a circular economy

One of the many benefits of working in practice, teaching and research during the same week is that my work often requires me to travel around the UK and much of Europe. I often get the opportunity to meet hundreds of people in the construction industry having a good go at what we might describe as a ‘climate literate’ built environment – i.e., one that understands some of the complexities of the climate and ecological emergency, and then acts accordingly.

However, perhaps more often I will meet people who quite understandably feel completely overwhelmed with the existential crisis, whilst feeling equally overwhelmed by the multivarious ‘solutions’ to this problem that are often packaged as an “if you just choose CLT, stone, hemp, earth, low carbon concrete, etc.” singular solution. Well, all the above could be just what you need, or not, it all depends. If you are one of these people, then you might want to read on.

This content is available to registered users | Already registered?Login here

You are not currently logged in.

To continue reading this story, sign up for free guest access

Existing Subscriber? LOGIN

REGISTER for free access on selected stories and sign up for email alerts. You get:

  • Up to the minute architecture news from around the UK
  • Breaking, daily and weekly e-newsletters

 

Subscribe to Building Design and you will benefit from:

Gated access promo

  • Unlimited news
  • Reviews of the latest buildings from all corners of the world
  • Technical studies
  • Full access to all our online archives
  • PLUS you will receive a digital copy of WA100 worth over £45

Subscribe now for unlimited access.