AIA UK SUSTAINABILITY SERIES – Innovative construction through Bio-Based Materials

The construction industry is responsible for 40% of global emissions with materials like concrete and steel requiring huge amounts of resources to produce.  New technologies are being developed to reduce construction’s impact on the environment.  As part of the AIA UK’s Sustainability Series, this webinar took a more detailed look at specific construction materials.  The webinar explored the development of new bio-based construction materials and how their use can have a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment.  Organized by new Chapter sponsor Axalta Powder Coating Systems, this webinar took place on the 26th of June 2024 with presentations by three leaders in the Bio-based materials field. 

BIOCORE Powder Coatings

Dami Babalola, who is the UK Specifications Leader for Axalta, discussed Axalta Powder Coating’s brand-new range of powder coating solutions derived from non-food organic waste.  Called BIOCORE, this new technology enables a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions, yet offers the same performance, finish, and warranty compared to existing products based on fossil fuel based polyester resins.

Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, providing customers with innovative, colourful, beautiful and sustainable coating solutions.  With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the global team at Axalta continues to find ways to serve more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries with the finest coatings, applications systems and technology.

Sugarcrete ®

Armor Gutierres Rivas, a senior lecturer in Architecture at the University of East London, detailed his work on biocretes using Sugarcrete® as a case study.  Sugarcrete® provides a low-carbon alternative to bricks and concrete blockwork developed by the University of East London (UEL).  The material combines sugarcane fibres left over after sugar production, with sand-mineral binders to produce bricks that have a carbon footprint six times smaller than traditionally made clay bricks.  The aim of the project is to develop ultra-low carbon building components using sugarcane bio-waste, allowing the storage of biogenic carbon from fast-growing plants in construction materials as an effective strategy to delay carbon emissions.

The first commercial manufacturing plant has been established in India.  This is producing 400 blocks per day and provides work for the local labour force.  Alternative uses are being developed such as street furniture and thin shell structural enclosures.  

Bio-Based Materials

Architect Angelika Chantzopoulou presented Copenhagen based architectural practice, Henning Larsen’s, work and their strategies regarding the use of materials.  Their work explores different bio-based materials including wood, straw, eelgrass, mycelium, reused bricks, low-carbon concrete, and clay. Henning Larsen focuses on research and new methodologies.  They have an R&D department that is integrated into their design studios.  Henning Larson also makes extensive use of their model shop to study and choose materials through all phases of design.

Angelika profiled the Feldballe School in Ronde, Denmark.  This completed project utilized a prefabricated wall panel system constructed of compressed straw.  This offered enhanced acoustics, thermal insulation and rapid construction. 

Henning Larsen Architects is an international architectural firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Founded in 1959 by Henning Larsen, it has over 600 employees in studios based in eight countries around the world.

This fascinating webinar concluded by responding to questions from the attendees.

Webinar presented 26 June 2024.

Written by Michael Lischer, FAIA