Biobased Façade Materials in Europe

Abstract

On one hand, the majority of the construction materials utilized in mainstream applications require a considerable amount of energy to produce, resulting in a large carbon footprints and unsustainable processes. These issues arise from the use of virgin materials, the utilization of critical raw materials, and the generation of a substantial volume of waste. The construction sector needs a solution. On the other hand, the amount of agricultural waste being produced in Europe is substantial, around 400 million tonnes of agricultural waste are produced each year, and is projected to increase to 488 million tonnes by 2050 [1]. Research intends to show the products of an inter-industrial relationship, showing how agricultural waste, can be upcycled in the construction industry, producing diverse biobased materials suitable for construction, and thereby solving two key problems. The facet of construction this research focuses on is the biobased materials in Europe for use in façades. The research was divided into two main activities: desk research and taking up contact with country representatives on the subject of Biobased Building research throughout Europe. The research for façade materials in Europe commenced by obtaining information from previous research - Performance of Bio-Based Façades by Fred van der Burgh & Sissy Verspeek, to then use the findings and advice to orient the investigation [2]. These and other materials were further analyzed by obtaining manufacturers’ and suppliers’ information on the materials. Compiling all this information allowed us to produce a list of the biobased façade materials available in Europe. To show the usefulness in construction, certain aspects of the materials were first-order investigated following criteria set in the case-study: biobased percentage, technical lifespan, fire resistance class, weather resistance, vandalism resistance, and form freedom. Information was obtained via technical sheets and interviews of the manufacturers. The results of this investigation show that there are fifty European biobased façade material available. The results likewise show that most of these biobased materials have suitable attributes for use in façades. These results provide an indication of what are the next steps to optimize their use. Based on these statements, it can be concluded that there is an increasing diversity of biobased façade materials in production in Europe, and that the characteristics of these biobased façades are suitable for the construction sector.