Sustainable struggles
The Dutch construction industry is facing a big challenge in its transition towards sustainability. A possible way to do this could be with the use of bio-based materials instead of conventional materials. Unfortunately, a variety of obstacles make it difficult to successfully integrate bio-based materials within the current construction industry.
Emission challenges
In the Netherlands, there is a great demand for newly built homes with the ongoing housing crisis. These new homes are now being built using traditional materials like steel, concrete, and synthetic fibers, which account for a significant portion of global emissions.
Building materials alone are responsible for 9% of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN Environment Program (2022) (1). Alternative building materials must be quickly adopted in order to fulfill the growing need for new homes while at the same time achieving long-term carbon sequestration.
THE CHALLENGE
Why shift towards Biobased building?
Indoor Air Quality
Biobased materials can contribute to better indoor air quality, promoting the health and well-being of people.
Natural Aesthetics
Happiness of people is increased by the more natural and aesthetically pleasing environments that biobased materials frequently offer.
Health and Well-being
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Biobased materials have a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional building materials such as concrete and steel.
Renewable materials
Instead of relying on finite materials, the renewable nature of bio-based products guarantees a sustainable supply in the future.
Environmental sustainability
Efficient Manufacturing
Prefabrication reduces waste in the production process by precisely cutting and assembling components.
Recyclability
There is a reduction of building waste since many biobased components are recyclable or biodegradable.
Reduced waste
Lack of biobased materials in the industry
As can be seen in the visual of scenarios, three individual material producers all have their material ready and pay a substantial amount of money to get certified.
The producer gets his certification, but the contractor rejects the material, he has some common misconceptions about biobased materials and is afraid to use them.
3. Rejection contractor
Unfortunate for the producer, the biobased material, does not pass the certification process.
1. Certification rejected
The material gets certified, but the contractor does not know how to use it in combination with other materials on the construction site. It is therefore a question whether the material will be implemented.
2. Knowledge gap
References
1. CO2 emissions from buildings and construction hit new high, leaving sector off track to decarbonize by 2050: UN. (2022). UN Environment.
