Why this tool
Buildings are humanity’s largest creations. They last for decades, if not centuries. And their impact does not go unnoticed: the building and construction sector is responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions. We use 230 billion square meters of building space and another 65 billion could be added this decade. The materials we choose to build with will have an everlasting effect on generations to come.
When we think of construction, concrete and steel come to mind. But that is starting to change. Rather than being a source of degeneration, buildings are becoming regenerative for the environment and human well-being. Buildings are becoming bio-based.
To deal with the housing crisis in the Netherlands, we’ll need to build one million new homes by 2030. At the same time, many construction projects are at a standstill because of international CO2 and nitrogen reduction goals. Why don’t we swap concrete and steel for bio-based materials where we can, so that we can tackle the problem at its core? Bio-based materials such as wood, hemp, flax and straw, are not only climate positive materials, they are accompanied with numerous other benefits.
Climate positive building
Bio-based materials make transport and construction more efficient, which drastically decreases nitrogen and CO2 emissions. Bio-based building materials do not only promote biodiversity, they contribute to long-term carbon storage.
Health & Happiness
Bio-based materials have better acoustic properties and offer excellent noise control. Bio-based buildings breathe—they assure a healthy and comfortable indoor climate through their moisture and heat-regulating properties.
Future-proof Materials
New bio-based materials are more fire resistant, stronger and safer than ever. Prefabrication speeds up the construction process, lowering costs and significantly decreasing the waste, noise, and traffic typical of construction sites.
How this tool can help accelerate the transition towards bio-based building
Which materials we use for building matter. They influence the process of construction, renovation, demolition and transportation. They influence the impact on ecosystems and our climate. They influence how people feel. They influence costs. This tool aids decision-makers with the best scientific evidence and the latest Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data to easily compare scenarios of the impact of different building materials. This is what’s needed to accelerate the transition towards bio-based building.
By selecting a different material for each part of the house you will be able to see how your choices (House A) compare to the baseline model (House B). Experience how your choices affect CO2 and nitrogen emissions, biodiversity, wellbeing and the weight of the house.
