Could two of the oldest building materials known to humanity solve the building emissions puzzle? The construction industry contributes significantly to climate change with massive greenhouse gas emissions.
So, could the answer be using timber and clay?
EMPA, a Swiss materials science research group, is testing this out as part of a new programme called Think Earth. It is led by researchers from ETH Zurich, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and the Bern and Eastern Switzerland Universities of Applied Sciences, with 51 implementation partners from the entire construction sector. It focuses on modern construction techniques using timber and clay to reduce the construction industry’s environmental impact.
“It’s about using materials and methods that protect the environment and at the same time contribute to its restoration,” said Andrea Frangi, Professor of Timber Structures at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich and head of the project.
The combination of these environmentally friendly materials enhances their advantages: Timber provides the necessary load-carrying capacity and stiffness, while clay adds additional load-carrying capacity and mass, which contributes to heat regulation, vibration damping and fire safety.
Although wood is a renewable natural resource, it must be reused to be used sustainably in the construction industry. At present, only 10% is reused; the Think Earth project will raise that to 90%. Clay, which is a carbon sink, can be used, say the scientists, if you put in special biodegradable additives to prevent shrinkage.
- For more information about Think Earth, and other Swiss circular projects using engineered timber, click here for more information.
