Sustainable Sources of Materials

MATERIALS

Recorded by Urszula Kominska, images by Essi Nisonen and Veera Saastamoinen

KEY READINGS 

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INSPIRATIONAL BUILT EXAMPLES

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SUSTAINABLE SOURCES OF MATERIALS

Key points in material selection include aligning with the environment, socio-cultural factors, and economics, while also focusing on local availability, craftsmanship, and construction methods. Priority lies in minimizing resource use, opting for non-toxic, low-energy, and low-carbon materials, like carbon-sequestering timber. Attention to human health and regional construction practices is crucial.

• Local availability and climatic suitability often dictate material choices. Investigate local artisans, existing solutions, and production processes for improvements. 

• To prevent over-harvesting, explore nearby renewable material sources with clean extraction. Certified materials, like FSC timber, uphold sustainability. 

Reuse is paramount; existing structures and materials should be considered first. Urban mining views buildings as material banks, advocating for reuse and repurposing of anthropogenic materials. To source reused materials, create a harvest map detailing resources from demolished buildings, recycling centers, and local surpluses.