Continuous innovation is key
To ensure the construction industry has sustainability at its forefront, continuous innovation will be key to this. Energy efficient and low carbon homes will play a crucial role in the UK achieving net zero carbon emissions and legislative change is expected alongside an increased emphasis on energy efficiency.
At Cornerstone we aim to “Build Better” and with the Eco-Stone element of the company this ensures we do just that. We have investigated into how to better use natural recourses to promote better energy efficiencies and incorporate them in the building design processes to make them cleaner and greener. We partner with Supply chain contacts that utilise sustainable materials during the construction process.
- Low energy thermal strategies- carried out to CIBSE AM11 Building Standard ensuring that the internal comfort of the buildings user is maintained
- Solar Photovoltaic Panels
- Ground Source Heat Pump
- Energy efficient equipment- Low energy LED lighting and low glare bulbs
- Utilise Sub meters on major energy-consuming systems
- Fast EV chargers, E bike Chargers supplemented with the energy produced via renewable technology
- Rainwater drainage and harvesting system
- Soakaway
- The creation of a carbon model at the beginning of each projects early design phase to guide the specification of low carbon sustainable products. This will ensure that the construction can focus on having the most minimal environmental impact over the life cycle of the building
- Sustainably sourced timber frame structure throughout PEFC and FSC certified schemes
- Utilise timber produced on site
Sub Structure
Ashcrete / Eco-Friendly Concrete – manufactured using waste or residual materials requiring less energy in the production & Ferrock- a by-product of steel manufacturing and mining stone, which would otherwise be sent to landfill, its five times stronger than concrete and CO2 negative.
Super Structure
Douglas Fir – timber frame from certified well-managed UK forests, has lower moisture content and softer wood than oak
Bricks, Blocks & Render
HempCrete – concrete – like material used with woody inner fibres of hemp bound with lime to create solid but light blocks. It has high thermal and acoustic properties alongside being fire resistant, it is CO2 negative (absorbs more than it emits). Timbercrete – compressed blocks made of sawdust and concrete, which could potentially be sawdust and ferrock. Cob rendering- which is a product made of clay and straw. Rammed Earth- compacted chalk/lime and wood fibres used for insulation and structural panels.
Insulation
Cork – Sustainable alternative as it is fast growing and be harvested from living trees to allow them to continue living, also absorbs noise and is perfect for insulated sheets for sub-flooring, excellent thermal insulator and is fire resistant. Straw bales- Produced in England and suitable for thermal and acoustic insulation. Plant-based Polyurethane Foam- combination of bamboo, kelp and hemp. Sheep’s wool- locally produced
Internal Fit Out
Mycelium – natural fungi airdried and combined with sawdust. Can be moulded into any shape, withstand extreme temps, and can be used as a filler inside doors. Smart Glass Windows- allows more-light in reducing the demand for electric lamps, but it alters its thermal characteristics depending on how heat and air condition are applied. Reclaimed Timber- to be used whenever possible upcycling and re-using. Enviroboard- Strong and versatile magnesium oxide board used as an alternative to plasterboard. Sustainable Acoustic Panels- due to high-level ceilings and multi-functional use of the building, it is proposed that acoustic panels and mounted on ceilings. Come in various shapes, design and choices of materials, The leading company is Baux, has UK-based installers of their sustainable panels. Recycled Plastic- Can be used on various products such as worktops or splashbacks.
