Facade Made Of Plastic
No one wants their longest impact on Earth to be the plastic trash they send to a landfill. Our planet faces dual challenges: the pervasive pollution by microplastics and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions from the built environment. While seemingly disparate issues, these subjects can be addressed partly through innovative material use in architecture, specifically combining composite materials.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles resulting from the degradation of larger plastics, are now ubiquitous in our environment. They contaminate our oceans, soil, and even the air we breathe, posing significant threats to ecosystems and potentially human health. While the exact scale of microplastic pollution is still being researched, studies have shown their widespread presence in various environmental samples, highlighting the urgency of reducing plastic waste and finding sustainable alternatives. Microplastics can be found in just about every human’s organs to this day and there are studies underway to see what their long-term effect might be.
Microplastics Diagram
The building sector is a significant contributor to about 40% of global carbon emissions. These emissions are broadly categorized into operational carbon and embodied carbon. Operational carbon refers to the emissions associated with a building’s energy consumption during its use, such as heating, cooling, and lighting. Embodied carbon, on the other hand, encompasses the emissions generated during the entire lifecycle of building materials, from extraction and manufacturing to transportation, construction, and eventual disposal. It is estimated that embodied carbon can account for 15% of CO2 emissions and perhaps 25% being associated with building operations.
This is where the use of composites in architecture presents a promising solution. Composites are materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties that, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), a common type of composite, offer high strength-to-weight ratios, durability, and design flexibility.
By utilizing composites in building construction, we can achieve several key benefits:
Diagram of Recycled Material Used In Building Development
Reduced material consumption: The high strength-to-weight ratio of composites allows for lighter structural elements, reducing the overall amount of material needed for construction. This translates to lower embodied carbon emissions associated with material production and transportation.
Increased building lifespan: Composites are resistant to corrosion, rot, and other forms of degradation, leading to longer-lasting buildings. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and renovations, further minimizing embodied carbon emissions over the building’s lifecycle.
Carbon capture potential: Some composites can incorporate bio-based materials, such as fibers from flax or hemp, which have captured atmospheric CO2 during their growth. This effectively sequesters carbon within the building material, contributing to carbon capture and storage.
Furthermore, advancements in composite technology are exploring the use of recycled plastics in their production. This approach offers a potential pathway for diverting plastic waste from landfills and the environment, mitigating microplastic pollution while simultaneously creating valuable building materials.
Plastic-clad house by Casos de Casas
The prevalence of microplastics and the need to reduce carbon emissions from the built environment are extremely pressing global challenges. Their extraordinary longevity makes the use of plastics and composite materials in architecture a promising approach to address multiple issues. By reducing material consumption, increasing building lifespan, and incorporating carbon-capturing materials, composites can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible built environment. Continued research and development in this field are crucial to fully unlock the potential of composites in creating a more resilient and sustainable future. Furthermore, making buildings both beautiful and versatile is an excellent way to make them long-lasting and therefore more sustainable! Please engage A4 Architecture if you need assistance to help achieve these goals.
Ross Cann, RA, AIA, LEED AP, is an author, historian, teacher, and practicing architect living and working in Newport, RI. He studied Molecular Biophysics at Yale College and holds degrees in Architectural History and Architecture Design from Cambridge University in England, and Columbia University in New York.