When buildings are considered more speculative investments than human right … the choices of materials are made based solely on upfront cost, not long term durability (or occupant comfort, or environmental impact). . Buildings are not being built to last. It is a fool’s game. Our buildings should be designed to function for several generations not just one. The building envelope should be made up of materials that last a similar length of time so that the overall durabilit

Image from : 2017 ,Chris Magwood , How I Got Run Over by the Carbon Elephant…or Buildings as This chart shows total carbon emissions created when building a 100m2 homes. Amounts of carbon are taken from The ICE2 database and the ECN Phyllis 2 database. The first bar graph shows code minimum building using common materials: concrete foundation - xps foam insulation –vinyl siding -asphalt shingles The second graph also shows a code minimum building that uses lower carbon mater

Carbon sequestration in existing buildings could save the world

RETHINKING THE BUILDING STOCK – IT’S A CARBON THING What are the steps toward a construction industry that contribute to lowering greenhouse gasses? The problem is multi-pronged and interconnects outside the parameters of the traditional building industry. This 6 part series is my broad mapping of where clean energy, natural materials and designing using natural systems could become the path to a more sustainable future. RENEWABLE ENERGY GRID – THE BIG PICTURE With a dirty