SXL featured in latest iStructE guidance
© 2021 EPFL
Works performed by the Structural Xploration Lab are featured in "Design for zero", the latest guidance published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) and authored by J. Orr, M. Cooke, T. Ibell, C. Smith & N. Watson. The extensive 177-page long book browses, explains, and illustrates all strategies available to architects, engineers, and builders in order to decrease the environmental footprint of buildings and infrastructure. The SXL's contribution (pages 73 to 75) supports the case for component reuse in load-bearing systems.
The book can be purchased here: https://www.istructe.org/resources/guidance/design-for-zero/
Summary:
Overdesign results in carbon-intensive buildings.
This guide explains why overdesign is so prevalent, and its impact on material consumption and CO2 emissions. The guidance covers the design process, through to fabrication, assembly, use, and deconstruction.
- Part 1 examines the origins of certain design practices and sources of carbon emissions.
- Part 2 presents a vision for the future, supported by case studies of real projects that have successfully reduced carbon. The case studies have been deliberately chosen - highlighting commonly-encountered scenarios, rather than showcasing glamourous extremes.
- Part 3 offers advice on how to advocate for improved design, and the ways an individual can contribute.
‘Business as usual’ is incompatible with climate emergency, and deep changes across the design, construction, use, and re-use of buildings and infrastructure are required if we are to have any chance of providing a sustainable environment for the 9.7bn people who will share our planet in 2050.
We must make carbon considerations as important as our safety calculations. Every project must change.