Green Integrated Structural Elements for Retrofitting and New Construction of Buildings

Abstract

Governments across Europe have ambitious visions for the construction sector sector. For example, in the UK, as part of the Clean Growth Grand Challenge within the Governments Industrial Strategy, we are aiming to halve the energy use of new buildings by 2030; delivering new construction assets at a third of the cost and significantly quicker; provide assets that are cheaper to run, smarter, safer with lower emissions; and ultimately create cleaner air. As part of this deal and the wider The ‘Construction Sector Deal’ sets out an ambitious partnership between the industry and Government that aims to transform the sector’s productivity through innovative technologies and a more highly skilled workforce aims to transform the efficiency of construction techniques through digital technologies like Business Information Modelling; reduce running costs through energy generation and storage technologies; and conduct research and development and demonstration programmes supporting innovations. The core aim of the project is to seamlessly combine four integrated layers with high structural performance, which would provide high levels of insulation, a healthy indoor environment, high aesthetic value, along with CO2 capture, and greywater management. The competitive advantage of the Green INSTRUCT panel is (1) sustainable and cost effective - using more than 70% wt. C&DW including concrete, bricks, plastic, metals; (2) safety and energy efficiency - meeting Eurocode standards for fire safety, thermal insulation with U-value of 0.14 W/m².K and acoustic insulation coefficient under 60dB and (3) Customisation potential -multi-layered, modular & prefabricated building block for new and old building. This paper will discuss key project achievements in terms of material development and innovation and challenges faced so far during the project.