Tackling Carbon Emissions in Construction: The Case for Plant-Based Building Materials
Did you know the UK building industry is responsible for about 40% of the country’s total carbon emissions?
This includes both operational emissions—from heating, cooling, and lighting—and embodied carbon, which accounts for emissions from the production, transport, and installation of materials like concrete, steel, and glass.
Embodied carbon, in particular, is a pressing concern. The carbon emissions associated with building materials—like reinforced concrete, steel, aluminium, and fossil fuel-derived plastics—are released before a building is even occupied. In the UK, this accounts for a significant proportion of the industry’s overall emissions. Once operational, buildings continue to emit carbon through heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances.
However, plant-based alternatives offer an exciting opportunity to rethink how we build. Materials like timber, hempcrete, and straw bale not only reduce embodied carbon but can also sequester carbon, locking it away for the lifetime of the building. Unlike conventional construction methods that contribute significantly to climate change, plant-based construction can make buildings part of the solution.
Croft Architecture, a UK-based firm specialising in ecologically sensitive design, is leading the way in adopting plant-based building materials. Their work demonstrates how these materials can create stunning, sustainable, and healthy spaces.
Nature’s Building Blocks: Sustainable and Time-Tested
Plant-based materials have been used in construction for centuries, forming a significant part of the world’s built heritage. Here are some examples making a comeback in eco-conscious designs:
Timber & Bamboo: Renewable, durable, and versatile, these materials have been staples of construction across the globe. Timber remains a popular choice for framing, flooring, and cladding in the UK, while bamboo is widely used in other parts of the world.
Hempcrete & Straw Bale: Natural and breathable, these materials insulate while sequestering carbon. Hempcrete combines hemp fibres with lime or magnesium binders, creating a lightweight yet durable material. Straw bales can also serve as insulation, forming a structural and insulating component within walls.
Wood Fibre & Cellulose Insulation: Prefabricated, industrially produced options offering modern efficiency with a low environmental impact.
Thatch & Wattle and Daub: Traditional techniques that are sustainable, culturally rich, and visually stunning. Thatch roofing, made from water reeds, can last up to 30 years in the UK climate, while wattle and daub—a combination of woven timber and clay-based plaster—offers a low-impact alternative for infill walls.
Constructing for Climate: Why It Matters
Switching to plant-based materials isn’t just good for the planet—it’s better for people, too. These materials promote healthier, more comfortable living environments:
Carbon Sequestration: As plants grow, they absorb carbon dioxide. When used in construction, this carbon remains locked in the materials, helping to offset emissions.
Energy Efficiency: Plant-based materials provide excellent insulation, reducing heating and cooling needs and, consequently, operational emissions. Hempcrete and straw bale walls also offer thermal mass properties, storing heat in winter and keeping interiors cool in summer.
Moisture Control: Hygroscopic and breathable, these materials regulate humidity, preventing mold and dampness while improving indoor air quality.
Non-Toxic Living: Free from harmful chemicals, plant-based materials promote healthier indoor environments. This is in stark contrast to many conventional materials, which can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Additionally, plant-based materials are often locally sourced, reducing transportation emissions. At the end of a building’s life, these materials can be composted, minimising waste and contributing to a circular economy.
Rethinking Tradition for a Better Tomorrow
Plant-based buildings can be stunning; they connect us to our shared human heritage. Not only do they contribute to the fight against climate change, but they also offer health benefits and a sense of comfort.
Croft Architecture is at the forefront of this movement, proving that sustainable design doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics or performance. By embracing plant-based materials, they create spaces that are as kind to the planet as they are to their occupants.
As the UK works towards its net-zero carbon targets, it’s clear that the building industry must change. By prioritising plant-based materials, we can reduce embodied carbon, improve operational efficiency, and create healthier, more sustainable spaces. It’s time to build a future where our homes, schools, and workplaces are not just functional but part of the solution to climate change.
Contact Croft Architecture
Interested in learning more about how plant-based materials can transform your building projects?
Croft Architecture is a North West based award winning architectural practice specialises in designing beautiful, sustainable spaces using innovative, eco-friendly techniques.
Get in touch today to explore how we can help you create a healthier, greener future.
MORE NEWS
Extension to Victorian Property Featured In Real Homes Magazine
READ MORE
Sustainable New Build Wins Local Authority Building Control Award
READ MORE
Croft Featured In Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine
READ MORE
SEE OUR WORK
START YOUR PROJECT
