Sustainable materials
Technological innovation and advanced manufacturing techniques have given rise to some remarkable new and sustainable construction products. The following CPD materials embrace a combination of new ideas and a fresh take one old ones.
All RIBA-approved CPD materials count towards your 35-hour annual CPD requirement.
Outlines key considerations when specifying acetylated timber cladding by explaining the acetylation process, reviewing performance criteria, and exploring how acetylated wood both reduces the risk of problems with timber cladding and increases design scope.
Accoya long life modified wood has become the timber industry benchmark for performance and sustainability. No other timber offers the same combination of stability, durability and versatility. Accoya’s modified wood is sustainably sourced with FSC certification, and has minimal environmental impact throughout its life: from production, through use, to disposal.
Discusses a patented, non toxic process that enhances the benefits of timber in the form of a sustainable wood material for interior and exterior applications. ThermoWood is dimensionally stable, durable and sustainable, and doesn’t require surface coating even in the most challenging climate conditions.
Lunawood facilitates the innovative and long-lasting use of wood in all decorative surfaces. Its product is best known for its dimensional stability, durability and sustainability. It doesn’t require surface treatments, which makes it an ecological choice throughout its lifecycle.
Duration: one hour, plus Q&A
Examines how contract fabrics can be made more sustainable through the replacement or removal of chemicals as an alternative to high-volume, commercially produced fabric. Also explains how to distinguish between beneficial and harmful additives and which fabrics are best from a sustainability point of view, before exploring current and future developments in biomimicry and fabric design.
Chieftain Fabrics is a well-established, family-run company founded more than 60 years ago. It specialises in contract fabrics and takes pride in using top-quality ingredients, high-performance materials and delivering excellent customer service.
Duration: 45-50 minutes, plus Q&A
Outlines why you should specify materials made from recycled products, their different uses and forms they can take (from street furniture and playground products to decking and bin bays). Also addresses how such products are worked in comparison with more traditional materials (paying particular attention to thermal expansion and reinforcing), plus CDM, maintenance and H&S considerations.
Goplastic is a UK-based business that specialises in high-quality and design-led recycled plastic products, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, it uses 100% recycled raw materials, ‘green’ power in the manufacturing process, and recycled cooling water. And at the product’s end of life it is again completely recyclable.
Duration: 45 minutes, plus Q&A
Examines rainwater drainage system options, including: how to select the right materials; their benefits and design flexibility; basic calculations needed when designing to British standards; detailing; and, common issues and their solutions, including curved buildings, sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) and protection from vandals.
Lindab develops, manufactures, markets and distributes products and system solutions in sheet metal and steel for simplified construction and improved indoor climate. The company employs more than 4,000 people and has a presence in over 30 countries. Lindab offers real and sustainable alternatives to less environmentally-friendly products such as plastic, without compromising performance.
Duration: 45-60 minutes, plus Q&A
Technical stone is a product with exceptional mechanical and aesthetic properties, but made from natural raw materials. Thanks to lamination pressing technology it’s now possible to produce large formats with a thinner profile. This seminar discusses the features and benefits of technical stone, and offers guidance on its correct installation and use as bactericide tile.
Grespania is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of porcelain and ceramic tile solutions, with over 40 years’ experience of catering to global demand. Grespania UK was established in 2005 to offer local stockist and showroom facilities.
Duration: 40 minutes, plus Q&A