<
https://theconversation.com/build-back-better-requires-a-framework-that-focuses-on-the-full-life-of-a-house-from-materials-to-its-end-of-life-203325>
"In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, New Zealand is again talking about “building
back better”. But how do we build back better when we don’t necessarily
understand what “better” means? Or how to achieve this across a country with
significantly different risk profiles?
At its most basic level, build back better is an opportunity to rebuild homes
and other buildings in a way that is responsive to future risks and
sustainability needs. To achieve this, we need to address knowledge gaps around
building within a circular economy. A circular economy is one that swaps the
typical cycle of make, use, dispose in favour of re-using and recycling as much
as possible.
A sustainable building in the circular economy model will minimise emissions
and its impact on climate and natural resources across its entire life cycle.
This life cycle includes the manufacturing of materials and construction,
passive lifetime emissions, maintenance, as well as end-of-life requirements
(deconstruction).
At the University of Waikato, our research is focused on material choices, both
for long-term rebuild as well immediate emergency relief. We approach this from
a structural engineering perspective and consider light steel, light timber,
fiber reinforced polymers and concrete. We work alongside industry to develop
know-how around deconstruction for light steel and timber structures.
The research will contribute to best practice guidelines and circular economy
adaptation. Here’s why this is important."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
