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Firstplanit: Fast-track your Green Building Goals.

Firstplanit is the world's most intelligent greener planning tool to simplify complex material decisions for rapid Decarbonisation, Health and Future Proofing.

Building Products Library, Building decisions made sustainable, Firstplanit, Building decisions made local, Building decisions made eco-friendly, Building decisions made energy efficient, Building decisions made low polluting, Building decisions made healthy

For more information visit https://www.firstplanit.com

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Ambition to action’: The Ellen MacArthur foundation’s 1st Circular design strategy

The Ellen MacArthur foundation has released its first circular design strategy as a systematic approach through which to guide organisations in adopting circular principles. The strategy, aptly named ‘from ambition to action’, explains how to leverage design to facilitate a shift from the conventional linear model of production to a circular one.

Systems: This angle emphasizes the importance of designing products and services that fit within a circular economy system. It involves considering the entire lifecycle of a product, from sourcing materials to end-of-life scenarios.

Futures: This approach focuses on designing products that are adaptable and future-proof. It aims to create products that can be easily repaired, upgraded, or repurposed.

Collaborations: This angle recognizes the need for collaboration across sectors and industries. It involves engaging stakeholders, policymakers, and businesses to drive the transition to a circular economy at scale.

Capabilities: This approach promotes the development of new skills and capabilities within organizations. It aims to empower designers to think about opportunities for long-term value creation and promote sustainable practices within the industry.

Rules: This angle involves creating policies and regulations that support circular design practices. It aims to create an enabling environment for circular innovation and promote sustainable practices within the industry.

Tools: This approach focuses on developing tools and resources that support circular design practices. It aims to provide designers with the necessary resources to implement circular design principles within their organizations.

Along with this framework, the foundation has provided an example of a project that embodies the principles of their circular design strategy, aiming to inspire other organisations to do the same.

As an example of the Collaboration lever in practice they’ve provided the “creating Circular Neighbourhoods initiative”. The project aims to “inspire city actors (communities, governments, and businesses) to initiate circular economy activities at the neighbourhood level, across construction, servitisation, and food systems. The neighbourhood scale can be a powerful testing environment for circular solutions, acting as a living lab representing community behaviours and their interactions with wider systems.”

A Message Echoed within the Industry

This strategy is particularly relevant for the construction industry as the built environment alone is responsible for a staggering 40% of global emissions and consumes approximately 50% of the world’s extracted materials. In light of the ‘climate action gap’ highlighted by the Ramboll sustainable buildings market study, this design strategy seems overwhelmingly relevant.

The study highlighted the disparity between pro sustainability sentiments from the majority of organisations within the industry and the lack of embedded net zero buildings targets.

The name ‘Ambition to action’ even echoes the commentary of Ramboll’s director Scott Brookes who used these exact words to describe the main objective for the construction industry.

Learn More on Firstplanit

To learn more about new developments in the world of sustainable construction, have a look at the Firstplanit blog page.

For More Information, Visit: https://www.firstplanit.com/

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Oman’s ambitious smart-city of the future is set to accommodate 100,000.

Sultan Haitham City, a visionary metropolis designed by London-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), is set to redefine urban living in Oman. Spanning 1,480 hectares of previously undeveloped land in Al Seeb, a suburb of Muscat, this smart-city will cater to a diverse population, including residents, expatriates, and tourists.

Design graphic of the new city development

Sustainability Skepticism

In a similar vein, the proposal for California Forever, led by Silicon Valley investors, envisions the transformation of vast farmlands in Solano County into a pioneering city, albeit amid controversy. Sultan Haitham City embodies Oman’s aspirations for modernity, sustainability, and resilience in the face of evolving urban challenges.

As with many of these Large and rapid urban development programs sustainability is an important question. The city blueprint has obviously been made with a futuristic model of sustainability in mind, but whether projects like this align with sustainability goals or not is another question.

Following the virtues of sustainable development, urban construction should only be done when strictly necessary and with minimal environmental, social or financial cost. Despite this project striving towards many sustainable targets such as reviving green areas and implementing efficient low-emission transport systems, there is still an enormous and unavoidable carbon and energy cost associated with a project of this scale.

It remains to be seen whether this development program will produce the desired habitat in a sustainable manner and if SOM can succeed in this ambitious endeavour.

Learn More on Firstplanit

To learn more about new developments in the world of sustainable construction, have a look at the Firstplanit blog page.

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UKGBC Releases new energy guidelines to aid in the race to net-zero

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has unveiled new energy guidance aimed at empowering stakeholders with the knowledge needed to make informed choices regarding energy procurement. A top objective for the UK is to achieve a carbon-neutral electricity system by 2035, aligning with net-zero emissions targets. This transition to a decarbonised grid hinges on a shift in energy sources for the built environment in the UK.

In an effort to encourage building owners to adapt to the availability of renewable electricity on the grid, the UKGBC is advocating for increased flexibility in operations. Buildings account for over 60% of the UK’s electricity demand, the built environment sector therefore plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of net-zero emissions.

The Drastic need for greater collaboration

The energy guidance underscores the urgency of collaboration between customers and energy suppliers. It emphasises the necessity for suppliers to furnish clearer, higher-quality information about their products, empowering customers to make well-informed choices regarding their electricity sources.

Additionally, the UKGBC stresses the significance of market evolution in incentivising building owners to operate their assets flexibly, reducing emissions while bolstering a grid reliant on wind and solar power.

This guidance equips stakeholders with the necessary tools for navigating electricity procurement effectively, ensuring that their practices actively contribute to decarbonisation efforts in the energy supply sector.

Learn More on Firstplanit

To learn more about new developments in the world of sustainable construction, have a look at the Firstplanit blog page.

For More Information, Visit: https://www.firstplanit.com/

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Firstplanit Makes Waves at UK Construction Week 2023: Revolutionizing Sustainable Building Practices

From October 3rd to 5th, Firstplanit took the stage at the prestigious UK Construction Week 2023, and sustainability was at the heart of our showcase. This event showcased our unwavering commitment to sustainable building practices and innovative solutions. Let’s delve into the highlights of our participation at this influential gathering in the construction industry.

Credit: Firstplanit Team

Sustainable Solutions at the Forefront

During the event, Firstplanit stood as a beacon of sustainability at UK Construction Week 2023. Our stall was designed to immerse visitors in an atmosphere of sustainability, showcasing that sustainability is not just a goal but a fundamental principle that drives our innovations. Our carefully curated exhibit spotlighted cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions, leaving attendees with a clear understanding that sustainability is not a mere checkbox, but a way of revolutionizing the construction landscape.

Unveiling Future-Ready Innovation

At UK Construction Week, we proudly unveiled our latest advancements in construction technologies, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry. Our stall was not just a platform for display; it was an arena where we translated our commitment to sustainability into tangible, transformative solutions. Visitors witnessed a glimpse of a future where innovation leads the way, revolutionizing construction methodologies and materials for a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for attendees to join us on this journey towards sustainability and innovation.

Learn More on Firstplanit

To learn more about new developments in the world of sustainable construction, have a look at the Firstplanit blog page.

For More Information, Visit: https://www.firstplanit.com/

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Repurposing Residue Biomass.

Half of the world’s ice and desert-free land is used for agriculture. 15% of the biomass produced from this land is wasted before it even makes it off the farm. This amounts to 1.2 billion tonnes of food waste globally. WWF’s 2021 report, Driven To Waste, indicated that approximately 10% of all GHG emissions stem from food waste.

 4.4 million km2 of agricultural land and 760 km3 of water are required to produce these 1.2 billion tonnes of food. This is an astronomical waste of resources that will only increase as global food production increases in line with our growing population.

Not only is this wasteful cycle a huge drain on valuable resources but also a huge emitter of carbon. As this unused food waste is burnt or decomposes, it releases CO₂ back into the atmosphere further contributing to environmental destabilisation.

Putting food waste to use

All this spoiled agricultural produce may not be fit for human consumption but can still be used. Residue biomass can be processed into a vast array of different materials. They range from biopolymers such as lignocellulose made from plant matter or cellulose leather to PVC/PU alternatives made from fruit waste and even biofuels and other materials.

The production of construction materials from residue biomass is also possible and offers a sustainable and circular alternative for the construction sector.

Product Outlook

Unfortunately, mainstream productions of AWB SCMs are quite limited. However extensive research is being conducted on concrete prototypes.

As a result of its increasing potential as a raw material, AWB has been increasing in value. This valorisation contributes to the sustainability of production systems and helps address environmental concerns associated with waste generation. As this waste gains value, agricultural producers become more financially incentivised to collect their waste and sell it for processing. However, further collaboration between the agricultural and construction sectors, as well as improved government strategies on sustainability and circularity, are necessary to overcome existing constraints and promote the practical application of these alternatives.

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If you��d like to learn more about the services offered by Firstplanit check out our Features page.

For More Information, Visit: https://www.firstplanit.com/

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“Global Standard for a Global challenge”: RICS releases new Whole life carbon assessment Standard

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has unveiled the second edition of its Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment (WLCA) standard.

Originally introduced in 2017 to address carbon concerns within the UK’s construction sector, the 2023 version of WLCA has now expanded its scope globally, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the carbon implications of design choices in construction, infrastructure projects, and assets.

Producing the second edition of the WLCA has been a joint effort involving RICS, the UK’s Department for Transport, and Net Zero Waste Scotland. Together, these entities have sought to establish a global benchmark for sustainability practices within the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Credit: Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

The carbon impact of the built environment

The built environment is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, producing an estimated 39%.

 This sector plays a crucial role in achieving net-zero emissions targets and reducing the impact of climate change. The carbon impact of the built environment can be divided into two categories: operational carbon and embodied carbon. Operational carbon refers to emissions resulting from heating, lighting, and cooling existing buildings, which contributes to 28% of global emissions.

On the other hand, embodied carbon encompasses emissions from constructing new buildings, including material sourcing, transport, and construction processes. It also accounts for the replacement of materials and components over a building’s lifespan, which contributes to 11% of global emissions.

Learn More on Firstplanit

To learn more about new developments in the world of sustainable construction, have a look at the Firstplanit blog page.

For More Information , Visit:

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UKGBC Releases new energy guidelines to aid in the race to net-zero

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has unveiled new energy guidance aimed at empowering stakeholders with the knowledge needed to make informed choices regarding energy procurement. A top objective for the UK is to achieve a carbon-neutral electricity system by 2035, aligning with net-zero emissions targets. This transition to a decarbonised grid hinges on a shift in energy sources for the built environment in the UK.

In an effort to encourage building owners to adapt to the availability of renewable electricity on the grid, the UKGBC is advocating for increased flexibility in operations. Buildings account for over 60% of the UK’s electricity demand, the built environment sector therefore plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of net-zero emissions.

The Drastic need for greater collaboration

The energy guidance underscores the urgency of collaboration between customers and energy suppliers. It emphasises the necessity for suppliers to furnish clearer, higher-quality information about their products, empowering customers to make well-informed choices regarding their electricity sources.

Additionally, the UKGBC stresses the significance of market evolution in incentivising building owners to operate their assets flexibly, reducing emissions while bolstering a grid reliant on wind and solar power.

This guidance equips stakeholders with the necessary tools for navigating electricity procurement effectively, ensuring that their practices actively contribute to decarbonisation efforts in the energy supply sector.

Yetunde Abdul, Head of Climate Action at UKGBC, emphasised, “Decarbonizing the electricity system is a top priority for achieving Net Zero. Critical to enabling this is understanding the active role our buildings and the way we procure energy must play. However, distinguishing the high-quality products that are supporting the energy system’s transition from the other ‘green’ offerings in the market is currently challenging.”

While tailored for individuals involved in corporate energy procurement for businesses or commercial buildings, the guidance is also valuable to those involved in the planning, construction, or operation of buildings. This includes energy systems designers, renewable energy providers, and energy brokers or suppliers.

Despite major advancements in efforts toward reducing consumption and emissions in the construction sector, the industry-standard still lags behind what is needed to achieve reductions in line with Paris Agreement targets. Many organisations suffer from a lack of access to expert information and sustainable adjustments and a lack of industry guidance to follow.

Guidelines such as these from industry leading organisations are essential to generating the impetus to make greater contributions to sustainability and in an effective manner. The future should see more specific and standardised guidance coming from industry leaders across all sectors as we approach 2030 and its environmental objectives.

Learn More on Firstplanit

To learn more about new developments in the world of sustainable construction, have a look at the Firstplanit blog page.

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Natural Materials: Algae, the Marine Bioconcrete Alternative?

Algae have been some of the most intensively researched organisms for innovative technologies ever. From their potential as a biofuel to fertiliser, nutritional supplements or pollution treatment, the next great promise for these photosynthetic marine organisms is in construction materials.

The Future of Algae Solutions

It is too soon to make any clear predictions on the future of algae construction materials as there is no large-scale production but there is certainly huge promise. Algae is fast to grow, doesn’t use up agricultural land, sequesters carbon, has high recyclability potential and seems to offer impressive structural properties when compared to standard concrete.

The fact that algae construction solutions are mostly SCM-based, bodes well for their future. SCMs are becoming very popular in the construction industry as they allow a material to share the similar useful properties of traditional concrete yet also be low carbon too. Concrete has been notoriously hard to replace since it boasts such impressive strength and durability yet is infamously harmful to the planet, accounting for up to 8% of global GHG emissions.

The creation of low-carbon SCMs seems to hold the key to lowering the colossal emissions of the concrete industry and is being used to achieve a range of sustainable concrete products such as Olivine concrete.

Algae products are already a multi-billion dollar industry, that is expected to grow rapidly. Most of these products are not construction-based, but this means that there is already mass algae cultivation for which to lay the foundation of large-scale algae materials production.

The future of Algae construction seems poised for success and this Biobased low carbon material is greatly needed by the concrete industry that is aiming to be net zero by 2050.

For more updates on sustainable construction visit the Firstplanit Blog page or to discover other sustainable materials and how they impact the environment, explore our material library.

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Click here to read about other natural materials making their mark in the construction industry.

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The school Concrete Crisis: RAAC and the value of using the right materials

Between the 1950s and 1990’s, hundreds of schools in the UK were constructed using Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) instead of traditional concrete. At the time, RAAC was believed to be a cheaper alternative to standard concrete, but it is now known that this alternative lacks the durability and strength of its counterpart and is susceptible to failure. As a result, the schools with RAAC structures pose a significant threat to health and safety and need to be refurbished. Amid the typical back-to-school chaos, schools are now scrambling to find out if their buildings are safe to use. This ‘concrete crisis’ is leading some schools to start the term off remotely out of fear for the wellbeing of their students.

How does this relate to sustainability?

Sustainability principles focus on making future-proof decisions, especially when it comes to the built environment. The choice of material in a construction project is central to maintaining not only safety standards but also minimising costs and environmental impact in the long run.

Structures should be designed to last and be functional for as long as possible. By increasing the longevity of a building, the associated carbon and financial costs of development throughout its lifecycle are far reduced, diminishing the accumulated environmental impact. The choice of materials used in construction should, therefore, reflect this objective.

The concrete crisis is a clear example of how many issues can arise from incorrect material choices. Many of these public buildings have a significantly reduced lifecycle resulting from a failure to select the right construction material. This has ultimately risked the safety of the public, incurred large and avoidable financial costs and caused significant disruption.

The services provided by Firstplanit are designed to aid in making future-proof decisions. We offer a detailed evaluation of construction materials that can aid in selecting materials fit to last for their intended purpose as well as many other factors, including embodied carbon, cost and even an environmental health risk analysis of your project location using GIS. 

We assess materials over 18 different metrics using vast amounts of data and compare them to up-to-date environmental targets and industry standards to provide a comprehensive assessment so that you can make the most informed decision for your build.

If you’d like to look at a more detailed investigation into the characteristics of RAAC you can look at this report by the Institute of Structural Engineers.

Learn more..

If you’d like to look at a more detailed investigation into the characteristics of RAAC you can look at this report by the Institute of Structural Engineers.

If you’d like to learn more about the services offered by Firstplanit check out our Features page.