EARTH AS AN ALTERNATIVE
INDICATOR REGARDING THE ECOLOGICAL CHARACTER OF BUILDING MATERIALS
Florescu Elena Roxana1*, Bica Smaranda Maria2
1Arch.PhD student,”Politehnica” University Timișoara, Faculty of Architecture,
florescuroxanaarh1@gmail.com
2Prof. Dr. Arch.,”Politehnica” University Timișoara, Faculty of Architecture,
smaranda.bica@upt.ro
*Corresponding Author
Abstract
Climate change is a reality proven by the scientific community – the last 4 years have recorded the highest temperatures since the beginning of the climate analysis. The construction sector produces around 30% of CO2 emissions, but the question remains how to build at affordable prices while considering a sustainable development. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method that is increasingly used to evaluate the potential for environmental impact of products and services and the consumption of resources in achieving them. LCA is used in the construction sector, where it is a crucial part of the environmental impact assessment of buildings.
Earth as a building material can be reviewed in a modern key by understanding and capitalizing on its properties in terms of heat storage capacity, regulation of the internal humidity, the lack of volatile organic compounds. Considering the ecological impact, earth has the advantage of a reduced built-in energy compared to other materials, while being adaptable to different techniques.
The case study presents a comparison regarding the life cycle assessment using the “cradle to gate” method between 2 wall stratifications that have similar properties in terms of thermal comfort, but represent 2 different approaches. The first one is made out of conventional ceramic blocks with hollows insulated with mineral wool and the other one is composed out of modern adobe bricks and wood fibers.
As for the future of earth constructions, the material itself leads to a new conception of architecture in the era of climate change. Quality of space needs to be adressed in terms of environmental benefits and comfort by refering to ecological criteria. Therefore, the potential of earth as a building material is to respond to these contemporary challenges in a natural, sustainable way.
Keywords: Sustainability, life cycle assessment, earth constructions, ecology.
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