Low impact building

The construction and use of buildings in the UK not only consume more energy than any other sector, they also create the most CO2 emissions, create the most waste, use the most non-energy related resources, and are responsible for the most pollution.

Building use in the UK contributes about 50% of the UK’s CO2 emissions and construction contributes about another 7%.
According to DEFRA the waste going to landfill from the construction industry in 2004 was about 100 million tonnes, more than 3 times the amount of domestic waste collection. This is equivalent of one house being buried in the ground for every 3 built.
If everyone in the world consumed resources at the same rate as we do in the UK it would take the equivalent of 3 planets now to sustain this consumption.

Low impact building attempts to meet our construction needs with respect for the environment. This means reducing the energy and resources used in the construction process, as well as the energy required to service the completed building (heating, lighting etc). Modern as well as traditional materials can be used to this end.

Recent years have seen a resurgence in the use of traditional building materials such as green oak framing, cob, and lime mortars and plasters. There have also been new uses of old materials such as straw bale building and sheep's wool, and the development of many modern technologies such as wind power, photovoltaic cells, and heat recovery ventilation systems.

At Natural Building Specialists we use low impact principles to guide our design and construction. We use locally sourced materials such as straw bales and timber to build extensions, outdoor classrooms, and garden studios with respect for the environment. We also make use of modern materials and technologies to ensure our buildings are healthy and pleasant places to live and work.

Whether you are interested in a straw bale classroom, an oak framed extension, or a roundwood shelter, we can design and build to your requirements, and with respect for the environment.