Soil degradation costs the EU approximately €50 billion annually, according to the European Commission. The construction industry is a great contributor to soil degradation with practices such as soil sealing and contamination from construction waste. Furthermore, the construction industry is responsible for almost 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. 🌍

In the race against resource depletion and waste pollution, the circular economy is gaining momentum. Bio-based materials that follow circular design principles are a promising innovation that could minimize the environmental impacts of the building sector, contributing to reducing soil degradation, promoting healthier ecosystems, and mitigating climate change. ♻️

Circular economy and circular design

The circular economy aims to close the loop of product lifecycles through greater resource efficiency. Key principles include designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. Considering the entire lifecycle of products and ensuring they are sustainable from manufacturing to disposal is crucial for reducing environmental impact and protecting soil health. 🌱

Circular design is a fundamental component of the circular economy. It focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency by creating closed-loop systems where products are reused, remanufactured, and recycled. This approach reduces raw material extraction and waste generation, significantly lowering environmental footprints. Examples include designing products for longevity, modularity, and recyclability, ensuring materials remain in use for as long as possible. 🔄

The Circular Design Innovation Alliance (CiD) 🌟

In this regard, the Circular Design Innovation Alliance (CiD) offers a groundbreaking model that establishes a strong connection between design and circularity. CiD’s focus is on fostering collaboration across disciplines to develop carbon-neutral cities, with a particular emphasis on bio-based innovation in the built environment. This involves leveraging bio-based materials from various sectors, establishing regional circular systems that utilize renewable materials. 🏙️

What are bio-based materials?

Bio-based materials are derived from renewable biological sources, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials. Examples include biochar, mycelium, and biodegradable bioplastics. While bio-based materials are derived from renewable resources, not all are necessarily biodegradable or compostable. 🌿

Biodegradable materials break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass by microorganisms over an unspecified time in undefined conditions. On the other hand, compostable materials break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within a specific timeframe under specific conditions, either home-compostable or industrially compostable. 🍃

With the objective to improve product lifecycles, the use of biodegradable, bio-based, and compostable materials is becoming widespread. However, these terms are often confused, leading to the use of products that do not decompose as intended under natural conditions, contributing to pollution and environmental harm. For example, materials labeled as biodegradable may not break down completely in natural soil environments, leaving behind microplastics. 🌱

Innovative applications of bio-based materials in construction 🛠️

• Mycelium-Based Materials 🍄 Mycelium, a network of fungal threads or hyphae, presents a compelling alternative to traditional construction materials due to its renewable nature, rapid growth on agricultural waste, and impressive physical properties. From structural elements to interior design, mycelium is being incorporated in innovative ways. One of the newest and most promising innovations is the mycelium brick, an organic brick formed from organic waste and mycelium. 🧱
• Hemp-Based Bio-Insulation 🌾 Hemp-based bio-insulation is made from renewable plant fibers and suitable for all construction applications, including loose-fill, rigid, and semi-rigid products. Hemp insulation offers excellent thermal properties and is biodegradable, making it a sustainable alternative to conventional insulation materials. 🏡
• Lupin 🌼 Lupin is another noteworthy material, made from plant fibers bound together without synthetic adhesives. This substitute for fiberboard is self-binding, chemical-free, and biodegradable. Developed by students from the Iceland Academy of the Arts in Reykjavík, Lupin serves as an alternative to medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which uses synthetic glues to bind wood fibers together. 🪵

Conclusion

Embracing circular design and bio-based materials in sectors with high environmental impacts like construction is a significant step towards preventing further soil degradation and mitigating climate change. Shifting towards sustainable practices that prioritize soil health and resource efficiency is essential to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits. 🌱💚

If you want to know more about the Circular Design Innovation Alliance (CiD) project, visit: https://www.cid-innovationalliance.eu/ 

Stay tuned for more on bio-based materials on our social media channels!🌿✨

#SustainableConstruction #CircularDesign #CircularEconomy #WasteisResource #BioBasedMaterials #SoilHealth