Building work and associated infrastructure currently contribute around 19 per cent of the
Timber is used as a construction material much less in the
Prof Peter Walker, Bath BRE director, who is leading the research, said: ‘The environmental impact of the construction industry is huge. For example, it is estimated that, worldwide, the manufacture of cement contributes up to 10 per cent of all industrial carbon-dioxide emissions.
‘We are looking at a variety of low-carbon building materials, including crop-based materials, innovative uses of traditional materials and developing low-carbon cements and concretes to reduce the impact of new infrastructure.
‘As well as reducing the environmental footprint, many low-carbon building materials offer other benefits, including healthier living through higher levels of thermal insulation and regulation of humidity levels.’