Climate change is an inevitable process of nature. Humans have fueled this process rather rapidly by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
The construction industry is responsible for 39% of carbon emissions globally, of which 28% is from energy consumed by buildings, which is called Operational Energy and 11% is from construction materials, known as Embodied Energy.
Building materials have a heavy carbon footprint which impacts climate change. But with the right materials for cladding facades, architects can help decrease the amount of carbon emitted from structures, thus making them more sustainable.
Read through as we take a detailed look at 6 such cladding materials.
1. Brick façade cladding
Maintenance: use a trowel or a brush
Durability: fire resistant
Sustainability: 40.5 kg CO2eq./m2
Costing: Rs 60 to 110/ square foot
Source: Archdaily
2. Timber façade cladding
Maintenance: use a brush
Durability: waterproof coating available
Sustainability: 11kg CO2 eq./m2
Costing: RS 250/square feet
Source: Archello
3. Natural stone cladding
Maintenance: use a brush
Durability: fire resistant
Sustainability: 15.5kg CO2 eq./m2
Costing: Rs. 45/square foot
Source: Architizer
4. Aluminium façade cladding
Maintenance: use a cloth with water
Durability: recyclable and non-flammable
Sustainability: 79kg CO2 eq./m2
Costing: Rs. 225/square feet
Source: Architecture & Design
5. Concrete façade cladding
Maintenance: cloth and water
Durability: fire-resistant and highly durable
Sustainability: 86kg CO2 eq./m2
Costing: Rs. 450/square feet
Source: Archello
6. Stainless steel cladding
Maintenance: use a dry cloth
Durability: fire and water resistant
Sustainability: 22kg CO2eq./m2
Costing: Rs 5550/ square feet
Source: Architizer
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FAQs
Q1: What is the impact of the construction industry on carbon emissions?
A1: The construction industry contributes to 39% of global carbon emissions, with 28% from energy consumed by buildings (Operational Energy) and 11% from construction materials (Embodied Energy).
Q2: How do cladding materials affect sustainability in construction?
A2: Cladding materials play a crucial role in the sustainability of construction projects by influencing the carbon footprint of buildings. Choosing the right cladding materials can help decrease carbon emissions and make structures more environmentally friendly.
Q3: What are some sustainable cladding materials for facades?
A3: Sustainable cladding materials for facades include brick, timber, natural stone, aluminium, concrete, and stainless steel, each with varying levels of carbon emissions and environmental impact.
Q4: How does the sustainability of cladding materials vary?
A4: The sustainability of cladding materials varies based on factors such as their carbon footprint per square meter (CO2eq./m2), durability, maintenance requirements, and cost.
Q5: Which cladding material has the lowest carbon footprint?
A5: Timber facade cladding has the lowest carbon footprint among the options listed, with 11kg CO2 eq./m2, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for sustainable construction projects.
