AALU_Msc_CultivatingCommons_Alejandra Iturrizaga A_C

CULTIVATING COMMONS BIOBASED RETROFITTING FOR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

Submission Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

In collaboration Priyanka Awatramani Emily Bowerman

CULTIVATING COMMONS Biobased Retrofitting for Public Institutions

Architectural Association School of Architecture Landscape Urbanism Msc 2023-2024

CULTIVATING COMMONS Thesis Supervisor Clara Olóriz Sanjuán Programme Directors Jose Alfredo Ramirez Eduardo Rico History & Theory Seminar Tutor Elena Luciano Suastegui Technical Tutor Daniel Kiss Huang Sheng-Yang

Acknowledgements This thesis was developed during terms 2 and 3 in collaboration with my teammates, Priyanka Awatramani and Emily Bowerman. I completed term 4 on my own as part of the MSc programme, while they will continue to develop this thesis in term 4 of the MArch programme. This submission is solely by me, and any maps or writing completed as a group in previous terms will be properly credited.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to our tutors, especially our thesis advisor, Clara Oloriz, who guided us with her generous support and expertise in achieving this thesis.

I am also grateful for the opportunity provided by the British Geological Survey (BGS) to explore new ways of rethinking their approach to achieving Net Zero through their much-needed refurbishment plan. A sincere thank you to all the professionals we were able to interview, as well as the external jurors, whose insights and experience in their respective fields shaped and expanded our understanding.

Lastly, I would like to express my immense gratitude to my family for their constant support and for being a source of inspiration in many ways.

Booklet compilation by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich, Priyanka Awatramani and Emily Bowerman Book cover “Building connections”. Figure based on the supply network for BGS map by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich Cover figures in pages 10, 11, 36, 42, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 152 edited by Priyanka Awatramani

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CULTIVATING COMMONS

Cultivating Commons A radical proposal to mobilise biobased materials production in the East Midlands, UK through Public Common Partnerships

by Priyanka Awatramani

CULTIVATING [kal.ti.veit.ing] verb.

The intentional and continuous process of nurturing and developing landscapes of production. It embodies the act of fostering growth, not only in agricultural terms but also in the broader sense of encouraging regenerative practices, sustainable resource management, and community-led initiatives. Cultivating involves actively shaping and transforming environments -both natural and built- towards a more resilient and ecologically balanced future.

COMMONS [kam.ens] noun.

Shared resources and benefits that emerge from collective stewardship and fair management of landscapes of production. It represents the surplus generated by regenerative practices, which is not owned by any single entity but is instead available to all members of a community. The concept of commons underscores the importance of local ownership, collaboration, and the balanced allocation of resources, aiming to create a sustainable and inclusive economy that serves both people and the planet.

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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As we grapple with the urgent need to address climate change and foster sustainable development, innovative solutions are emerging to reshape our relationship with the environment and economy. Our project, Cultivating Commons, seeks to explore the intersection of environmental stewardship, economic prosperity, and community well-being. Cultivating Commons recognises the interconnectedness of landscapes of production—encompassing both the natural and built environment—and their potential to shape regional ecologies while strengthening local economies.

By reimagining traditional models of production and consumption, Cultivating Commons aims to harness the power of regenerative practices and biobased materials to mitigate carbon emissions and reduce environmental impact. Cultivating Commons is dedicated to transforming the construction industry by advocating for the transition from extractive materials to biobased alternatives.

Cultivating Commons acknowledges the pivotal role of agriculture in shaping landscapes and livelihoods, particularly as biobased materials are cultivated and harvested within these environments. In recognising this connection, the project advocates for a transition from monoculture farming to regenerative practices. This shift not only facilitates carbon sequestration in the soil but also opens avenues for economic diversification and community empowerment.

At the heart of Cultivating Commons lies the principle of community wealth building, emphasising local ownership, equitable distribution of resources, and collaborative decisionmaking. Through engaging stakeholders at all levels – from farmers and builders to policymakers and community members – the project aims to foster a shared sense of stewardship over landscapes of production.

Cultivating Commons is a collective effort to “cultivate” landscapes of production that not only sustain people and the planet but also contribute to building a surplus shared as “commons” for a more equitable future. It aims to forge a path towards a more regenerative economy, where landscapes of production serve as catalysts for environmental regeneration, economic vitality, and community resilience.

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CONTENTS

8

CULTIVATING COMMONS

INDEX

78

IV BGS Retrofit

79

Need for Retrofitting BGS

80

BGS Laboratory

81

BGS Retrofitting Conventional vs Biobased

82

V BGS Procurement of Biobased Materials

84

Case Study: Arup & Material Cultures

88

Building Community Wealth through Public Common Partnerships (PCPs)

90

Supply Chain Network for BGS

92

Establishing a local bioeconomy through Public Common Partnerships (PCPs)

96

VI Developing a Regional Productive Landscape Strategy

97

Bioregional Economics

98

Upscaling industries in East Midlands: Phase 1

100

Upscaling industries in East Midlands: Phase 2

12

Study Overview, Methodology and Methods

102

Nottinghamshire: Phase 1 & 2

14

Achieving Net Zero in the UK

104

Regional Ecologies

16

British Geological Survey (BGS)

18

Pick Everards Retrofitting Proposal

116

VII Prototyping the BGS and Landscapes of Production

117

Prototyping the British Geological Survey

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I Reciprocal Landscapes of UK Building Industry

128

Straw Farming

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Sites of Conventional Building Materials

134

Prototyping Site

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UK Landscapes of Extraction

138

Seaweed and Seashell Farming

24

Global Warming Potential of Bulding Materials

26

Constructions Minerals Global Imports

142

VIII Regional Networks and Landscapes of Production

28

Waste in the Construction Industry

144

Uptake of biobased materials: Phase 1 and 2

148

Patches and Corridors in the East Midlands Matrix

30

II Bio Based Materials

149

Strengthening the Corridor of Production

32

Biobased Materials Viability Framework

150

Uptake of biobased materials: Phase III

36

Seaweed

40

Seaweed for BGS

153

Summary

42

Straw

155

Conclusions

46

Straw for BGS

48

Seaweed and Straw Timeline

156

IX Appendix

52

Hemp

158

Invitation for Key-Informant interviews

56

Mycelium

159

Ethics Application - Approval notice

60

Clay

162

List of Figures

64

Timber

162

List of Illustrations

70

BiobasedMaterial availability in the UK

163

List of Maps

165

Bibliography

72

III Transition to Biobased Industry

73

Just Transition

168

PCP Handbook

74

Transition Opportunities for the UK

169

Biobased materials Zines

9

fig.01 Source: Unknown at The Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University

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CULTIVATING COMMONS

CULTIVATING COMMONS

APPROACH

by Emily Bowerman

Critical Discourse Analysis Case Reviews Key-Informant Interviews Site Visits Visual Research

ArcGIS & Mapping

Semi-Structured & Open Interviews Multi-criteria cartographic analysis

DATA ANALYSIS

Critical Discourse Analysis defined by Fairclough (1995) as, will be performed to understand the status of knowledge and policies related to decarbonisation initiatives in the UK; biobased material research, development, and use; and existing evidence of Community Wealth Building initiatives in the UK.4 The document analysis will contribute to initial literature reviews about decarbonisation, bio-based materials, transition to bio-economies andcommunity wealth building through public common partnships. The literature will inform a policy map to document the current pathways for achieving net zero, using bio-based materials in practice, and opportunities for alternative economic models through community wealth building approach.

Key-Informant Interviews Existing conditions and status of current policies and bio-based material production industries will be graphically represented and mapped through visual representation methods. To understand the status of A. bio-based material production in the UK, use in the building industry and B. understand the status of agricultural industry in East Midlands, we need to speak with experts in the field. We have identified 6-15 key informants who will be contacted for open and semi-structured interviews on the respective fields. We are exploring six core bio-based materials including clay, timber, straw, hemp, mycelium, and seaweed. To ensure a balanced understanding of each material, we intend to engage with the same number of experts for each material. The purpose of selecting keyinformants who are already engaged in the topics mentioned, is to avoid any knowledge extraction from local communities, farmers, manufacturers, contractors, or stakeholders who may not benefit from the project; key Informants will be selected based on their prior engagement in research projects or initiatives. Participation will be entirely voluntary (this is elaborated in the following section). We anticipate that the interviews may be conducted intermittently throughout the project development phase (February 2024-June 2024), based on participant availability. Some may be re-contacted (if they are willing) to further develop ideas discussed in preliminary interviews. Moreover, as the project develops, iterative feedback and guidance from experts will be beneficial to ensure the project reflects the current status of knowledge in the field.

Embodied Carbon for Potential Building Materials Bio-based Regional Summary Map

Biobased Materials

ArcGIS & Mapping

Transition to bioeconomies Community Wealth Building through PCPs

Seaweed

Mapping Analyses

Hemp

Landscape Analysis

Clay

Supply Chain evaluation

Timber Mycelium

Data Analysis Following the Critical Discourse Analysis, Key-Informant interviews, and Site Visits will perform triangulation to gain a comprehensive understanding of phenomena.5 We will be evaluating the potentials for each bio-based material in the UK and the East Midlands through a viability assessment. This will account for factors including material production, manufacturing, use in buildings, architectural potentials and most critically, opportunities for local communities to engage in the transition toward a bioeconomy.

POLICY DESIGN

Upon triangulating the data, it will be combined with visual research methods to represent the policy implications within the East Midlands region. Moreover, a design strategy will be proposed for the BGS campus in Keyworth. This will be reviewed and iteratively revised with members of the BGS to ensure the design reflects their current needs.

Four Project Pillars

Critical Discourse Analysis

CASE BUILDING

Decarbonisation Biobased Materials

REGIONAL STRATEGY

Sampling The Key-Informants will be identified through purposive sample according to their expertise in the following three topics: decarbonisation of the construction industry in the UK; biobased material use or research and development; and knowledge of Community Wealth Building, Public Common Partnerships (PCP) or bioregional economics. Key-Informants will be approach via email and will be asked for their willingness to engage in a brief conversation regarding their expertise on a particular topic. Participation will be entirely voluntary with no incentive or deception. Consent to participate in the open and semi-structured interviews will be acquired prior to participation.

Policy Mapping

Transition to bioeconomies

Policy Framework Diagramming

Community Wealth Building through PCPs

PHASE 1 Economic & Environmental Strategy

Methods

Building Material Performance Table *to be completed in term 3

Decarbonisation

Straw

PHASE 2

High Unemployment

Existing Industry

Available government lands

Upskilling

PROTOTYPE

Landscape Inventory & Analysis

POLICY

LANDSCAPE

Straw insulation

Building Regulations

Regional green infrastructure analysis

Seaweed Acoustic panels

Procurement

Regional landscape planning

PCPs

Farm & production site design

Funding & Grants

Regenerating industrialised landscapes

Data Dissemination The information will be disseminated in two AA Landscape Urbanism Thesis documents. Firstly, the MSc in Landscape Urbanism by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich in September 2024, and by Priyanka Awatramani and Emily Bowerman, January 2025. If the information within the thesis were to be used for publication or for a conference, we would ask permission from the British Geologic Survey and the Key-Informants to ensure all information is represented as per their intent.

ArcGIS & Mapping

Regional green infrastructure analysis

BUILDING Materials

The research follows a case study approach to develop an in-depth analysis of the opportunities for retrofitting the British Geologic Survey campus in Keyworth, UK with bio-based materials. The research involves a mixed-method approach2 and will be undertaken over the period of February 2024 to January 2025 within the UK – our case being specifically within the bioregional boundaries of the East Midlands region. 3

The study involves site visits to contextualise academic and grey literature from the Critical Discourse analysis and capture existing conditions with use of camera and video. The purpose of the project is to propose a policy for bio-based materials that have land-based implications, therefore, conducting a landscape inventory analysis in the east midlands region is essential. Similarly, several organisations across the UK and Europe have tested and are testing bio-based materials, therefore, site visits could involve visiting test sites or workshops to better understand material use.

1. Wang, David, and Linda N. Groat. Architectural Research Methods. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2002; Robert K. Yin, Case Study Research: Design and Methods (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2013).

2. Creswell, John W, and J David Creswell. “Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches,” n.d.

STRAW

3. Robert E. Stake, The Art of Case Study Research (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1995); Robert K. Yin, Case Study Research: Design and Methods (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2013).

4. Fairclough, Critical Discourse Analysis: The Critical Study of Language (London: Longman, 1995), page number.

5. Michael Q. Patton, “Enhancing the Quality and Credibility of Qualitative Analysis,” Health Services Research 34 (1999): 1189-1208.

DATA REVIEW

Iterattive Feedback & Interviews

Approach

Bio-based Industries and Opportunities

Photography

Site Visits

Opportunities & Contraints of 6 Materials

This project undertakes qualitative research, guided by an understanding that architectural research can follow a rigorous research methodology that enables creativity whilst working within the bounds of contemporary research methods. 1

Viability Matrix

Bio-based Material matrix

Literature Reviews

DATA COLLECTION

Client Consultation

Quantitative Methods

BGS serves as a case study example to employ biobased material retrofitting; key-informant interviews draw expert advice and perspectives to inform the foundation of our work.

CASE STUDY

Qualitative Methods

Study Overview, Methodology & Methods

* METHOD EMPLOYED

BY DESIGNERS

SEAWEED Client Consultation

Straw contractor

Allie Wharf, Norfolk Seaweed

Architect using straw ex. Make Architects

Seaweed processing company

ArcGIS & Mapping

Seaweed acoustic panel researcher or manufacturer Semi-Structured & Open Interviews

ill.01 Research Methodology / by Emily Bowerman 12

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CULTIVATING COMMONS

Achieving Net Zero in the UK Addressing Operational and Embodied Carbon Emissions and the British Geological Survey (BGS) as a case study.

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich and Priyanka Awatramani

In 2018, the UK emitted 1511 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) Green House Gas (GHG), encompassing territorial, production, and footprint emissions as per the Office for National Statistics. 1 With the Climate Change Act 2008 the UK government in 2019 set a target for achieving a 100% reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2050 known as the Net Zero Target. 2 The construction industry plays a significant role in these emissions, accounting for approximately 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint, as estimated by the UK Green Building Council.

However, most decarbonisation efforts within this sector have primarily focused on reducing “operational carbon,” which pertains to emissions from a building’s energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting. However, the clean energy transition is questionable. As cited by Dark Matter Labs in their New European Bauhaus lighthouse project, “solar and wind facilities require up to 15 times more concrete, 90 times more aluminum, and 50 times more iron, copper, and glass than fossil fuels or nuclear energy”.3 It is also estimated by the Mining Watch Canada that approximately three billion tons of metals and minerals will have to be mined to facilitate the energy transition. Additionally, inefficiencies in insulation and design contribute to high energy consumption for heating and cooling in buildings, particularly in the UK. There are 80 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) institutions that may require retrofitting to enhance energy efficiency, improve interior conditions, and achieve Net Zero, with the highest concentration of them in the southeast of England. The British Geological Survey (BGS) is among these institutions and has approached us to explore new alternatives for meeting these goals. In their efforts to align with the UK’s target of a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, BGS is focusing on retrofitting four of its buildings and has engaged the consultancy firm Pick Everard to provide a comprehensive analysis of the refurbishment. This analysis evaluates factors such as cost, function, and carbon emissions but does not address emissions related to the materials used and their sourcing. This thesis aims to complement this work by incorporating material-related emissions into the evaluation.

Additionally, it can serve as a case study that other institutions can reference to address these crucial aspects in their own retrofitting efforts and the path towards Net Zero.

2040

80 UKRI institutions retrofitting for Net Zero emissions

2050

100% reduction in Green House Emissions. Net Zero target set in 2019.

2023

40% 1. “Emissions,” accessed April 16, 2024, https://climate-change.data.gov.uk/dashboards/ emissions.

of the UK’s total carbon footprint​ is from the construction industry

2. “Net Zero Government Initiative: UK Roadmap to Net Zero Government Emissions,” n.d.

3. “New-European-Bauhaus-Economy_Digital-version_DML.Pdf,” accessed February 18, 2024, https://www.irresistiblecircularsociety.eu/assets/uploads/20230707-New-European-BauhausEconomy_Digital-version_DML.pdf.

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map.01 Concentration of UKRI institutions / by Emily Bowerman

Concentration of UKRI Institutions

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CULTIVATING COMMONS

100km defining regional scale

British Geological Survey (BGS)

British Geological Survey (BGS)

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is a pillar of geological research and scientific advancement. It is the world’s oldest national geological survey, founded in 1835 as the Ordnance Geological Survey by Thomas F. Colby and Henry Thomas de la Beche, the BGS mission was to systematically survey and understand the geological landscape of the United Kingdom.

This culminated when the Museum of Economic Geology was created in 1835, which served as a hub for collecting and studying geological specimens.6 Over the years, the BGS expanded its scope and influence, playing a crucial role in shaping the scientific landscape of the UK and beyond. The Geological Survey Act in 1845 provided the legal framework necessary for the survey’s continued growth and development. Afterwards, the establishment of the School of Mines in 1851 and the separation of the Geological Survey and Museum from the Royal School of Mines in 1872, underscored the BGS’s commitment to advancing geological education and research. 6 In 1965, the BGS underwent a significant transformation with the passage of the Science and Technology Act, leading to the creation of the Institute of Geological Sciences (IGS). This evolution marked a new chapter in the BGS’s history, solidifying its position as a world-leading geological survey and research institution. In 1984, the organisation was officially renamed the British Geological Survey, reflecting its expanded mandate and growing influence in the scientific community. 6 fig.02 Aerial view of the Mary Ward College as it was offered for sale in 1975 / Source: BGS

6. British Geological Survey. “Our History.” British Geological Survey. Accessed March, 2024. https://www.bgs.ac.uk/about-bgs/our-work/our-history/.

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Today, the BGS continues to uphold its legacy of excellence and innovation, with cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary approaches to address geological and environmental challenges. As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the BGS remains at the forefront of public-good science, providing invaluable geoscientific data and expertise to support informed decision-making and sustainable resource management for all.

With a constant commitment to scientific excellence and public service, the BGS remains at the top of geological knowledge and exploration, shaping our understanding of the Earth’s past, present, and future. 6

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map.02 UKRI Institutions / by Emily Bowerman and Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

UKRI Institutions

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CULTIVATING COMMONS

Pick Everard’s Retrofitting Proposal

Embodied Carbon extraction, processing, manufacture; transportation; assembly and installation on-site; replacement, refurbishment, maintenance, demolition, disposal; of materials and processes

The proposal only accounts for reducing carbon emissions of the operational energy through maintenance and alternative energy sources.

+ Operational Carbon ​​

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

energy usage in the service life of a structure including lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilating systems; and operating building appliances.

Pick Everard was commissioned to conduct a thorough review of the British Geological Survey (BGS) building, focusing on potential refurbishment or new construction options for the laboratory facilities. In response to BGS’s requirements for short and long-term maintenance, net-zero aspirations, energy decarbonisation, and adaptable working methods, Pick Everard proposed distinct outcomes. These options were meticulously analysed to address the need for phased strategies, storage solutions, and improvements to workspace design. With most of the existing building fabric requiring replacement within the next decade, Pick Everard’s assessment also considered the structural integrity and longevity of the facilities. Following a comprehensive evaluation, they identified five viable paths forward for the BGS building.7

=

Option 2: Partial Refurbishment

2

Pros: Less schedule impact.

Achieves degassing of site.

Low impact on electrical capacity.

Phisical Properties and Fluid Processes Laboratory

Phisical Properties and Fluid Processes Laboratory

Cons: Long-term maintenance impacted.

Limited flexibility.

Limited improvement in workspaces.

Environmental and Isotope Geotechnical Laboratories III

Environmental and Isotope Geotechnical Laboratories, NERC Isotope Geoscience Lab

Pros: Maintains existing infrastructure.

Minimal disruption to operations.

Opportunities for workspace reconfiguration.

Environmental and Isotope Geotechnical Laboratories III

Option 1: Business as Usual

Environmental and Isotope Geotechnical Laboratories II

Environmental and Isotope Geotechnical Laboratories, NERC Isotope Geoscience Lab

7. Pick Everard, 2023. “Natural Environmental Research Council & British Geological Survey Laboratories - Feasibility Report” No. 1.

1

Environmental and Isotope Geotechnical Laboratories II

Life Cycle Emissions

Option 3: Full Refurbishment

3

Cons: Limited long-term benefits.

Disruptions during refurbishment.

Limited scope for new science.

Pros: Enhances BREEAM Energy Issue performance.

Utilises existing space efficiently.

Improves building fabric.

Cons: Requires ambitious BREEAM score commitment.

Disruption to workspace during construction.

OPTION IIII Full Refurbishment I M P A C T Cost Implications Programme Implications Decant Requirements

Option 3: Full Refurbishment

ill.03 3D of BGS Campus / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

OPTION IIII Energy Efficiency

Full Refurbishment

Option 4: New Build / Relocation

4

Pros: Compliance with regulations.

Potential for new science opportunities.

Improved energy efficiency.

Cons: Challenges in achieving BREEAM Excellence.

Disruption to workspace during construction.

High negative impact on electrical capacity.

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Option 5: Hybrid

5

Pros: Flexibility of spaces.

Position as world-class leaders.

Positive impact on decarbonisation.

Cons: Relocation expenses.

Risk to business continuity.

Disruptions during construction.

Decarbonization I M P A C T Degasification Cost Implications Workplace Flexibility Programme Implications Decant Requirements Energy Efficiency Decarbonization Degasification Workplace Flexibility

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RECIPROCAL LANDSCAPES OF UK BUILDING INDUSTRY

Sites of Conventional Building Materials Decarbonising the construction industry is essential to reduce UK’s overall emissions

by Priyanka Awatramani

I

RECIPROCAL LANDSCAPES OF UK BUILDING INDUSTRY Bridging the gaps between biobased construction materials (non-sites) and landscapes of production

Addressing the challenges of the construction industry requires a focus on reducing our energy consumption and adopt practices that make our buildings more resilient to the climate.

This would entail critically addressing the contribution of the “embodied” carbon emissions in the construction industry. As stated by ACAN in the Briefing Note of Carbon Footprint Construction, embodied carbon emissions account for up to 75% of a building’s total emissions over its lifespan.4 These emissions are associated with materials and processes throughout the entire lifecycle of a building, including extraction, processing, and manufacture of materials; transportation; assembly and installation on-site; as well as replacement, refurbishment, maintenance, demolition, and disposal.

Most conventional building materials like cement and stone are non-recyclable materials, meaning that at the end of their life-cycle they just go into the landfills, creating pressures on waste management. These extractive and disposal processes not only contribute to carbon emissions but have a detrimental impact on the environment including natural resource depletion and waste generation, harming ecosystems. The global resource extraction and processing currently accounts for more than 35% of global biodiversity loss and water stress.5 Despite their substantial contribution to overall emissions, strategies aimed at reducing embodied carbon have often been overlooked.

This stems from traditional linear approaches to building design and operation which overlook the interconnectedness of various systems within a building. Building materials and structures, often perceived as durable, are actually “designed for obsolescence.”6 Rapid urban development exacerbates these challenges, involving significant land use changes and extraction of natural resources, leading to habitat destruction and increased carbon emissions.

reducing carbon emissions to encompass broader environmental factors such as water usage, material sourcing, and waste generation. This propels an urgency to “transition” towards regenerative materials, prioritising ethically produced, low-carbon, biobased building materials that can significantly reduce dependence on conventional materials such as concrete, steel and aluminum. These curb carbon intensive extraction and production systems, advancing in decarbonisation efforts.

Improved building standards and retrofitting existing structures can further aid in reducing energy reliance and enhance building resilience. Embracing circular economy principles, such as resource reuse, recycling, and regeneration, is crucial. By integrating these considerations into building design and construction practices, we can mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainable development within the construction industry. Moreover, decarbonisation efforts offer numerous benefits beyond mitigating climate change, including better health, improvement in quality of life, shifts towards circular economies, biodiversity and habitat preservation, and disaster resilience. Ultimately, this holistic approach enables the creation of healthier, more resilient communities while addressing the urgent challenge of climate change.

Shifting towards a holistic view that considers interactions between material, energy, water, waste, and occupants is essential. Decarbonisation efforts must extend beyond solely

4. On the other hand, in ACAN’s full report on The Carbon Footprint of the Construction, it estimates the embodied carbon emissions in the construction industry at around 10% of the UK’s total emission and 40% as the total emissions of the construction sector.

5. United Nations Environment Programme, Global Resources Outlook 2019: Natural Resources for the Future We Want (UN, 2020), 5, https://doi.org/10.18356/689a1a17-en.

6. United Nations Environment Programme and Yale Center for Ecosystems +Architecture, “Building Materials and the Climate: Constructing a New Future” (United Nations Environment Programme, September 2023), https://wedocs.unep.org/xmlui/handle/20.500.11822/43293.

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RECIPROCAL LANDSCAPES OF UK BUILDING INDUSTRY

UK Landscapes of Extraction

by Priyanka Awatramani

“The sites and non-sites were linked by material displacement from one to the other, but also through their differences. Sites were peripheral, overlooked spaces that supplied materials for urban development, while non-sites were central concentrations of cultural capital.”7

Through the lens of Jane Hutton’s Reciprocal Landscapes, we examined the material supply chains within the UK’s construction sector. In this framework, the construction sector’s reliance on material extraction sites as “sites” and the built environment as “non-sites” becomes apparent. UK’s construction sector is a critical component of the nation’s economy; the industry contributes significantly to carbon emissions and landscape degradation due to heavy reliance on fossil fuels and machinery.

We mapped these extraction sites in two categories: bedrock reserves reflecting geological resources and stone quarries along with superficial deposits representing available aggregate resources. According to the BGS’ Mineral Planning factsheet, there are 439 active building stone and slate quarries, with concentrations particularly evident in regions such as the Midlands, South-West, and Northern Ireland. The East Midlands hosts an abundance of limestone resources, with numerous cement factories spread around these resources.

Sand and gravel, essential components for construction, are sourced through various means, including crushing sandstone and extraction from superficial deposits. These aggregates, comprising approximately 85% of non-energy minerals extracted in the UK, are procured from over 1300 quarries across the UK, as well as through marine aggregate dredging. The heatmap reveals the highest concentration of quarries in regions like the South-East, Midlands, and East Scotland highlighting an abundance of reserves in these areas. Due to the scale of this industry, the production totalling approximately 260 million tonnes annually, remains labour-intensive, providing employment for an estimated 88,000 individuals, both directly and indirectly. 8 This insight into the scale and spatial dynamics of material extraction and production in the UK, within the framework of reciprocal landscapes becomes crucial for informed decisionmaking regarding resource management and environmental sustainability.

7. Hutton, Jane. Reciprocal Landscapes: Stories of Material Movements. (Routledge, 2019): 1.

8. “Aggregates | Mines & Quarries | MineralsUK,” accessed April 17, 2024, https://www2.bgs.ac.uk/ mineralsuk/mines/aggregates.html. fig.37 Four Heavy Equipment Vehicles in a Quarry During the Day by McLendon, Shane / Source: Unsplash

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map.03 Geological Reserves and Stone Quarries / by Priyanka Awatramani and Emily Bowerman

Geological Reserves and Stone Quarries

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RECIPROCAL LANDSCAPES OF UK BUILDING INDUSTRY

Global Warming Potential of building materials

Granite

GWP 0.07 kg CO2e/kg

Limestone

GWP 0.09 kg CO2e/kg

Sandstone

GWP 0.06 kg CO2e/kg

Marble

GWP 0.13 kg CO2e/kg

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Geological Reserves and Stone Quarries

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64.5 million tonnes extracted land and marine sand and gravel

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125.9 million tonnes extracted crushed rock

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map.03a Heatmap of Geological Reserves and Stone Quarries map.4a Heatmap of Sand and Gravel Reserves and Industries / by Priyanka Awatramani

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Sand and Gravel Reserves and Industries map.04 Sand and Gravel Reserves and Industries / by Priyanka Awatramani and Emily Bowerman

Sand and Gravel Reserves and Industries

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RECIPROCAL LANDSCAPES OF UK BUILDING INDUSTRY

Construction Minerals Global Imports UK’s carbon footprint is largely attributed to the global importation of goods and materials

by Priyanka Awatramani

Despite the significant extraction of construction materials within the UK, a substantial portion of the carbon footprint associated with the construction industry stems from the imports of materials. The UK is a net importer of crucial construction materials such as cement, iron, and stone from various regions worldwide.9 This reliance on imports introduces complexities into the carbon accounting of the construction sector, particularly as these materials traverse vast distances, often from disparate continents.

Iron ore, for instance, is sourced from five different continents, highlighting the global nature of material supply chains and the interconnectedness of the construction industry with international markets. This dependence on imported materials is visually represented through the depiction of emission rings surrounding the globe, illustrating the total emissions linked to the imports of these materials into the UK. While the UK’s extraction sites contribute to domestic supply, the industry’s increased demands and globalisation have normalised the use of materials produced from across the globe.

The design and construction sectors, driven by factors such as cost considerations, availability, quality standards and aesthetics, have resulted in the sourcing of construction materials from across the globe. This trend has led to the establishment of complex networks of extraction, transportation, and distribution, amplifying the carbon footprint associated with the construction industry.

Moreover, the imports of construction materials affect additional environmental and social considerations beyond carbon emissions. Issues such as habitat destruction, land degradation, and labour exploitation are often linked to the extraction and production of materials in other countries, making it crucial to incorporate holistic assessments in construction material procurement. To demonstrate where these impacts might be most severe, the globe displays the domestic extraction of construction materials by each country along with locations of major extractive sites. It is therefore critical that the addressing the carbon footprint of imported materials adopts a multifaceted approach that considers not only the direct emissions associated with extraction and transportation but also the broader environmental and social impacts throughout the supply chain.

9. Lott, Graham; Highley, David; Cameron, Don; Cowley, John. 2007 “Mineral planning factsheet : building and roofing stone. British Geological Survey”: 3, (Mineral planning factsheet) (Unpublished), accessed April 17, 2024, https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/534424/1/mpf_ buildingstone.pdf.

MINERALS IMPORTED Stone Iron Ore Cement

CONSTRUCTION MINERALS DOMESTIC EXTRACTION OF EACH COUNTRY Most Extraction

Least Extraction

map.05 Construction Minerals Global Imports / by Priyanka Awatramani fig.38 “Leicester’s High Street to Get New Look in Major Revamp.” / Source: BBC News

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Waste in the construction industry Construction and Demolition wastes end up in landfills contributing to landscape and soil degradation

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich The UK faces a critical challenge, with 42% of its landfills already reaching capacity,10 emphasising the urgency for sustainable waste management solutions. As per DEFRA’s statistics of 2016, 62% of all UK waste comprises demolition and excavation waste,11 highlighting the need for a shift towards a cradle-to-cradle approach. This approach aims to ensure that materials harvested can return to the land through composting sites, rather than ending up in a landfill.

10. Environment Agency, 2020. “Remaining Landfill Capacity.” Retrieved from https://www.data.gov.uk/ dataset/237825cb-dc10-4c53-8446-1bcd35614c12/remaining-landfill-capacity” 11. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, 2020. “UK Statistics on Waste, 2020 Edition.”

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map.06 Landfill vs Composting Sites / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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BIOBASED MATERIALS

Biobased materials Biobased materials which are responsibly sourced from the earth, have regenerative benefits, have low embodied energy , a continuous lifecycle and some offer carbon sequestration.

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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BIOBASED MATERIALS

The landscapes of extraction and architecture are intricately linked, prompting a need to reconnect design with landscape and agricultural practices. Building on the concept of Material Cultures, the initial drawings when designing a building should carefully consider the selection of materials and their potential impact on people, the economy, and environmental factors such as climate and ecology.1 Around the world, landscapes are being shaped by extraction activities. Understanding this is crucial, especially considering that the typical lifespan of modern buildings is around 50 years.

As said earlier, 62% of all UK waste consisted of demolition and excavation waste.2 In response, contemporary construction should aim to be “designed for a post-waste economy where all components can be reused, recycled, or composted,” as proposed by Material Cultures in their book Material Reform.

Buying into biobased; how building materials can be designed for broader landscape sustainability

These resources must be regenerative. Materials harvested from forests or agricultural lands should be managed sustainably, considering the quantity and characteristics of each material regionally to prevent depletion and soil erosion.

Biobased materials offer sustainability throughout their lifespan.

From planting to use in construction, and even after demolition, they can be composted back into the land. Additionally, they contribute to carbon sequestration and can act as carbon sinks when planted, grown, and used as a material.

The performance and benefits of materials should not only be based on their behaviour in the built environment but also on the footprint they leave before arriving on site. 11% of worldwide carbon emissions come from their manufacturing.3 Locally harvested biobased materials lend identity to the design of buildings, aligning them with their surroundings and connecting them with the unique qualities that compose each region.

France has been at the forefront of promoting bioconstruction practices, exemplified by the “Guide matériaux biosourcés et commande publique” published in April 2020. It reflects the

SEAWEED

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country’s leadership in promoting environmentally friendly building practices. This guide reveals France’s commitment to encouraging the use of bio-sourced materials in public buildings, aligning with sustainability goals and regulatory frameworks.

While not mandatory, the integration of bio-sourced materials is actively encouraged and supported through various regulations, guidelines, and incentives, emphasising their environmental performance, economic benefits, and contribution to sustainable construction practices. Public authorities are urged to prioritise these materials to align with environmental objectives, promote local economic development, and enhance the overall sustainability of construction projects. Incentives such as subsidies, regulatory support, financial assistance, capacity-building programs, and networking opportunities further promote the adoption of bio-sourced materials in public procurement and construction projects. France’s support for specific farming practices that promote the production of bio-sourced materials enhances the availability, quality, and environmental performance of such materials. The collaborative effort behind the guide, led by the French Ministry of Territorial Cohesion and the Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, reflects the government’s dedication to promoting sustainable construction practices and bio-sourced materials in public procurement strategies. 4 France’s proactive stance on bioconstruction serves as a valuable example for nations aiming to promote sustainable construction practices and the use of bio-sourced materials.

The UK can learn from France’s initiatives and collaborative efforts in advancing environmentally friendly building solutions.

By adopting similar measures and leveraging lessons learned from France’s experience, the UK can enhance its own efforts to promote sustainability in construction and public procurement.

This exchange of knowledge and best practices contributes to a global movement towards a more sustainable built environment, emphasising the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.

1. Material Cultures. Material Reform. London: Mack Books, 2023.

2. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, 2020. “UK Statistics on Waste, 2020 Edition.”

3. “Mycelium Insulation,” UK Green Building Council, accessed March 2024, https://ukgbc.org/ resources/mycelium-insulation/ 4. French Ministry of Territorial Cohesion and Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition.

“Matériaux biosourcés et commande publique.” April 2020

ill.04 Biobased Material icons / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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Growing Conditions

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Environmental Raw Benefits Materials

Policies & Stakeholders

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Background and Facts

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Building Material Performance

Biobased Materials Viability Framework

1. Biobased Material matrix This matrix lays out the logistical aspects of setting up a biobased industry in the UK in a zine format. This includes factors such growing conditions, required labour and resources, process of cultivating / sourcing, the expected yield, and key policies and stakeholders that affect the industry. These insights are crucial to assessing the feasibility of biobased industries in the UK. 2. Biobased Industries and Opportunities Mapping the current landscape of biobased industries in the UK involves identifying farmed areas, producers, distributors, and processing facilities. Additionally, factors such as favourable areas and protected areas are recognised for expansion or adoption of biobased industries. This highlights the opportunities existing within the biobased sector.

The performance characteristics of biobased building materials is assessed in a simple tabular format. Factors such as compressive strength, thermal and acoustic performance, fire and moisture resistance, and pest resistance are laid out for available or potential forms of building materials developed out of biobased materials. This informs decision-making regarding material selection while ensuring compliance with existing codes and guidelines.

4. Embodied Carbon for Potential Building Materials* As stated before, the embodied carbon of building materials is often overlooked in decarbonisation efforts. A visual summary of embodied carbon of biobased building materials versus conventional building materials highlights the environmental benefits of biobased alternatives, aiding in informed decisionmaking.

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Summary Map for all industries region-wise

5. Biobased Regional Summary Map This map ranks each biobased material based on their availability and the exapansion opportunities they present for each region in the UK. This serves as a valuable tool for the UKRI institutions in decision-making, offering insights into material availability and potential for retrofitting.

These studies and summaries highlight two significant things for the project. Firstly, due to its unique conditions, UK demonstrates vast potential for most types of biobased materials. Secondly, certain biobased industries like that of clay and timber are more established compared to emerging industries like seaweed and hemp. Thus, a nuanced approach tailored to each industry’s maturity level is essential to effectively drive biobased initiatives forward.

For All Materials

This framework comprises of five key studies:

3. Building Material Performance Table*

Potential Building Materials

Embodied Carbon

Embodied Carbon

Embodied Carbon

Embodied Carbon

Embodied Carbon

Embodied Carbon

For All Building Materials

by Priyanka Awatramani

For All Building Materials

Criteria like compliance, strength, etc.

Different Materials

Biobased Material Evaluation

Shifting from conventional materials to biobased requires a strategic approach. How do we know which material to choose?

And if it is feasible? Understanding existing opportunities of biobased materials in the UK, cultivation or sourcing processes, licensing requirements, investment needs and production capacities is vital. This entails assessing growing conditions, regulatory frameworks, and logistical aspects. This is essential to leverage the potential of alternative building materials effectively.

Existing Industries and Opportunities in UK

For Each Material

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ill.05 Viability Framework / by Priyanka Awatramani

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BIOBASED MATERIALS

As part of our material evaluation for the retrofitting project at the British Geological Survey (BGS), we created six Zines focusing on biobased materials: Seaweed, Straw, Mycelium, Timber, Clay, and Hemp.

Each Zine provides comprehensive information on the growing conditions, relevant policies, stakeholders involved, harvesting processes, and raw materials required for each type. Additionally, they cover environmental benefits, yield, and species available in the UK. This exercise aims to support the decisionmaking process for stakeholders involved in sustainable building practices, including architects, builders, policymakers, and researchers.

Find them in the pockets on the back of the book.

fig.39 Zines, August 2024 / Photo: by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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SE S WEE WE

to support lines

cutting off 50-100g

BIOBASED MATERIALS

Statistics by FAO https://www.fao.org/3/AC287E/AC287E03.htm

SPECIES IN THE UK SPECIES IN THE UK

Mid-intertidal zone

Biobased material matrix Ascophyllum Nodosum thrives in the mid-intertidal zone, enduring fluctuating tides, while Laminaria Hyperborea inhabits the sub-littoral zone, anchoring to rocky seabeds in depths of up to 20 meters or more.

Pelvetia Canaliculata Corallina Officinalis Sea Lettuce Ulva intestinalis Gutweed Oarweed

Spreading harvest on drying platform

Shred seaweed

YIELD AND STAKEHOLDERS POLICIES

materials ASC-MSC seaweed standard Harvest frequency

8 weeks

SEAWEED

Harvest frequency

10- 15 lines / day working 4 days per week

SEA WEED

// Wave attenuation prevents soil erosion // Seaweed supports marine biodiversity

Mid-intertidal zone

// A mix of 40% sargassum and 60% other organic materials for the Sargablock // 3000 Sargablocks a day can be made by a single machine Ascophyllum Nodosum thrives in the mid-intertidal zone, enduring fluctuating tides, while Laminaria Hyperborea inhabits the sub-littoral zone, anchoring to rocky seabeds in depths of up to 20 meters or more.

Ascophyllum Nodosum thrives in the mid-intertidal zone, enduring fluctuating tides, while Laminaria Hyperborea inhabits the sub-littoral zone, anchoring to rocky seabeds in depths of up to 20 meters or more.

Himanthalia elongata Sea Lettuce Saccharina Serrated Wrack Channelled Ulva intestinalis Sugar kelp wrack Chondrus crispus Ulva Lactuca Gutweed Ascophyllum nodosum Bladder wrack Laminaria digitata Fucus VesiculosusHimanthalia Oarweed Sea Spaghetti elongata Saccharina Fucus Spiralis Saccorhiza Polyschides Serrated Wrack Sugar kelp Ulva Lactuca Ascophyllum nodosum Fucus Vesiculosus Sea Spaghetti Fucus Spiralis Saccorhiza Polyschides

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

YIELD

GROWING CONDITIONS

PROCESSENVIRONMENTAL AND LABOUR BENEFITS

Harvest frequency

SEA WEED

Ascophyllum Nodosum thrives in the mid-intertidal zone, enduring fluctuating tides, while Laminaria Hyperborea inhabits the sub-littoral zone, anchoring to rocky seabeds in depths of up to 20 meters or more.

SEA WEED ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

ASC-MSC seaweed standard Harvest frequency

PROCESS cultivatingAND LABOUR

Aquaculture Stewardshi commons ASC-MSC seaweed standard Harvest frequency Marine Stewardship Cou

Harvesting

8 weeks

Harvest frequency

Organic matter

Limestone

10- 15 lines / day

working 4 days per week Sargasum

120 kg / day

For a farm size of 320 Limestone or 480 lines

// Seaweed supports marine biodiversity // Wave attenuation prevents soil erosion // Does not require any pesticides or fresh water to grow

// Does not require any pesticides or fresh water to grow

bio based materials

Spreading harvest on drying platform

// Can be used as a fertilizer Shred seaweed

Packing dry seaweed

Mid-intertidal zone

For a farm size of 320 or 480 lines // £200-320 materials and tools // One Person to manage Ascophyllum Nodosum thrives in the mid-intertidal zone, enduring fluctuating tides, while Laminaria Hyperborea inhabits the sub-littoral zone, anchoring to rocky seabeds in depths of up to 20 meters or more.

RAW MATERIALS

Marin The Chain of Custody Standard assures that all seafood MarLI Scottish Association for (seaweed as food) sold comes Organic matter from a fishery that has been The Chain of Custody Standard Centre for Environment, certified as sustainable assures that all seafood Aquaculture Science (CE Scotti (seaweed as food) sold comes from a fisheryAttaching that has been seedstocks Preparation of seedstock Seaweed ResearchCentr Advi to support lines cutting off 50-100g certified as sustainable initiative Aquac

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initiat North East Atlantic Fishe

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Sargablock // A mix of 40% sargassum and 60% other organic materials for the Sargablock // 3000 Sargablocks a day can be made by a single machine

SPECIES IN THE UK SPECIES IN THE UK

North

// A mix of 40% sargassum and 60% other organic materials for the Sargablock // 3000 Sargablocks a day canwrack be made by a single machine Channelled Pelvetia Canaliculata Chondrus crispus Bladder wrack Corallina Officinalis Laminaria digitata Himanthalia elongata Sea Lettuce Saccharina Serrated Wrack Ulva intestinalis Sugar kelp Ulva Lactuca Gutweed Ascophyllum nodosum Fucus Vesiculosus Oarweed Sea Spaghetti Fucus Spiralis Saccorhiza Polyschides

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLDERS

Spreading harvest on drying platform

Shred seaweed

Pac

For a farm size of 320 or 480 lines // £200-320 materials and tools // One Person to manage

RAW MATERIALSYIELD

GROWING CONDITIONS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

AND POLICIES ANDPROCESS STAKEHOLDE

ASC-MSC seaweed standard Harvest frequency Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

SEA WEEDSEA WEED

MarLIN (Marine Biological Association)

Sargasum

Limestone

Organic matter

The Chain of Custody Standard assures that all seafood (seaweed as food) sold comes from a fishery that has been certified as sustainable

8 weeks

ASC-MSC seaweed standard Harvest frequency

120 kg / day

10- 15 lines / day

Harvest frequency

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)

Sargasum

Limestone

Organic matter

Statistics by FAO https://www.fao.org/3/AC287E/AC287E03.htm

// Can be used as a fertilizer

North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission // Seaweed supports marine biodiversity // A mix of 40% sargassum and 60% other organic materials for the Sargablock // 3000 Sargablocks a day can be made by a single machine

Mid-intertidal zonebio based cultivating // Does not require any pesticides or fresh water to grow commons materials

assures that all seafood (seaweed as food) sold comes from a fishery that has been certified as sustainable

Sargablock Channelled wrack Chondrus crispus Bladder wrack Laminaria digitata cultivating bio based Himanthalia elongata Saccharina Serrated Wrack Sugar kelp commons materials // A mix of 40% sargassum and 60% other organic materials for the Sargablock Ascophyllum // 3000 Sargablocks a day can be made by nodosum a single machine Ulva Lactuca Ascophyllum Nodosum thrives in the mid-intertidal zone, enduring fluctuating tides, Fucus Vesiculosus Sea Spaghetti while Laminaria Hyperborea inhabits the sub-littoral zone, anchoring to rocky seabeds Fucus Spiralis Saccorhiza Polyschides in depths of up to 20 meters or more.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

ill.06 Seaweed Matrix / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich and Emily Bowerman fig.03 Seaweed Harvest / Source: Atlantic Sea Farms

SPECIES IN THE UK SPECIES IN THE UK

// Can be used as a fertilizer

RAW MATERIALS

Marine Stewardship Counc

MarLIN (Marine Biological A Attaching seed Preparation of seedstock to support l cutting off 50-100g The Chain of Custody Standard

Marine Management Organisation // Wave attenuation prevents soil erosion

Sargablock

Aquaculture Stewardship C

For a farm size of 320 or 480 lines

working 4 days per week

Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)

Seaweed Research Advisory Group, UK govt. initiative

// Seaweed supports marine biodiversity

fig.03 36

POLICIES AND S

// Wave attenuation prevents soil erosion

// Wave attenuation prevents soil erosion

// Does not require any pesticides or fresh water to grow

Attaching seedstocks to support lines

Preparation of seedstock cutting off 50-100g

// Seaweed supports marine biodiversity // Can be used as a fertilizer

Pelvetia Canaliculata Corallina Officinalis Sea Lettuce Ulva intestinalis Gutweed Oarweed

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLD

RAW MATERIALS

Sargasum

SPECIES IN THE UK SPECIES IN THE UK Channelled wrack Chondrus crispus Bladder wrack Laminaria digitata Himanthalia elongata Saccharina Sugar kelp cultivatingSerrated Wrack Ulva Lactuca Ascophyllumcommons nodosum Fucus Vesiculosus Sea Spaghetti Fucus Spiralis Saccorhiza Polyschides

Shred seaw

Aquac MarLIN (Marine Biologic

Statistics by FAO https://www.fao.org/3/AC287E/AC287E03.htm

Mid-intertidal zone

P

For a farm size of 320 or 480 lines // £200-320 materials and tools // One Person to manage

YIELD

For a farm size of 320 or 480 lines

working 4 days per week

Pelvetia Canaliculata Spreading harvest Corallina Officinalis on drying platform Sea Lettuce For a farm size of 320 or 480 lines Ulva intestinalis // £200-320 materials and tools Gutweed // One Person to manage Oarweed

SEAWEED

120 kg / day

10- 15 lines / day

Shred seaweed

on drying platform

RAW MATERIALS

GROWING CONDITIONS 8 weeks

SE WEE

Statistics by FAO https://www.fao.org/3/AC287E/AC287E03.htm

Sargablock

// Can be used as a fertilizer

cultivating commons

SPECIES IN THE Seaweed UK Research Advisory Group, UK govt. initiative SPECIES IN THE UK Marine Management Organisation SPECIES INPelvetia THE UK Channelled wrack Canaliculata Chondrus crispus SPECIES IN THE UKFisheries Commission Spreading harvest North East Atlantic Bladder wrack Corallina Officinalis Laminaria digitata

Mid-intertidal zone

// Does not require any pesticides or fresh water to grow

120 kg / day

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) For a farm size of 320 Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or 480 lines

For a farm size of 320Preparation of seedstock working 4 days per week Attaching seedstocks or 480 lines to support lines cutting off 50-100g The Chain of Custody Standard assures that all seafood Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) Attaching seed Preparation of seedstock (seaweed as food) sold comes to support l cutting off 50-100g from aStatistics fishery that has been

by FAO https://www.fao.org/3/AC287E/AC287E03.htm Centre for Environment, Fisheries and certified as sustainable Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) Harvest frequency

Organic matter

Limestone

PROCESS AND

120 kg / day 10- 15 lines / day MarLIN (Marine Biological Association)

8 weeks

Sargasum

PROCESS AND LABOUR

YIELD

bio based GROWING CONDITIONS

cultivating commons

Packing dry seaweed

For a farm size of 320 or 480 lines // £200-320 materials and tools // One Person to manage

GROWING CONDITIONS RAW MATERIALS

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

SEAWEED

Channelled wrack Bladder wrack Himanthalia elongata Serrated Wrack Ulva Lactuca Fucus Vesiculosus Fucus Spiralis

Chondrus crispus Laminaria digitata Saccharina Sugar kelp Ascophyllum nodosum Sea Spaghetti Saccorhiza Polyschides

Scottish Association for Ma

Centre for Environment, Fis Aquaculture Science (CEFA

Seaweed Research Advisor initiative

Marine Management Organ Pelvetia Canaliculata Corallina Officinalis Sea Lettuce Ulva intestinalis Gutweed Oarweed

North East Atlantic Fisherie Spreading harvest Shred seaw on drying platform

For a farm size of 320 or 480 lines // £200-320 materials and tools // One Person to manage

POLICIES AND S

ASC-MSC seaweed standard Harvest frequency

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Aquac

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2023

13 marine licenses issued for commercial seaweed farming in the UK

2021

15,000 tonnes (wet weight) of seaweed was harvested in the UK by some estimates

Seaweed Industry & Opportunities

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

A new wave of sustainable acquaculture is emerging in the UK - Seaweed farming. While historically dominated by shellfish and fish farming, recent attention has shifted towards seaweed cultivation due to its rich nutritional content, pharmaceutical potential, and versatility in applications such as fertilisers, animal feed, and potential use as a construction material.

Insights gathered from industry experts like Allie Wharf from Norfolk Seaweed shed light on the progress of pilot seaweed farming projects along UK’s coast. Combining this firsthand knowledge with our desktop research, we have mapped potential opportunities for scaling up seaweed cultivation in the UK. Our mapping process considered various environmental and social factors influencing the feasibility and sustainability of seaweed farming. Data included wave patterns, port accessibility, ocean floor depths, fishing vessel traffic, marine protected areas, and synergies with offshore wind farms. By analysing these factors, we identified regions with optimal conditions for seaweed cultivation while minimising potential conflicts with existing marine activities and conservation efforts.

For instance, the presence of ports in regions like the East Midlands signifies logistical advantages for seaweed farming operations, facilitating transportation and market access.

Coastal communities were mapped as potential hubs for the workforce, recognising their proximity to seaweed farming sites and the potential economic benefits for local people.

Furthermore, our mapping efforts aim to illustrate the importance of selecting sites with favorable wave patterns and minimal erosion susceptibility to ensure the viability and resilience of seaweed cultivation ventures. Eroded areas were targeted for seaweed cultivation to potentially attenuate waves and mitigate erosion, contributing to coastal resilience.

Sam Fenshawe Project Manager at Blue Marine

Anonymous Key Infomant Marine Research Organization

Allie Wharf Norfolk Seaweed Farmer

Pairing seaweed farming with planned offshore wind farms offers benefits, maximising resource utilisation and sharing ocean space. Mapping marine protected areas aimed to understand both the benefits and limitations of seaweed cultivation within these designated zones, ensuring alignment with conservation objectives. By considering these spatial dynamics, we aim to support the sustainable growth of the seaweed sector while conserving marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Ultimately, our efforts contribute to advancing the UK’s transition towards a more resilient and environmentally conscious aquaculture landscape to propel bio-construction.

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Interviewees drawings: by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich map.07 Seaweed Industries and Opportunities / by Emily Bowerman and Priyanka Awatramani

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Seaweed Production

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Production On February 23rd, 2024 we attended a site visit and interview with Allie Wharf of Norfolk Seaweed. We visited her at the Morston Quay where her offshore seaweed farm is located in Norfolk.

Allie is a former producer and director at the BBC and is now a passionate and devoted seaweed farmer.

The following outlines some of the key takeways from our conversation.

*NS = Norfolk Seaweed

- Seaweed farming has high costs of entry due to the licencing requirements, boats and infrastructure required.

- Norfolk Seaweed uses long-line offshore kelp farming techniques.

- Kelp is ready to harvest within 5 months of being set and some farms harvest twice a year.

- NS harvests in the spring, as it is best before the waters get warmer.

- The current farm is 25ha and NS has succesfully secured a license to expand to 50ha next year.

- They currently only have four people who manage the 25ha plot.

- They are exploring the use of remote sensing and monitoring tools to observe the offshore kelp farms.

- Kelp likes clear water with low wave action. Their farm is located nearby to a rock shelf that mitigates wave action.

- Hatching kelp is one of the major limitations as the only hatchery in the UK currently is in Scotland. This results in high transportation costs.

Environmental - Kelp is claimed to sequester carbon. Allie Wharf explained that once harvested, any sequestered carbon is released back into the atmosphere. However, online reports state otherwise *To be further investigated in Term 3 - Combining kelp farms and oyster farms can establish integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems that create more resilient crops and shellfish, and promotes habitat creation.

- Farming in a protective area is restrictive. They are trying to prove the ecological benefits of kelp to make expansion along the Norfolk coast more desirable by policymakers.

- Kelp farms can contribute to wave attenuation depending on their location. This can reduce coastal erosion.

Economic - Seaweed farming is a costly endeavour. NS’s established oyster farm made seaweed farming more accessible since they already owned boats, had prior experience in aquaculture, and were familiar with the Norfolk coast farming sector.

- Selling raw kelp is not that profitable. It is critical to monetise every aspect of the algae.

- Kelp for use in fertilisers is the most popular application.

Pharmaceutical industries have expressed interest in their product.

- Monetising the extracted or dried kelp is advantageous.

- No one has currently inquired about scaling kelp production for use in construction. However, Kathryn Larsen, seaweed architectural researcher, Netherlands has requested raw fibres for experimentation. * We are also awaiting a fibre sample from Allie.

- Looking ahead, the farm wants to construct its own hatching and processing facility to monopolise all aspects of processing and distribution on site.

1 Allie Wharf, interviewed by Priyanka Awatramani, Emily Bowerman & Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich, February 23, 2024.

Seaweed for BGS

by Emily Bowerman The proposed strategy for procuring materials for the BGS considers factors beyond its use in construction, such as how the materials are farmed, produced, and manufactured.

Therefore, based on the geography of the East Midlands, there is an extensive coastline with an existing Seaweed farm just beyond a 100km radius from the BGS as noted (the potential of Seaweed is further explored at the East Midlands scale, forthcoming in this report). Moreover, desktop research of additional farms across the UK reveal a drive to expand the industry and accelerate innovation in farming, production and the breadth of products being manufactured from Seaweed.

Although Seaweed is a relatively novel practice in the UK, globally, it is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and some Asian countries produce tens of millions of tonnes a year.5 Seaweed farmers are seeing the potential of kelp not only for its commercial use, but also its contributions to ecosystem health.

5. SAMS. “Experimental Seaweed Farms.” Seaweed farms - Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban UK. Accessed April 17, 2024. https://www.sams.ac.uk/facilities/seaweed-farms/.

6. Vincent, A., Stanley, A. and Ring, J., “Hidden champion of the ocean: Seaweed as a growth engine for a sustainable European future”, Seaweed for Europe, 2020 fig.05 Regenerative Ocean Farm / Source: Câr-Y-Môr, Wales fig.06 Irish Moss Seaweed – Organic, Wild Harvested from Donegal Bay / Source: unknown

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7. “SeaWood.” BlueBlocks, March 4, 2024.https://www.blueblocks.nl/portfolio/seawood/.

As Seaweed farming begins to expand, opportunities exist to prescribe sustainable farming and ecological marine management agendas; mitigation measures need to be in place to reduce potential for disease ridden monocultures or acceleration of erosion in vulnerable coastlines due to over sedimentation.

Opportunities exist for seaweed to contribute immediately to more sustainable cereal crop production, of which straw is a by-product, as an alternative to synthetic fertilisers. Kelp is fast growing and requires no pesticides or water for production.

Moreover, kelp fertiliser is bioavailable for plants, contains natural growth hormones like cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins that help plants sustain harsh climatic conditions like drought, heat, or disease, and it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that pollute waterways or ecosystems.6 Upon extracting nutrients from the Seaweed for use in fertiliser, the by-product could potentially be used for acoustic panels, exemplified by innovation companies such as BlueBlocks in the Netherlands. As Seaweed farming expands in the UK, opportunities exist to be at the forefront of circular supply chain thinking. 7 Overall, proposing Seaweed-based fertilisers as an immediate input to the straw supply chain could catalyse growth of the Seaweed industry. Scaling of a nascent coastal industry could create jobs in farming, research & innovation, machine-learning and more jobs that target younger demographics.

41

4 months AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

2023-2024

ST SA

30 - 100 m

Maximum time of growth for wheat

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Wheat

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BIOBASED MATERIALS

CEREALS IN THE UK

Germination and emergence

Tillering

Heading

Flowering

Grain filling and Maturity

Biobased material matrix

If it doesn’t rain, water them once a day

Tricale Rapeseed (used for fuel)

Wheat Barley Rye

Weed as necessary

Harvest

// Machinery is the largest cost as the price of a high-density baler is around €170,000, which corresponds to a cost around €2.11/bale // Winter wheat must be covered with 2.5 inches of soil, while spring wheat must be covered with 1.5 inches.

Ideal growing temperatures are between 21-24°C and a lot of sunshine

// 1,000 square feet will yield 30 kg of grains

YIELD AND STAKEHOLDERS POLICIES

GROWING CONDITIONS RAW MATERIALS

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

STRAW

YIELD

GROWING CONDITIONS bio based

cultivating commons

materials

STRAW

// Straw is a CARBON SINK. 40% of dry weight of straw is sequestered atmospheric carbon // Straw is bio-degradable and helps reduce waste // Easily accesible at most places, reducing it’s embodied carbon // Construction with straw bale reduces the energy consumption compared to extractive materials.

Germination and emergence

STR AW Heading

Tillering

Germination and emergence

Straw

Tillering

Flowering

from 21 8.2 tonnes to 38 pounds per hectare cost per tonne for straw from baling AverageRecovery for wheat growth 21 8.2in UKtonnes Landscape to 38 pounds per hectare cost per tonne for straw baling Average for wheat growth in UK Sustainable farming incentives 4 months 30 - 100 m Maximum time of

Timber

Flowering

growth for wheat

Maximum time of growth for wheat

DEFRA

CEREALS IN THE UK

Straw panels

If it doesn’t rain, water them once a day

Tricale Rapeseed (used for fuel)

Wheat Barley Rye

Grain filling and Maturity

cost per tonne for straw baling

// Winter wheat must be covered with 2.5 inches of soil, while spring wh with 1.5 inches. // Machinery is the largest cost as the price of a highcorresponds cost around €2.11/bale // 1,000 square feet will yield 30to kgaof grains

// 1,000 square feet will yield 30 kg of grains

RAW MATERIALS

Maximum time of growth for wheat

Germination and emergence

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Wheat

CEREALS IN THE UK Tillering

Heading

Flowering

Wheat cultivating Barley Rye commons

ST RAW fig.08 42

Tricale Rapeseed (used for fuel)

PROCESS cultivatingAND LABOUR commons Landscape Recovery

STRAW from 21 to 38 pounds

Rake seeds into the soil Prepare // Strawthe is asoil CARBON SINK. 40%Plant of dryseeds weight of straw is sequestered atmospheric carbon // Straw is bio-degradable and helps reduce waste // Straw is a CARBON SINK. 40% of dry weight of straw is sequestered atmospheric carbon // Easily accesible at most places, reducing it’s embodied carbon

8.2 tonnes per hectare

cost per tonne for straw baling

Average for wheat growth in UK

4 months

30 - 100 m

Maximum time of growth for wheat

// Straw is bio-degradable and helps reduce waste // Construction with straw bale reduces the energy consumption compared to extractive materials. // Easily accesible at most places, reducing it’s embodied carbon

Straw

Germination

Timber

Straw

Wheat Barley Rye

// Winter wheat must be covered with 2.5 inches of soil, while spring wheat must be covered with 1.5 inches. // 1,000 square feet will yield 30 kg of grains

Landscape Recove Sustainable farming incentives

farming incentiv FarmingSustainable Investment Fund

Straw panels

Straw panels

Timber

If it doesn’t rain, water them once a day

Tricale Rapeseed (used for fuel)

RAW MATERIALS

// Winter wheat must be covered with 2.5 inches of soil, while spring whe with 1.5 inches. // 1,000 square feet will yield 30 kg of grains

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLDERS RAW MATERIALS YIELD

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS GROWING CONDITIONS

from 21 to 38 pounds

Landscape Recovery

STR AWSTR AW

Sustainable farming incentives // Straw is a CARBON SINK. 40% of dry weight of straw is sequestered atmospheric carbon

Farming Investment Fund

// Straw is bio-degradable and helps reduce waste

POLICIES ANDPROCESS STAKEHOLDE AND

8.2 tonnes per hectare

cost per tonne for straw baling

Average for wheat growth in UK

4 months

30 - 100 m

Maximum time of growth for wheat

// Straw is a CARBON SINK. 40% of dry weight of straw is sequestered DEFRA atmospheric carbon

// Easily accesible at most places, reducing it’s embodied carbon

Weed as necessary

// Machinery is the largest cost as the price of a high-density baler is arou corresponds to a cost around €2.11/bale

Ideal growing temperatures are between 21-24°C and a lot of sunshine

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

S

Plant seedsInvestmentRake Farming Fu DE

Prepare the soil

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Wheat

CEREALS IN THE UK

bio based and emergence Heading Tillering Flowering Grain filling and Maturity // Machinery is the largest cost as the price of a high-density baler is around €170,000, which materials corresponds to a cost around €2.11/bale

Ideal growing temperatures are between 21-24°C and a lot of sunshine

POLICIES AND S

YIELD

GROWING CONDITIONS

// Construction with straw bale reduces the energy consumption compared to extractive materials.

If it doesn’t rain, Weed as necessary Harvest water them once a day

Grain filling and Maturity

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLD

RAW MATERIALS

Average for wheat growth in UK

30 - 100 m STR AW

4 months

ST A Weed as necessary

// Winter wheat must be covered with 2.5 inches of s with 1.5 inches.

PROCESSENVIRONMENTAL AND LABOUR BENEFITS

8.2 tonnes per hectare

Plant seed

// Machinery is the largest cost the price baler aro If it as doesn’t rain,of a high-density Weed as is nece corresponds to a cost around water€2.11/bale them once a day

Tricale Rapeseed (used for fuel)

Wheat Barley Rye

Ra

Plant seeds

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Wheat

CEREALS IN THE UK

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

from 21 to 38 pounds

Prepare the soil

Prepare the soil

Ideal growing temperatures are between 21-24°C and a lot of sunshine

YIELD

cultivating commons

Farming Investment Fund 30 - 100 m 4 months

Ideal growing temperatures are between 21-24°C and a lot of sunshine

GROWING CONDITIONS

PROCESS AND

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Wheat

Grain filling and Maturity

Heading

PROCESS AND LABOUR

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Wheat

Landscape Recovery the soil SustainablePrepare farming incentives

Plant see

Farming Investment Fund

// Straw is bio-degradable and helps reduce waste

// Construction with straw bale reduces the energy consumption compared to extractive materials.

// Easily accesible at most places, reducing it’s embodied carbon Straw

Timber

Straw panels

Germination // Construction with straw bale reduces the energy consumption compared to cultivating bioFlowering based Heading Tillering extractive materials. and emergence commons materials

cultivating commons

DEF

CEREALS IN THE UK Grain filling and Maturity

bio based materials

Straw

Wheat Timber Barley Rye

Tricale Straw (used panelsfor fuel) Rapeseed

If it doesn’t rain, water them once a day

Weed as nece

// Machinery is the largest cost as the price of a highcorresponds to a cost around €2.11/bale

// Winter wheat must be covered with 2.5 inches of s with 1.5 inches.

Ideal growing temperatures are between 21-24°C and a lot of sunshine

// 1,000 square feet will yield 30 kg of grains

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

RAW MATERIALS

POLICIES AND S

ill.07 Extracted from Straw Matrix / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich and Priyanka Awatramani fig.08 Straw harvesting / Source: © StockFood

Landscape Recove 43

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

2023-2024

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BIOBASED MATERIALS

Straw Industry & Opportunities

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

Straw is a promising biobased material for construction in the UK, given its abundant availability and favourable properties for sustainable building practices. With approximately a quarter of UK land already dedicated to cereal crops, from which straw is a natural byproduct,8 there is potential for meeting material demands. Moreover, straw exhibits excellent insulation properties,9 making it an attractive option for enhancing building energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Its conversion into a building material is relatively straightforward, leading to lower carbon footprints and simplified construction processes.10 In our mapping efforts, we focused on identifying areas with significant and possible straw-producing croplands across the UK. Additionally, we mapped out key stakeholders involved in the straw supply chain, including members of the British Hay and Straw Merchants Association (BHSMA), who play an important role in straw procurement and distribution. We also identified European Straw Building Association (ESBA) certified straw bale producers. We found out there are only three producers in the whole of UK that adhere to ESBA’s quality standards.

8. Material Cultures. Material Reform. London: Mack Books, 2023.

9. Baled “Straw and hay are good insulators.” Accessed April 10, 2024. https://baled.co.uk/ straw-and-hay-are-good-insulators/#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20using%20Straw%20and%20 Hay%20as%20insulation&text=They%20make%20great%20insulators%20as,barns%20where%20 animals%20are%20living.

10. Ecococon “Straw Bale Construction.” Accessed April 10, 2024. https://ecococon.eu/it/about/ straw-bale-construction.

Cypren Edmunds President of Straw Bale Building UK and European Straw Bale Association

25% of UK land is devoted to cereal crops where most of them produce straw

0

map.8a and 8b Straw Producing Crop Yields / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

44

map.09 Straw Industries and Opportunities / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich , Emily Bowerman and Priyanka Awatramani

Straw Production

15

30

45

60mi

N^

45

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

2023-2024

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BIOBASED MATERIALS

Straw for BGS

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

fig.10 Wheat Farm / Photo by Bryan Bian, 2019. Source: Pixels.com fig.11 Straw Pile / Photo by Dusan Petrovic

46

11. Material Cultures. Material Reform. London: Mack Books, 2023.

We chose straw as one of the primary biobased materials for retrofitting the BGS. One of the main factors is its availability in the East Midlands region. 25% of the UK’s land is dedicated to cereal crops like barley, wheat, oats, and rye.11 This makes straw an easily accessible and sustainable resource for construction purposes. It has tremendous insulation properties, natural carbon sequestration capabilities, and minimal processing requirements as it can be worked on onsite and offsite, aligning with principles of resource efficiency.

processing, that which can be done on-site or off-site, demonstrating its ease of use in building construction. Industry certifications have affirmed straw as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for addressing the housing crisis in the UK, which means it can be suitable for large-scale projects too like the refurbishment of the BGS laboratories.

The recent adoption of straw in the New Gateway Building in Nottingham University indicates its viability and practicality with an available skilled workforce. Additionally, it requires minimal

The presence of local cereal farms near Nottingham ensures a steady and reliable supply of straw, enhancing logistical convenience and supporting the regional economy.

47

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

2023-2024

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BIOBASED MATERIALS

SEAWEED

Timeline

12

12

16th Century

STRAW

10 000 BC

12

12

17th Century

12

12

18th Century

19th Century

26 22

26

24

SEAWEED

24

12

STRAW

>19th Century

20th Century

12

12

21st Century

12

21

21

Present day

27

25 22 22

22

48

27

49

SEAWEED

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

14

2023-2024

15

CULTIVATING COMMONS

16

18

BIOBASED MATERIALS

17

14

STRAW

>Present day

22

22

30

23

SEAWEED

23

28

13

14

20

STRAW

>Present day

28

ill.08 TImeline for Seaweed and Straw / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich and Emily Bowerman

50

12.

Vincent, A., Stanley, A. and Ring, J., “Hidden champion of the ocean: Seaweed as a growth engine for a sustainable European future”, Seaweed for Europe, 2020

13.

Fletcher, Rob. “Startup to Form the Missing Link in the UK Seaweed Sector.” The Fish Site, October 7, 2022. https://thefishsite.com/articles/startup-to-form-the-missinglink-in-the-uk-seaweed-sector-eco-cascade [14] Tyler, Adam.

14.

“The seaweed ‘gold rush’.” Offshore Engineering & Renewable Energy, 14 Feb. 2020, oere.com/2020/02/14/the-seaweed-gold-rush/.

15.

Notpla. Impact. Accessed April 17, 2024. https://www.notpla.com/impact.

16.

Capuzzo, Elisa, and Thomas McKie. “Seaweed in the UK and abroad – status, products, limitations, gaps and Cefas role.” Cefas (2016).

17.

“SeaWood.” BlueBlocks, March 4, 2024.https://www.blueblocks.nl/portfolio/seawood/.

18.

UNDP Mexico Environmental and Resilience Unit. “Sea Change (English and Spanish).”

Published February 13, 2020. Accessed [insert date accessed]. Text by Emily Mkrtichian. Edited by Andrea Egan.

19.

World Bank. Global Seaweed: New and Emerging Markets Report, 2023. © Washington, DC: World. 2023. Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/40187 License: CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO.”

20.

Rigby, Jennifer. “Oban seaweed processing start-up closes £2 million seed funding round.” Insider, 17 May 2021, www.insider.co.uk/news/oban-seaweed-processingstart-up-24141685.

21.

Edwards, Matthew, and Lars Ive. “Farming the deep blue: economic potential and technical challenges of open ocean aquaculture.” Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 4.3 (2012): 374-379.9

22.

“The Short Straw.” Architectural Review. Accessed April 2024. https://www. architectural-review.com/essays/the-short-straw

23.

NNFCC. “AGROCYCLE FACTSHEET: Agricultural production systems and sustainable value chains.” Agrocycle Project, March 2019.

24.

“Straw history: from straw hats to bricks.” Quatr.us Study Guides. Accessed April 2024. https://quatr.us/economy/straw-history-straw.htm

25.

“The History of Straw Bale Resurgence.” The Last Straw. Accessed April 2024. https:// www.thelaststraw.org/a-history-of-straw-bale-resurgence/

26.

“About Straw Art.” The National Association of Wheat Weavers. Accessed April 2024. https://nawwstraw.org/about-straw-art/.

27.

“Straw Bale Building UK.” Accessed April 2024. https://www.strawbalebuildinguk.com/.

28.

University of Bath. “Straw Scientifically Proven as Viable Building Material.” Accessed April 2024. https://www.bath.ac.uk/case-studies/straw-scientifically-proven-as-viablebuilding-material/.

29.

Chiltern International Fire (2009) A Fire Resistance Test Performed on a Non-Load Bearing Wall System. Chiltern International Fire, High Wycombe, UK, Chilt/RF09001.

30.

“Ecococon. (n.d.). Reaction to Fire – Fire Resistance. Retrieved from https://ecococon. eu/assets/legal/04-reaction-to-fire---fire-resistance-(en).pdf”

51

4 metres

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Hemp

Growth per 100 days

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

2023-2024

H M

the first 6 weeks (30-38 cm)

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BIOBASED MATERIALS

SPECIES IN THE UK

Biobased material matrix Finola Finola 2 Henola

Well aerated soil Ideal growing temperatures are between 19-25° Can withstand frost down to -5°C

USO 31 Felina 32 Ferimon

Retting / Leave stalks for 5 weeks at 5 - 45 °C. Bonds in stems start separating

Fedora 17 Kompolti

Dry stalks until they reach a moisture level of 15%.

Then fibres can be harvested.

Decorticator / Used to separate the fibres.

// Two People per acre on harvest season // Fast growing enables crop rotation and recovers soil

YIELD AND STAKEHOLDERS POLICIES

GROWING CONDITIONS RAW MATERIALS

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

GROWING CONDITIONS bio based

cultivating commons

HEMP

7.5 tonnes for one tonne of Hemp per hectare seeds before processing Potential reach of Hemp fibre 500 £Industrial 7.5 tonnes for one tonne of Hemp Home Office Hemp Licensing per hectare seeds before processing

Lime binder

HEMP // CARBON STORAGE One hectare of hemp sequesters 9 to 15 tonnes of CO2. Takes 5 months to grow.

// SOIL EROSION PREVENTION Hemp covers the ground within 3 weeks of germination

Hemp fibre is separated from Shiv

// BIODIVERSITY flowering cycle occurs between July and September, coinciding with lack of pollen production from other crops. // LOW OR NO USE OF PESTICIDES

// Hempcrete is hemp shiv combined with lime and water to make a soft mix which is then casted Wellframe. aerated soil around a light timber // Hempcrete storestemperatures CO2 in the buildings.

A 300mm Ideal growing are between 19-25°hempcrete wall absorbs 40kg CO2. // Hemp is a Can versatile plant. frost It candown be used in construction, medicine, paper products, food, animal withstand to -5°C bedding, fuel. plastic replacement, Well bodyaerated care products soil and essential oils.

Finola Finola 2 Henola

// CARBON STORAGE One hectare of hemp sequesters 9 to 15 tonnes of CO2. Takes 5 months to grow.

Watering is very important within Harvesting hemp fibres Planting seeds the first 6 weeks (30-38 cm) // BREAKS DISEASE CYCLE when used in crop rotation. Also, weeds are not allowed to // CARBON STORAGE One hectare of hemp sequesters 9 to 15 tonnes of CO2. Takes 5 grow due to fast growth of Hemp. months to grow.

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Hemp

// SOIL EROSION PREVENTION Hemp covers the ground within 3 weeks of germination // BREAKS DISEASE CYCLE when used in crop rotation. Also, weeds are not allowed to grow duecycle to fast growth of Hemp. // BIODIVERSITY flowering occurs between July and September, coinciding with

lack of pollen production from other crops. // SOIL EROSION PREVENTION Hemp covers the ground within 3 weeks of germination

SPECIES IN THE UK

PROCESS cultivating AND LABOUR

Industrial commons Hemp Licensing for Hemp Growers

Lime binder

500 £

HE MP

4 metres

YIELD Lime binder

for one tonne of Hemp seeds before processing

600m

Growth per 100 days

POLICIES AND S

HEMP

Potential reach of Hemp fibre

Use

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLD

RAW MATERIALS

GROWING CONDITIONS

7.5 tonnes per hectare

Dry stalks until they reach a moisture level of 15%.

Then fibres can be harvested.

Retting / Leave stalks for Dry stalks until th 5 weeks at 5 - 45 °C. Bonds a moisture level // Two People per acre onThen harvest season in stems start separating fibres can be // Fast growing enables crop rotation and recover

Fedora 17 Kompolti

RAW MATERIALS

PROCESSENVIRONMENTAL AND LABOUR BENEFITS

500 £

for one tonne of Hemp seeds before processing

USO 31 Felina 32 Ferimon

Retting / Leave stalks for 5 weeks at 5 - 45 °C. Bonds in stems start separating

Watering is very impo the first 6 weeks (3

// Two People per acre on // Fast growing enables crop ro

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS YIELD

Fedora&17 Industrial Strategy Kompolti

USO 31 Felina 32 Ferimon

H

H M

DEFRA

SPECIES IN THE UKEnergy Business,

Finola Finola 2 Henola

Planting seeds

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Hemp

SPECIES IN THE UK

Ideal growing temperatures are between 19-25° Can withstand frost down to -5°C

GROWING CONDITIONS

600m

4 metres UK Innovate

Watering is very important within the first 6 weeks (30-38 cm)

Planting seeds

Average annualBritish rainfall Hemp Alliance needed to grow Hemp

Growth per 100 days

Hempcrete insulation

cultivating commons

600m

4 metres

Growth per 100 days

HE MP Water

PROCESS AND

Potential reach of Hemp fibre

for Hemp Growers

Shiv

// BREAKS DISEASE CYCLE when used in crop rotation. Also, weeds are not allowed to grow due to fast growth of Hemp.

YIELD

500 £

materials

PROCESS AND LABOUR

Shiv

Industrial Hemp LicensingBritish Hem for Hemp Growers

7.5 tonnes per hectare

Potential reach of Hemp fibre

UK Innovate

Shiv Hemp fibre is separated from Shiv

Water

4 metres

600mHempcrete insulation

Planting seeds

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Hemp

Growth per 100 days Hemp fibre is separated from Shiv

Home Offic

Water

Watering isUK veryInnovate important within DEFRA the first 6 weeks (30-38 cm)

Har

Hempcrete insulation

// LOW OR NO USE OF PESTICIDES // BIODIVERSITY flowering cycle occurs between July and September, coinciding with// Hempcrete is hemp shiv combined with lime and water to make a soft mix which is then casted around a light timber frame. lack of pollen production from other crops. // Hempcrete stores CO2 in the buildings. A 300mm hempcrete wall absorbs 40kg CO2.

Retting / Leave stalks for Dry stalks until they reach Decorticator / // Hemp is a versatile plant. It can be used in construction, medicine, paper products, food, animal // LOW OR NO USE OF PESTICIDES // Hempcrete is hemp withessential lime and oils. water to make a soft mix which is then casted 5 weeks at 5 - 45 °C. Bonds a moisture level of 15%.

Used to separate the fibres. bedding, fuel. plastic replacement, bodyshiv carecombined products and bio basedin stems start separating Then fibres can be harvested. around a light timber frame. // Hempcrete stores CO2 in the buildings. A 300mm hempcrete wall absorbs 40kg CO2. materials // Hemp is a versatile plant. It can be used in construction, medicine, paper products, food, animal Retting / Leave stalks for Finola USO 31 17and essential oils. bedding, fuel. plastic replacement, body careFedora products 5 weeks at 5 - 45 °C. Bonds // Two People per acre on harvest season Finola 2 Felina 32 Kompolti Well aerated soil in stems start separating // Fast growing enables crop rotation and recovers soil Henola Ferimon Ideal growing temperatures are between 19-25° Can withstand frost down to -5°C

Business, E & Industrial

SPECIES IN THE UK

Well aerated soil

HE MP fig.12 52

Ideal growing temperatures are between 19-25° Can withstand frost down to -5°C

Finola USO 31 cultivating Finola 2 Felina 32 Henola Ferimon commons

Fedora 17 Kompolti

Dry stalks until they reach a moisture level of 15%.

Then fibres can be harvested.

Used

// Two People per acre on harvest season // Fast growing enables crop rotation and recovers s

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

RAW MATERIALS

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLDERS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS GROWING CONDITIONS

Lime binder

Industrial Hemp Licensing for Hemp Growers

// CARBON STORAGE One hectare of hemp sequesters 9 to 15 tonnes of CO2. Takes 5 months to grow.

// SOIL EROSION PREVENTION Hemp covers the ground within 3 weeks of germination

UK Innovate Hemp fibre is separated from Shiv

Water

Hempcrete insulation

500 £

Home Office

for one tonne of Hemp seeds before processing Lime binder

HE MP HE MP

7.5 tonnes per hectare

Potential reach of Hemp fibre

Average annual rainfall needed to grow Hemp

// CARBON STORAGE One hectare of hemp sequesters 9 to 15 tonnes of CO2. Takes 5 months to grow.

Hemp fibre is separated from Shiv

& Industrial Strategy cultivating bio with based // BIODIVERSITY flowering cycle occurs between July and September, coinciding lack of pollen production from other crops. commons materials // LOW OR NO USE OF PESTICIDES

cultivating commons

Well aerated soil Ideal growing temperatures are between 19-25° Can withstand frost down to -5°C

Industrial Hemp Licensing for Hemp Growers

Home Office

Planting seeds

Watering is very impo British Hemp the first 6 weeks (3

UK Innovate

DEFRA

// SOIL EROSION PREVENTION Hemp covers the ground within 3 Energy weeks of germination Business, // Hempcrete is hemp shiv combined with lime and water to make a soft mix which is then casted around a light timber frame. // Hempcrete stores CO2 in the buildings. A 300mm hempcrete wall absorbs 40kg CO2. // Hemp is a versatile plant. It can be used in construction, medicine, paper products, food, animal bedding, fuel. plastic replacement, body care products and essential oils.

600m

4 metres

Shiv Growth per 100 days

// BREAKS DISEASE CYCLE when used in crop rotation. Also, weeds are not allowed to grow due to fast growth of Hemp.

// BIODIVERSITY flowering cycle occurs between July and September, coinciding with lack of pollen production from other crops. // LOW OR NO USE OF PESTICIDES

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLD PROCESS AND

British Hemp Alliance

Shiv

// BREAKS DISEASE CYCLE when used in crop rotation. Also, weeds are not allowed to grow due to fast growth of Hemp.

RAW MATERIALS YIELD

Water

Hempcrete insulation

Finola USOa 31 Fedora 17 bio based // Hempcrete is hemp shiv combined with lime and water to make soft mix which is then casted Finola 2 Felina 32 Kompolti around a light timber frame. materials Henola Ferimon

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

DEFRA

SPECIES IN THE UK

// Hempcrete stores CO2 in the buildings. A 300mm hempcrete wall absorbs 40kg CO2. // Hemp is a versatile plant. It can be used in construction, medicine, paper products, food, animal bedding, fuel. plastic replacement, body care products and essential oils.

RAW MATERIALS

Retting / Leave stalks for 5 weeks at 5 - 45 °C. Bonds in stems start separating

Business, En stalks until th &Dry Industrial S a moisture level

Then fibres can be

// Two People per acre o // Fast growing enables crop ro

POLICIES AND S

ill.09 Extracted from Hemp Matrix / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich and Priyanka Awatramani

Lime binder

fig.12 Hemp Harvest / Source: East Yorkshire Hemp

Industrial 53 Hemp Licensing for Hemp Growers

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

2023-2024

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BIOBASED MATERIALS

2022

110 licences issued for a validity period of three growing seasons *Detailed information unavailable

Area under Hemp cultivation

UK: 810 ha

Europe: 33,000 ha

Hemp Industry & Opportunities

110 kg of C02

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

Construction with hemp and lime can lock up to 110 kg of CO2 per cubic meter of wall 1 Hemp is gaining popularity across many sectors in the UK, particularly in biobased industry as a concrete alternative.

Hempcrete, is a mixture of hemp shiv and lime which serves as a high-performance, low-carbon building material.31 It has excellent insulating properties and breathability, hempcrete reduces the energy required to heat buildings while preventing issues such as dampness, condensation, and mold.32 Moreover, hemp has the capacity to absorb approximately 110 kg of CO2 per cubic meter of wall, contributing to carbon sequestration.33 The historical significance of hemp in the UK, dating back to Queen Elizabeth I’s decree mandating hemp cultivation for naval use, underscores its durability and versatility as a construction material.34 Modern innovations in hemp farming and processing have led to the revival of hemp-based industries, with companies like Hemcore Ltd pioneering hemp cultivation for various applications, including biobased construction materials.35 Hemp’s rapid growth cycle, low water requirement, and ability to prevent soil erosion further enhance its appeal as a sustainable agricultural crop.36 Additionally, hemp-based biofuels offer a renewable alternative to traditional fuels, requiring less water and pesticides for cultivation.37 As the hemp industry continues to expand and innovate, its role in biobased construction and sustainable agriculture grows.

31. “Hemp Lime Spray,” Hemp Lime Spray, accessed March 2024 , https://hemplimespray.co.uk 32. “Hemp Lime Spray,” Hemp Lime Spray, accessed March 2024 , https://hemplimespray.co.uk 33. “UK Hempcrete,” UK Hempcrete, accessed March 2024, htttps://ukhempcrete.com 34. “UK Hempcrete,” UK Hempcrete, accessed March 2024, htttps://ukhempcrete.com 35. “Hemcore Ltd,” Business Weekly, accessed March 2024, https://www.businessweekly.co.uk/ business-directory/hemcore-ltd 36. “Hemp Fuel,” WAMA Underwear, accessed March 2024, https://wamaunderwear.com/blogs/ news/hemp-fuel 37. “Where Is Hemp and Cannabis Grown?” Vitality CBD, accessed March 2024, https://vitalitycbd. co.uk/pages/where-is-hemp-and-cannabis-grown

In mapping the potential for hemp cultivation and its integration into biobased construction practices in the UK, several factors were considered. First, we identified areas of suitable soil composition for hemp cultivation, focusing on regions where cereals are predominantly grown. This approach leverages existing agricultural infrastructure and practices while diversifying crops to enhance soil health and resilience.

Additionally, existing hemp farms were mapped to understand the current landscape of hemp cultivation in the UK. However, it is important to note that the information on hemp farms is not disclosed publicly, indicating a need for transparency and data sharing within the industry. Furthermore, we mapped hemp producers and hem-based pharmaceutical distributors to identify key stakeolders in the industry.

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54

map.10 Hemp Industries and Opportunities / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich and Emily Bowerman

Hemp Production

15

30

45

60mi

N^

55

HE HE MP MP

CULTIVATING COMMONS

Biobased material matrix

Trametes versicolor Fistulina hepatica Laetiporus sulphureus Grifola frondosa Fomes fomentarius

Ideal growing temperatures are between 10-30° and 80 - 95% humidity

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Daedalea quercina Fomitopsis betulina Ganoderma australe Daedaleopsis confragosa Polyporus squamosus

RAW MATERIALS GROWING CONDITIONS

Mycelium growth

YIELD AND STAKEHOLDERS POLICIES

// MANUFACTURING process consumes 90% less water, 40% less energy, and produces 60% less CO2 emissions than EPS

HE MP

// RAPID RENEWABILITY 1 year

// RAPID DEGRADABILITY 1 year

// THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC BENEFITS *Statistics for MykoFoam

UK Innovate

PROCESS AND cultivating commons

( under development )

Paper and pulp production waste

MYCE LIUM Mycelium insulation Indirect light is needed whileMykor® developing mycelium

Ideal growing temperatures are between 10-30° and 80 - 95% humidity Mycelium insulation is formed by binding waste made Indirect lightand is needed while developing mycelium from paper pulp production with mycelium.

Ideal growing temperatures are between 10-30° and 80 - 95% humidity

DEFRA

Cut mushroom spores

Add substrat

Cut mushroom spores

Biorenewables Development Centre

SPECIES IN THE UK

SPECIES IN THE UK

Trametes versicolor Daedalea quercina Fistulina hepatica Fomitopsis betulina Laetiporus sulphureus Ganoderma australe Grifola frondosa Daedaleopsis confragosa Trametes versicolor Daedalea quercina Fomes fomentarius Polyporus squamosus Fistulina hepatica Fomitopsis betulina Laetiporus sulphureus Ganoderma australe Grifola frondosa Daedaleopsis confragosa Fomes fomentarius Polyporus squamosus

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

RAW MATERIALS

PROCESSENVIRONMENTAL AND LABOUR BENEFITS

YIELD

PROCESS AND LABOUR

YIELD ( under development )

Mycelium

// LOW EMBODIED CARBON 213 kgCO2eq/m3

MYC MY LIU LI

materials

MYCELIUM

GROWING CONDITIONS

Add spores to substrate

GROWING CONDITIONS bio based

cultivating commons

HE MP

Add substrate to bags

SPECIES IN THE UK

Indirect light is needed while developing mycelium

MYCELIUM

Cut mushroom spores

BIOBASED MATERIALS

Mycelium

Add spores to substrate

Add spores to substrate

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLD

RAW MATERIALS

POLICIES AND ST

YIELD

GROWING CONDITIONS

MYC LIU PROCESS cultivating AND LABOUR commons UK Innovate

MYCELIUM ( under development )

MYCE LIUM

HE MP

// MANUFACTURING process consumes 90% less water, 40% less energy, and produces 60% less CO2 emissions than EPS // LOW EMBODIED CARBON 213 kgCO2eq/m3 Cut mushroom spores Add substrate to bags

Indirect light is needed while developing mycelium

MYCE LIUM

Ideal growing temperatures are between 10-30° and 80 - 95% humidity

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

// LOW EMBODIED CARBON 213 kgCO2eq/m3

Daedalea quercina Fomitopsis betulina Ganoderma australe Daedaleopsis confragosa Polyporus squamosus

RAW MATERIALS

Mycelium

Mykor® Mycelium insulation

// THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC BENEFITS

SPECIES IN THE UK

*Statistics for MykoFoam

bio based materials

Mycelium insulation is formed by binding waste made Mykor® Mycelium insulation from paper and pulp production with mycelium.

Mycelium growth

Add spores to substrate

Indirect light is needed while developing mycelium Ideal growing temperatures are between 10-30° and 80 - 95% humidity

Trametes versicolor Mycelium insulation Daedalea quercina is formed by binding waste made Fistulina hepatica betulina from paper and Fomitopsis pulp production with mycelium.

Laetiporus sulphureus Ganoderma australe Grifola frondosa Daedaleopsis confragosa Fomes fomentarius Polyporus squamosus

MYCE MYCE LIUM LIUM

RAW MATERIALS YIELD

( under development )

UK Innovate

Mycelium

Paper and pulp production waste

DEFRA Cut mushroom spores

Biorenewables Development Centre

// RAPID DEGRADABILITY 1 year // THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC BENEFITS

// RAPID RENEWABILITY 1 year

*Statistics for MykoFoam

// RAPID DEGRADABILITY 1 year

Mycelium insulation is formed by binding waste made from paper and pulp production with mycelium.

*Statistics for MykoFoam

cultivating commons

Biorenewables Developme

SPECIES IN THE UK

cultivating // THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC BENEFITS commons

bio based materials bio based Indirect light is needed while developing mycelium materials

Ideal growing temperatures are between 10-30° and 80 - 95% humidity

Mycelium gr

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLDE PROCESS AND

DEFRA

// MANUFACTURING process consumes 90% less water, 40% less energy, and produces 60% less CO2 emissions than EPS

Add substrate

Biorenewab

Add spores to substrate

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLDERS

// LOW EMBODIED CARBON 213 kgCO2eq/m3

Mykor® Mycelium insulation

MY LI

*Statistics for MykoFoam // RAPID DEGRADABILITY 1 year

Paper and pulp production waste

// RAPID RENEWABILITY 1 year

DEFRA

Cut mushroom spores

// RAPID RENEWABILITY 1 year // THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC BENEFITS

UK Innovate

// MANUFACTURING process consumes 90% less water, 40% less energy, and produces 60% less CO2 emissions than EPS

Paper and pulp production waste

Biorenewables Developm

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS GROWING CONDITIONS

Mycelium

UK Innovate DEFRA

Paper and pulp production waste ( under development )

// RAPID RENEWABILITY 1 year // MANUFACTURING process consumes 90% less water, 40% less energy, and produces 60% less CO2 emissions than EPS // RAPID DEGRADABILITY 1 year

SPECIES IN THE UK Trametes versicolor Fistulina hepatica cultivating Laetiporus sulphureus Grifola frondosa commons Fomes fomentarius

Mycelium

// LOW EMBODIED CARBON 213 kgCO2eq/m3

Trametes versicolor Fistulina hepatica Mykor® Mycelium insulation Laetiporus sulphureus Grifola frondosa Fomes fomentarius Mycelium insulation is formed by binding waste made

Daedalea quercina Fomitopsis betulina Ganoderma australe Daedaleopsis confragosa Polyporus squamosus

Add spores to substrate

from paper and pulp production with mycelium.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

RAW MATERIALS

POLICIES AND ST ill.10 Extracted from Mycelium Matrix / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

fig.14 56

fig.14 Urban Mycelium Farm / Source: © Mike Botha, Vegout Fungi Ltd

UK Innovate

57

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

2023-2024

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BIOBASED MATERIALS

Mycelium Industry & Opportunities

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

Mycelium is lightweight and versatile nature make it an attractive option for building material as insulation, providing both acoustic and thermal performance while offering superior fire resistance and moisture regulation properties.38 Mycelium-based products require minimal water and energy compared to conventional alternatives,39 sometimes combining it with paper waste and repurposing it. Additionally, mycelium composites have impressive durability and resistance to pests and mould, ensuring longevity and structural integrity in building applications. The rapid growth of mycelium presents opportunities for efficient production and scalability, potentially revolutionising the construction industry. High-profile projects such as the HY-Fi Installation in New York and the Mycelium Hayes Pavilion at the Glastonbury Festival demonstrate the architectural possibilities and aesthetic appeal of myceliumbased structures. Mycelium biobased material research has been funded up to date40 by Innovate UK and the EU41 which proves interest in this material and acceleration in certification processes.

38. Mykor Limited, “Mycelium Materials: Fantastic Fungal Innovations & Will Fungal Composites Take Over the World?” Mykor, accessed March 2024, https://www.mykor.co.uk/news/myceliummaterials-fantastic-fungal-innovations-will-fungal-composites-take-over-the-world 39. “Mycelium Insulation,” UK Green Building Council, accessed March 2024, https://ukgbc.org/ resources/mycelium-insulation/ 40. Mykor Limited, “New UKRI Funding Aims to Enhance UK Sustainable Biomanufacturing,” Mykor, accessed March 2024, https://www.mykor.co.uk/news/new-ukri-funding-aims-to-enhance-uksustainable-biomanufacturing.

41. Mykor Limited, “Mykor Secures a £825k Pre-Seed Funding Round” Mykor, accessed March 2024, https://www.mykor.co.uk/news/dj5kgcutix4gq9oi14v0xhj1h15151.

Mycelium is versatile fungi that can grow in relatively small spaces, therefore, we mapped urban areas as potential grounds for mycelium production. This focus on urban environments aligns with the trend towards sustainable, high-density living and offers opportunities for repurposing under-utilised spaces for mycelium cultivation. Furthermore, the proximity to paper factories was mapped, recognising the symbiotic relationship between mycelium producers and paper waste as a key ingredient in mycelium insulation production. By situating mycelium production facilities near paper factories reduces transportation distances and associated carbon emissions.

Additionally, existing mushroom farms and dedicated mycelium producers were mapped to identify regions with established infrastructure and expertise in fungal cultivation. However, we understand that there might be labs and other places which could be cultivating mycelium for which we were not able to find information. By analysing these spatial dynamics, we aim to support the growth of the mycelium industry.

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map.11 Mycelium Industries and Opportunities / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich and Emily Bowerman

Mycelium Industry

15

30

45

60mi

N^

59

SEA SEA WEED WEED

Mining

CULTIVATING COMMONS

C A

Open Stockpiling

BIOBASED MATERIALS

CLAY UNITS IN THE UK

Biobased material matrix

Kimmeridge and Ampthill Clay Kellaways, Oxford Clay and Osgodby Formation Lias Marros Group Bowland and Cravem Groups Upper Cambrian Shales

Clay is abundant through the British Isles where it has played a vital role in construction for thousands of years

Crushing

Machinery is one of the largest costs and polluter in the clay industry.

It requires excavation equipment, crushing equipment, grinding equipment, and magnetic separation equipment.

YIELD AND STAKEHOLDERS POLICIES

CONDITIONS RAW MATERIALS

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

PROCESS AND LABOUR

YIELD

CONDITIONSbio based

cultivating commons

CLAY

Grinding

PROCESS AND

materials Clay deposits take

cultivating commons

100 000 years

CLAY

to form

Clay deposits take

Environment Agency

100 000 years to form

SEA WEED

Clay

SEA WEED

// About 25% of biodiversity lives in soil // Clay-based materials make for healthy internal environments

Unfired Clay Brick Clay is abundant through the British Isles where it has played a vital role in construction for thousands of years

Mining

CLAY UNITS IN THE UK

Kimmeridge and Ampthill Clay Kellaways, Oxford Clay and Osgodby Formation Lias Marros Group Kimmeridge and Ampthill Clay Bowland and Cravem Groups Kellaways, Oxford Clay and Osgodby Formation Upper Cambrian Shales Lias Marros Group Bowland and Cravem Groups Upper Cambrian Shales

Crushing

Machinery is one of the largest costs a It requires excavation equipment, c equipment, and magnetic s

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLD

RAW MATERIALS

POLICIES AND ST

YIELD

CONDITIONS

Grindin

Machinery is one of the largest costs and polluter in the c Crushing It requires excavation equipment, crushing equipment equipment, and magnetic separation equipme

RAW MATERIALS

PROCESSENVIRONMENTAL AND LABOUR BENEFITS

PROCESS cultivating commons

CLAY

Clay deposits take

C A

CLAY UNITS IN THE UK

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

YIELD

Open Stock

Mineral Planning Authority

Water

Clay is abundant through the British Isles where it has played a vital role in construction for thousands of years

// Clay controls temperature changes inside buildings

CONDITIONS

CL AY Straw

Mining

Natural England

AND LABOUR

Environment Agency

100 000 years to form

CL AY

SEA WEED CLAY UNITS IN THE UK

Clay is abundant through the British Isles where it has played a vital role in construction for thousands of years

CL AY fig.16 60

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Kimmeridge and Ampthill Clay Kellaways, Oxford Clay and Osgodby Formation Liascultivating Marros Group commons Bowland and Cravem Groups Upper Cambrian Shales

RAW MATERIALS

100 000 years Mining

Open Stockpiling

to form Straw

Clay

Clay

// About 25% of biodiversity lives in soil

Straw

// Clay controls temperature changes inside buildings // Clay-based materials make for healthy internal environments

bio based materials

Crushing

Grinding

// Clay controls temperature changes inside buildings

Machinery is one of the largest costs and polluter in the clay industry.

Clay is abundant through the British Isles where it has played It requires excavation equipment, crushing equipment, grinding a vital role inand construction for thousands of years equipment, magnetic separation equipment.

Unfired Clay Brick Kimmeridge and Ampthill Clay Kellaways, Oxford Clay and Osgodby Formation Lias Marros Group Bowland and Cravem Groups Upper Cambrian Shales

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLDERS YIELD RAW MATERIALS

// About 25% of biodiversity lives in soil // Clay-based materials make for healthy internal environments // Clay controls temperature changes inside buildings

Unfired Clay Brick

Mining

MineralOpen Planning Stockp

Crushing

Grindin

CL AY CL AY

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLDE PROCESS AND

100 000 years to form

Environment Agency

Mineral Planning Authority

cultivating bio based // About 25% of biodiversity lives in soil commons materials // Clay-based materials make for healthy internal environments cultivating bio based Clay is abundant through the British Isles where it has played commons a vital role in construction for thousands of years materials // Clay controls temperature changes inside buildings

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Machinery is one of the largest costs and polluter in the c It requires excavation equipment, crushing equipment equipment, and magnetic separation equipme

Clay deposits take

Natural England

Water

Water

UnfiredIN Clay Brick CLAY UNITS THE UK

Environment Agency

Straw

Natural England Mineral Planning Authority

Water

// Clay-based materials make for healthy internal environments // About 25% of biodiversity lives in soil

ENVIRONMENTALCONDITIONS BENEFITS

Clay

Environment Ag Natural England

Clay deposits take

Mining Natural England

Clay

Straw

Water

Mineral Planning Authority

CLAY UNITS IN THE UK Kimmeridge and Ampthill Clay Kellaways, Oxford Clay and Osgodby Formation Lias Marros Group Bowland andClay Cravem Unfired BrickGroups Upper Cambrian Shales

RAW MATERIALS

Crushing

Machinery is one of the largest costs a It requires excavation equipment, c equipment, and magnetic se

POLICIES AND ST ill.11 Clay Matrix / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich fig.16 Clay Extraction Site / Source: Pixabay

61

Environment Ag

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

2023-2024

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BIOBASED MATERIALS

2021

4 million tonnes extracted clay and shale

Clay Industry & Opportunities

by Priyanka Awatramani

Brick clay comprises clay—a topsoil, shale and mudstone.42 It holds significant importance in various industries, including construction. Its limited availability makes it a valuable resource, particularly for its regenerative properties and ecological benefits. Clay deposits are alive with microorganisms and ecosystems, contributing to soil health and biodiversity.

In our exploration of the UK’s clay industry, we mapped the spatial distribution of clay reserves across the country along with extraction sites and brick manufacturing facilities. These are mainly concentrated around the Midlands and southern England. In 2021, approximately 4 million tonnes of clay and shale were extracted, highlighting its indispensability as a construction material.44 Clay finds versatile applications in construction, serving as the foundation for bricks, tiles, and raw materials for cement and plasters. Despite the challenges posed by its limited availability, the use of clay in construction offers numerous advantages. Its structural integrity and insulating properties make it invaluable, ensuring that buildings remain thermally comfortable by absorbing and storing heat, then gradually releasing it as temperatures fluctuate.43 Moreover, clay’s innate ability to regulate humidity further enhances indoor air quality, fostering healthier living environments conducive to human well-being.45 42. “Brick Clay Mineral Planning Factsheet” BGS, 2022. accessed April 17, 2024, https://nora.nerc. ac.uk/id/eprint/532490/1/Brick%20Clay%20Mineral%20Planning%20Factsheet.pdf.

43. Wienerberger. “What Are the Benefits of Building with Clay?” Accessed March, 2024. https:// www.wienerberger.co.uk/tips-and-advice/sustainable-building/what-are-the-benefits-of-buildingwith-clay.html#clay-building-a-better-quality-of-life 44. Build Naturally “Clay.” Accessed March, 2024. https://buildnaturally.com/Clay.html

While most conventional bricks are fired, rendering them non-biodegradable, more ecological alternatives like adobe bricks and compressed earth blocks need to be prioritised.

These biobased building alternatives align with growing environmental consciousness, as viable options for reducing the ecological footprint of construction activities and building resilience.

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map.12 Clay Industries and Opportunities / by Priyanka Awatramani and Emily Bowerman

Clay Industry

15

30

45

60mi

N^

63

STR STR AW AW

CULTIVATING COMMONS

Sessile Oak Pedunculate Oak Ash Beech Silver or White Birch Common or Down Birch Sweet Chestnut Sycamore Black Poplar

Well-drained, fertile soils with a pH above 4.5 and protection from frost, exposure, and heavy clay.

Autumn to spring is the best time to plant trees

Balsam Poplar Hybrid Black Poplar English Elm Wych Elm Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry Common Walnut Black Walnut Scots Pine Cosican Pine

storing and transporting

conversion

Lodgepole Pine Sitka Spruce Norway Spruce European Larch Japanese Larch Douglas Fir Western Red Cedar

YIELD AND STAKEHOLDERS POLICIES

TIMBER

Thinning of a portion of small trees is needed to make more room for the other trees to grow larger defibration

mix with water

40 to 150 86 tons cultivating commons years old per acre 4 - 15 m to reach mature stage and to 150 Average volume of natural of growth in the 40 86 tons Forestry Act are ready to be cut down pine clearcut first 5 years years old per acre 4 - 15 m to reach mature stage and are ready to be cut down

TIM BER additive adition

// Reduces amount of CO2 in the atmosphere

mechanical pressing

// Create Habitats

// Timber is biodegradable

// Bio-degradable and helps reduce waste

4 - 15 m

to reach mature stage and are ready to be cut down

of growth in the first 5 years

PROCESSENVIRONMENTAL AND LABOUR BENEFITS

Thinning of a portion of small trees is needed to make more room for the other trees to grow larger

TIM BER

STR AW Lodgepole Pine Sitka Spruce Norway Spruce European Larch Japanese Larch Douglas Fir Western Red Cedar

RAW MATERIALS

planting productive woodland

felling

to reach mature stage and are ready to be cut down

cultivating PROCESS AND commons

defibration

Forestry Act

of growthadition in the additive first 5 years

mechanical pressing

// Reduces amount of CO2 in the atmosphere // Timber is biodegradable

Landscape Recovery

Average volume of natural pine clearcut

Well-drained, fertile soils with a pH above 4.5 and protection from Felling is usually done in winter, because trees usually have less frost, exposure, and heavy clay. moisture content in them

Autumn to spring is the best time to plant trees

planting productive woodland

drying

saw and shape

Wood fibre insulation / wet process Balsam Poplar Lodgepole Pine Hybrid Black Poplar Sitka Spruce English Elm Norway Spruce Wych Elm European Larch Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry Japanese Larch Common Walnut Douglas Fir Black Walnut Western Red Cedar Scots Pine Cosican Pine

Sessile Oak Pedunculate Oak Ash Beech Silver or White Birch Common or Down Birch Sweet Chestnut Sycamore Black Poplar

TI B

Landscape Recovery

saw and shape

SPECIES IN THE UK

// Easy to work with in construction which results in less energy needed. // Bio-degradable storing and transporting and helps reduce waste conversion

drying

Wood fibre insulation / wet process

// Timber biodegradable // Bio-degradable and helps is reduce waste

bio based materials

LABOUR

Forestry Com Forestry Act

86 tons per acre

mechanical pressing

Habitatswhich results in less energy needed. // Easy to work with//inCreate construction

storing and transporting

felling

conversio

Felling is usually done in winter, because trees usually h moisture content in them

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLDERS

PROCESS AND POLICIES AND STAKEHOLD

YIELD RAW MATERIALS

Thinning of a portion of small trees is needed to make more room for the other trees to grow larger

TIM BERTIM BER

Forestry Act

Forestry Commission

additive adition

Landscape Recovery // Reduces amount of CO2 in the atmosphere drying

// Timber is biodegradable

// Bio-degradable and helps reduce waste

YIELD

40 to 150 additive adition mix with water years old 4 - 15 m

// Create Habitats

mix with water

// Easy to work with in construction which results in less energy needed.

POLICIES AND ST

// Reduces amount of CO2 in the atmosphere

defibration

mechanical pressing

POLICIES AND STAKEHOLD

mix with water

GROWING CONDITIONS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

// Create Habitats

Felling is usually done in winter, beca moisture content

TIMBER

86 tons per acre

SPECIES IN THE UK

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

defibration

conversi

Felling is usually done in winter, because trees usually h storing and transporting moisture content in them

RAW MATERIALS

Average volume of natural pine clearcut

Sessile Oak Balsam Poplar Pedunculate Oak Hybrid Black Poplar Ash English Elm Beech Wych Elm cultivating Silver or White Birch Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry commons Common or Down Birch Common Walnut Sweet Chestnut Black Walnut Sycamore Scots Pine Black Poplar Cosican Pine

storing and transporting

RAW MATERIALS

GROWING CONDITIONS

40 to 150 years old

Autumn to spring is the best time to plant trees

SPECIES IN THE UK

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

YIELD

TI BE

Sessile Oak Balsam Poplar Lodgepole Pine Pedunculate Oak Hybrid Black Poplar Sitka Spruce Ash English Elm Norway Spruce Beech Wych Elm European Larch Sessile Oak Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry Balsam PoplarJapanese Larch Lodgepole Pine Silver or White Birch Pedunculate Oak Hybrid Black Poplar Sitka Spruce Common or Down Birch Common Walnut Douglas Fir English Elm Western Red CedarNorway Spruce Sweet Chestnut Ash Black Walnut Beech Wych Elm European Larch Sycamore Scots Pine Silver or White Birch Pine Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry Japanese Larch Black Poplar Cosican Common or Down Birch Common Walnut Douglas Fir Sweet Chestnut Black Walnut Western Red Cedar Sycamore Scots Pine Black Poplar Cosican Pine

Autumn to spring is the best time to plant trees

fellin

planting productive woodland

planting productive woodland

SPECIES IN THE UK

saw and shape

Well-drained, fertile soils with a pH above 4.5 and protection from frost, exposure, and heavy clay.

Autumn to spring is the best time to plant trees

Thinning of a portion of small trees is needed to make more room for the other trees to grow larger

Well-drained, fertile soils with a pH above 4.5 and protection from frost, exposure, and heavy clay.

drying

Average volume of natural of growth in the Forestry Commission pine clearcut first 5 years

Landscape Recovery

Well-drained, fertile soils with a pH above 4.5 and protection from Woodexposure, fibre insulation / wetclay. process frost, and heavy

// Easy to work with in construction which results in less energy needed.

GROWING CONDITIONS

PROCESS AND

materials

TIMBER

STR AW

PROCESS AND LABOUR

YIELD

GROWING CONDITIONS based

Thinning of a portion of small trees is needed to make more room bio for the other trees to grow larger

cultivating commons

STR AW

TI TI BE B

Felling is usually done in winter, because trees usually have less moisture content in them

GROWING CONDITIONS RAW MATERIALS

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

fig.18 64

felling

SPECIES IN THE UK

Biobased material matrix

TIM BER

planting productive woodland

BIOBASED MATERIALS

saw and shape

40 to 150 years old

defibration

bio based materials

Well-drained, fertile soils with a // Easy to workcultivating with in construction which results in less energypH needed. biofrom based above 4.5 and protection

commons

// Bio-degradable and helps reduce waste

frost, exposure, and heavy clay. materials

Autumn to spring is the best time to plant trees

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Average volume of natural pine clearcut

Forestry Act

Forestry Comm planting productive woodland Landscape Recovery

mechanical pressing

// Create Habitats cultivating commons // Timber is biodegradable

of growth in the first 5 years

additive adition

// Reduces amount of CO2 in the atmosphere Wood fibre insulation / wet process

4 - 15 m

to reach mature stage and are ready to be cut down mix with water

86 tons per acre

SPECIES INsawTHE UK drying and shape

Sessile Oak Balsam Poplar Pedunculate Oak Hybrid Black Poplar Ash English Elm Beech Wych Elm Wood fibre insulation / wet process Silver or White Birch Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry Common or Down Birch Common Walnut Sweet Chestnut Black Walnut Sycamore Scots Pine Black Poplar Cosican Pine

RAW MATERIALS

Lodgepole Pine Sitka Spruce Norway Spruce European Larch Japanese Larch Douglas Fir Western Red Cedar

storing and transporting

Felling is usually done in winter, beca moisture content

POLICIES AND S ill.12 Extracted from Timber Matrix / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich fig.18 Timber Forest / Source: Wikimedia Commons

defibration

65 Forestry Act

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

2023-2024

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BIOBASED MATERIALS

2046 2.5% Increase in Softwood availability in the UK

2046 12.3% Increase in Hardwood availability in the UK

Timber Industry & Opportunities

by Priyanka Awatramani

The timber industry plays a significant role in the UK’s environmental strategy. According to estimates from the Forestry Commission, approximately 10.9 million tonnes of roundwood was harvested from the UK forests in 2020, with softwood accounting for the majority (92%) of these removals.45 Softwood, known for its faster growth rates in the UK, comprises the bulk of timber harvested, with hardwood making up the remaining portion. However, the reliance on softwood presents challenges, as UK-grown softwood is typically graded as C16, necessitating the imports of higher-grade timber from Europe.46 While mapping the timber industries in the UK, it was difficult to obtain precise data on active woodlands in the UK complicating efforts to assess the industry’s spatial distribution. However, spatial datasets indicating possible harvested areas, such as coppice or ground preparation sites were mapped, suggested high concentrations in regions like Scotland and Wales.

Additionally, mapping privately and publicly managed woodlands and timber processing facilities provided further insights into the industry’s infrastructure and distribution across the country. It is important to note that the data for Northern Ireland is lacking hence the insights might be more applicable for Britain scale.

Despite these challenges, the UK’s abundant timber resources offer opportunities for utilising timber as a biobased material.

Biobased materials such as hempcrete blocks or mycelium blocks, which require supports at frequent intervals, can complement traditional timber usage. Leveraging timber as a biobased material therefore has the potential to align with the nation’s net-zero strategy, offering environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials.

Furthermore, as the UK aims to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050, opportunities arise for expanding the timber industry sustainably.47 Sustainable forestry practices, including selective logging and reforestation, are pivotal in enhancing woodlands’ capacity as carbon sinks, aiding in greenhouse gas mitigation and climate change adaptation. The timber industry is crucial in supporting broader environmental goals by promoting biodiversity, mitigating climate change impacts, and safeguarding ecosystem health.

45. “Forestry Statistics 2021 Chapter 2: UK-Grown Timber,” Forest Research, 2021. Accessed April 17, 2024, https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2022/02/ch2_timber_fs2021_mlulwth-1.pdf 46. Exova Trada, “Specifying British-Grown Timbers,” 2017.

47. “Timber in Construction Roadmap,” GOV.UK, accessed April 17, 2024, https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/timber-in-construction-roadmap/timber-in-construction-roadmap

In summary, the timber industry in the UK occupies a crucial role in balancing economic prosperity with environmental stewardship. Through sustainable management practices and innovative approaches to material utilisation, the industry can contribute significantly towards building ecological and economical resilience.

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fig 20 Biobased materials, hempcrete, wood wool and timber in the interior of Flat House in Cambrigeshire / Source: Material Cultures

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fig.22 Biobased material, Mycelium Foam Insulation in interior of a residence / Source: Mykor

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fig.21 Biobased materials, straw and timber in The Gateway Building, University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington Campus / Source: Make Architects

fig. 40 “UK Wheat Crop Is the Largest since 2019. Image by Henry Arden / Source: FeedNavigator

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Biobased Material Availability in the UK Biobased material procurement for UKRI institutions

by Priyanka Awatramani

To bring awareness to the UKRI and inform decision-making, a summary for each region’s biobased potential was prepared.

Since Cultivating Commons recommends a regional procurement of materials, each biobased material is ranked based on their availability in each region and the opportunities they present, for retrofitting projects in the UK. Combined with the viability study for biobased raw materials and building materials, this map acts as a tool for 80 UKRI institutions, enabling them to identify suitable materials for retrofitting projects. However, these rankings are not deterministic; they have the potential to evolve based on various factors such as strategic investments, research advancements, and long-term development plans.

For instance, a region may currently rank high in availability of certain biobased materials, but with targeted investments and research efforts, another region might surpass it in potential.

While regions may compete for investments and opportunities, collaboration and knowledge sharing among UKRI institutions can foster innovation and maximise the collective potential of the biobased industries nationwide.

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In summary, the biobased summary map serves as a valuable tool in navigating this industry, offering insights into material availability and potential for retrofitting of the UKRI institutions. map.14 UK Biobased Summary / by Priyanka Awatramani

UK Biobased Summary

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TRANSITION TO BIOBASED INDUSTRY

Just Transition Transitioning from extractive and carbon intensive industry toward a biobased economy

by Priyanka Awatramani

The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change incorporated the concept of a ‘just transition’ for workers and communities, which was later signed by more than 50 countries in the COP24 climate conference in 2018, including the UK. This declaration recognised the need for equitable measures as the global economy adapts to the challenges of climate change.1

III TRANSITION TO BIOBASED INDUSTRY Transition from extractive industries to biobased industries; monoculture farming to regenerative farming; through a cradle to cradle approach

In the construction sector, a just transition from extractive materials to biobased materials in the UK needs a holistic approach towards environmental, social, and economic aspects of the sector. Transitioning industries away from environmentally harmful practices towards more sustainable alternatives requires deliberate and equitable strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts on workers, communities, and stakeholders.2 This aligns with the principles of just transition in following ways.

Environmental impact Shifting from extractive materials, which often involve destructive mining practices and contribute to carbon emissions, to biobased materials represents a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector. Biobased materials offer lower carbon emissions, reduced waste generation, and improved resource efficiency.

Social Justice Encouraging new opportunities for workers in the construction industry, particularly those affected by transitions away from conventional practices. By providing support for reskilling, upskilling, and job transition programs, as well as prioritising investment in areas with higher concentrations of unskilled workers, the transition can create new opportunities and ensure inclusivity for all stakeholders.

Economic Viability Investing in research and development for innovation can stimulate economic growth, particularly in poor areas. By targeting investment in regions with potential for biobased materials and aligning it with workforce development initiatives, the transition can foster long-term economic viability and prosperity.

Policy Support National, regional, and local governments can implement supportive policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of biobased materials, such as tax incentives, grants, and subsidies, and promote adoption of transition toolkits for ensuring transparency and accountability.

The transition from extractive materials to biobased materials is crucial for the UK on multiple fronts. Environmentally, it is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste generation, and preserving natural resources, aligning with global sustainability targets. Economically, it presents opportunities for innovation, job creation, and fostering longterm economic growth and competitiveness. Socially, it promotes equity by providing new opportunities for workers affected by the shift away from extractive practices. A just transition to biobased materials is critical in enhancing global leadership in sustainable practices.

1. United Nations Environment Programme and Yale Center for Ecosystems +Architecture, “Building Materials and the Climate: Constructing a New Future” (United Nations Environment Programme, September 2023), https://wedocs.unep.org/xmlui/handle/20.500.11822/43293.

2. “Climate Change and the Just Transition - A Guide for Investor Action,” Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment, accessed April 15, 2024, https://www.lse.ac.uk/ granthaminstitute/publication/climate-change-and-the-just-transition-a-guide-for-investor-action/.

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Transition Opportunities for the UK From Extractive to Biobased Industry

by Priyanka Awatramani

Identifying areas for investor action is a crucial step in facilitating the transition from extractive materials to biobased materials in the UK. We targeted regions with significant potential for biobased materials and aligning investment efforts with the needs of local communities and workers.

Mapping Extractive Material Sites (A & B) Utilising geological surveys and databases, we identified sites across the UK where extractive materials like stone and sand are mined. These sites may include quarries, gravel pits, and sandbanks, which are sources of raw materials for construction and manufacturing industries. In addition to this, we also identified the industries involved in these processing of materials, such as steel and cement production. These industries are major consumers of extractive materials and play a significant role in driving demand for these resources. Material extraction has severe environmental impacts associated, such as habitat destruction, land degradation, and water pollution and by identifying areas where extractive activities are particularly intensive or where environmental vulnerabilities are high, such as the 10km zones around these sites. These areas can be prioritised for investment in transitioning these areas towards biobased materials to mitigate negative environmental impacts and promote ecosystem restoration.

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Overlapping Biobased Potentials (B & C) Identifying overlapping biobased potentials involves mapping regions in the UK where biobased material production intersects with high environmental vulnerability zones. By considering factors such as crop production, active woodlands, and aquaculture industries, these maps pinpoint areas where the transition to biobased materials is both feasible and promising.

This strategic approach ensures that investments in biobased material production contribute to ecological viability while fosterin economic development.

Prioritising Areas of Socio-Economic Vulnerability (D) Within these identified zones, prioritising investment in areas with a higher concentration of unskilled workers can maximise the socio-economic benefits of the transition. We identified regions where communities reliant on extractive industries may be facing job displacement or economic challenges, such that investors can help facilitate a smoother transition by creating new employment opportunities in the biobased sector. This targeted approach ensures that the transition is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially equitable.

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map.15 A-B UK Transition Opportunities / by Priyanka Awatramani

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map.14 C-D UK Transition Opportunities / by Priyanka Awatramani

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BGS RETROFIT

Need for Retrofitting BGS Exploring opportunities to imrpove building insulation, interior working conditions and improve acoustics.

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

IV

BGS RETROFIT assessing retrofitting needs based on interviews and site observations

We had the opportunity to visit the British Geological Survey (BGS) campus located in Keyworth, Nottingham, UK in March 2024. The visit provided us with valuable insights into the existing infrastructure and highlighted areas for potential improvement.

One notable aspect of the campus is the predominance of older buildings, with only two structures being recently constructed.

This mix of old and new presents challenges and opportunities for retrofitting efforts. During our exploration, it became evident that the older buildings, while having historical charm, require significant upgrades to meet contemporary standards of energy efficiency and functionality.

While materials like brick and concrete are durable, it was evident that the buildings lacked adequate insulation, as evidenced by the thin windows and the necessity to use curtains to minimise heat loss. This inefficiency in thermal performance points to the need for retrofitting measures to enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

The campus boasts various green areas interspersed between buildings, offering a refreshing outdoor environment. One feature is the Geological walk, showcasing three billion years of Earth’s history along its path, providing both educational and recreational value to the campus community.

During our exploration of the campus facilities, we encountered small, closed cubicles that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic for e-meetings. However, it was apparent that these spaces were not adequately ventilated, resulting in uncomfortably warm conditions. Given the shift towards remote collaboration, there is a clear need for designated, properly ventilated spaces to accommodate virtual meetings effectively.

Additionally, we were made aware of the requirements of additional storage space in the core storesto accommodate the growing volume of samples received on campus. Addressing this requirement is crucial to maintaining the integrity and accessibility of the BGS’s extensive sample collection.

The laboratories, which were the focus of our analysis for retrofitting, presented specific challenges. While these spaces serve as critical hubs for scientific research, their internal arrangement was often not optimal, reflecting their adaptation from older buildings. This configuration poses constraints on usability and efficiency.

Two primary concerns emerged during our assessment of the laboratories: acoustics and thermal conditions. The presence of loud noises in some labs significantly detracted from the work environment, while inadequate insulation and outdated windows compromised thermal comfort and energy performance.

Addressing these issues emerged as the top priorities for retrofitting, as they directly impact occupant productivity and well-being.

In conclusion, our assessment demonstrates the pressing need for comprehensive retrofitting measures to enhance the functionality and sustainability of the BGS laboratories. We identified two potential paths: retrofitting the existing lab buildings to improve environmental quality and reduce their ecological footprint or repurposing these structures as offices and constructing a new, biobased material building specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of modern scientific research. By embracing these initiatives, the BGS can ensure its facilities remain at the forefront of geological research while promoting environmental stewardship and occupant satisfaction.

Andrew Barkwith Director of Operations at BGS

BGS Site Visit fig.24 British Geological Survey, Keyworth, March 08, 2024 / Photo: by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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BGS Conventional Retrofit BGS Laboratory What BGS staff say about the laboratories

fig.26 Stone Wool Insulation Panel

By Emily Bowerman

fig.27 Landscapes of Extraction

Wall Assembly fig.28 Mineral Wool Acoustic Panel

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fig.25 NEIF Archaeological Radiocarbon Laboratory at BGS / Source: Geo-Biosciences Advanced E-Learning Academy

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Noise from large machinery and ‘chillers’ causes an unpleasant working environment. *Acoustics are a primary issue.

Appropriate solar control is required to better regulate interior temperatures.

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Some tests and machinery require staff to work directly in the labs for polonged periods to time to run tests and studies. Appropriate desks and workspaces are required.

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Interior lab layouts should encourage collaboration and comraderie. The BGS labs are currently spread apart, making it difficult for teams to meet, collaborate and share knowledge.

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Inadequate ventilation and noisy air circulation vents make it difficult for employees to concentrate and work without noise cancelling headsets. *Acoustics are one of the major considerations for employee comfort.

fig.31 Landscapes of Production

Labs are dated, isolated, and do not reflect the innovative research being undertaken by the BGS.

Wall Assembly fig. 41 Seaweed Acoustic Panel

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BGS management recognise the interconnection between employee well-being and design of physical space. They want to ensure the building architecture and spaces within the BGS promote employee well-being and research excellence. fig.26 Stone Wool Insulatio Panel / Source: Kooltherm Insulation fig.27 Dunald Mill Limestone Quarry Nether Kellet, England / Source: Atlas Obscura fig.28 Mineral Wool Acoustic Panel / Source: Prima acoustic Nimbus fig.29 Slag Grinding Plant / Source: Guangxi Guigang Hengyao steel Co. Ltd fig.30 Straw Insulation Panel / Source: Ecococon.eu fig.31 Wheat Farm / Source: unknown fig.03 Seaweed Harvest / Source: Atlantic Sea Farms fig.41 Seaweed Acoustic Panels / Source: BlueBlocks, Netherlands

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ill.13 BGS Retrofitting Conventional vs Biobased / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

fig.03 Landscapes of Production

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BGS PROCUREMENT OF BIOBASED MATERIALS

V

BGS PROCUREMENT OF BIOBASED MATERIALS proposal for regional procurement of biobased building materials building off of Material Cultures case study

fig.23 Core Stores, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, March 08, 2024 / Photo: by Clara Oloriz

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Case Study: Arup & Material Cultures A recent study by Material Cultures and Arup highlights the potential of biobased materials in new housing developments in the Northeast and Yorkshire region. They exemplify how the materials could bolster local industries, support craftsmanship, and benefit farmers and suppliers on a regional scale.

by Emily Bowerman

1. REGIONAL NETWORKS & LANDSCAPES OF PRODUCTION

3. MOBILISING AND SCALING BIOBASED INDUSTRY

From the MC report, it is estimated that transitioning to biobased materials in housing construction in the NEY region could save up to 2.88 megatonnes of CO2 over the next 17 years. Similarly, the use of biobased construction materials can contribute to lower embodied carbon and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional materials. It is clear from the MC report that biobased materials have low-embodied carbon and have regenerative potentials. The MC report emphasises the importance of evaluating sustainability more holistically, thinking not merely about the use of the material, but also the quality of the landscape from which the material derived.

Why are biobased materials not yet readily used in conventional building practice?

Opportunities for Cultivating Commons The report considers the site-specific landscape benefits that biobased materials can provide; the study suggests that best-management practices can be employed on the farms or productive lands to improve biodiversity and produce in a way that is mutually beneficial for the crop/biobased crop and the landscape. Despite this notion, the report does not mention Landscape Architects or Planners within the proclaimed systems-based approach. Cultivating Commons explores a more holistic approach to regional landscapes of production, with an emphasis on establishing a robust green infrastructure network that considers the individual productive landscapes as part of the regional matrix. Scaling-up and adopting a regional landscape perspective and planning policy lens ensures an understanding of how site- specific interventions contribute broadly to the regional landscape health. This is the most critical gap in the MC study.

Material Cultures explain that biobased materials can be more expensive than traditional carbon-based materials. Efforts are needed to reduce costs through increased production and economies of scale. The study highlights that start-up costs for housing systems using biobased materials require proportionately smaller demand. For example, a representative of a modular straw housing system in the UK reported that demand for 30 homes or more per year would support a factory in the UK, reducing the need for imports and transportation costs. Moreover, as demand for biobased materials increases, economies of scale can be leveraged to reduce labour costs and make biobased construction more cost-effective.

To accelerate uptake of biobased materials, the report proposes a Biobased Construction Materials Working Group to build awareness, network, exchange skills and knowledge. To meet the growing demands for biobased construction materials, the study also emphasises the need for more growers, manufacturers, and contractors with the necessary skills. The report suggests that funding is essential to allow innovators to access prospective markets, conduct necessary testing, and attract investment. Scaling up the biobased industry will require investment in assets, forming relationships across the supply chain, and providing education and training to meet the demand for a specialised workforce. By investing in skills development and training, regions can ensure that they have the necessary workforce to support the transition to biobased construction practices.

2.TRANSITIONING FROM EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TO BIOBASED Material Cultures is successful in considering not only the environmental benefits of using biobased, but the economic opportunities associated with establishing a regional biobased supply chain. The report states that building over 500,000 new homes could generate between £0.5 billion to £1.9 billion per year, contributing 10-36% of the region’s total economic output in the housing sector. They also estimate that the total value of output generated through the supply and installation of biobased materials in the region could range from £4.3 billion to £14.8 billion over the specified time. It is evident that regionally produced and procured biobased materials could inject significant amounts of funds and invite investment in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction sectors and create new jobs. fig.33 Cover Page of Circular Biobased Construction in the North East and Yorkshire Report / Source: Material Cultures and ARUP

Material Cultures, a London-based architecture and research practice, is a leader in biobased material use in the UK. 2021, they published the report ‘Circular biobased Construction in the Northeast and Yorkshire, documenting their work with Arup in the Yorkshire region. The project targets the new construction of 500,000 new homes in NEY region by 2038 using biobased materials. It addresses biobased materials for structural applications, insulation and lining in buildings; building elements are linked to potential biobased materials and addresses potential procurement networks within the region.

The report also presents opportunities of using biobased materials to develop a robust regional network of producers, suppliers, and manufacturers. Overall, the report offers a case example for the potential of biobased materials by addressing environmental impact, economic potential, resource management opportunities, skills development, policy, and funding. This has been a foundational resource for our study.

Opportunities for Cultivating Commons The report identifies many opportunities associated with scaling the biobased material industry, however, they do not address the implications this could have to existing extractive industries. In the case of East Midlands specifically, the region is highly industrialised and many communities are economically reliant on quarries, mines, and other industry. Therefore, Cultivating Commons considers the potential implications of scaling biobased industries and that could result in the potential downscaling of extractive industry. Our project will target upskilling opportunities for the workforce and consider policy implications associated with the closure of industrialised sites in relation to the regional landscape network.

Upon critical review, we have identified the successes and gaps associated with the MC report. The following section outlines the key accomplishments of the Material Cultures strategy, and it addresses areas that the Cultivating Commons project differs from and advances existing knowledge.

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In mid-2024, Material Cultures conducted a Straw Workshop and constructed the Breaking Waves Pavilion at Civic Square, engaging both residents and students in the building process.

These initiatives exemplify how involving the community in practical, hands-on projects not only enhances their skills but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership. By actively participating in the creation of these structures, individuals contribute to a more sustainable and resilient building practice, while also strengthening local connections and promoting environmental care.

fig.34 From the Report - Hemp Supply Chain Network Strategy (2036-38) / Source: Material Cultures and ARUP

Opportunities for Cultivating Commons The report successfully identifies the need for a strong network of producers, manufacturers and installers and they enforce the need for funding. Who is willing to invest and what is the recommended funding strategy? Further developing the network conceptualised by MC, Cultivating Commons proposes a tangible framework for mobilising the biobased industry through public common partnerships embedded within a community wealth building framework. The CC project aligns directly with the MC in intent; however, it leverages the BGS, a permanent Government Institution as a springboard for funding upskilling, prototyping, research, and development; innovation and technologies; and optimising their network. The CC project proposes a rigorous policy framework to identify anchor institutions, stakeholders and actors, roles, and responsibilities to fund, facilitate and support the uptake of biobased materials at all stages. Not only will the project provide a supply chain analysis, but also identify who, what, where and how the individuals and organisations involved contribute and benefit from participating. This builds on the work of MC by prototyping examples of funding streams and what roles council, local government, and UK institutions play.

4. POLICY & PROCUREMENT What is the role of designers and policymakers for encouraging biobased materials?

Material Cultures identify some of the major barriers to procuring and using biobased materials including lack of standardisation of material performance and insurability. Moreover, the study

notes that competitive tendering processes challenge contractors to limit costs to win bids. In a labor market where costs are rising and skills are in short supply, cutting material costs can be a strategic compromise for contractors. Until legislation and regulation promote greater use of biobased materials and market prices adjust, contractors may face challenges in assuming the risk of higher cost, lower carbon materials.

Opportunities for Cultivating Commons Cultivating Commons is focused on the application of biobased materials in institutional scale projects. Therefore, these projects follow a standardised tendering process.

Acknowledging that many biobased contractors are small, privately owned businesses at this stage, it would be critical to reform the UKRI tendering process to divide tenders into smaller contracts – enabling smaller-scale businesses to access the tendered projects from the BGS. Moreover, the BGS will serve as a prototype for biobased material use. If successful, the demand for biobased could increase, therefore more workers and contractors will be needed; the industry demand could exceed the available skilled-labour. These are considerations that will be further explored in Term 3.

According to the RIBA – Plan of Work, we will be identifying the roles and responsibilities of actors in specifying, sourcing and constructing with biobased materials. This will build on the works of MC to demonstrate how biobased can be integrated and the implications within a conventional project development framework.

INSURANCE The report also identifies three key insurance scenarios that restrict the use of biobased materials including Professional Indemnity Insurance that protects design professionals, including architects and their clients on design projects. The availability of insurance for using biobased materials is essential for designers to specify and design with these materials. Data, testing, and legislative support are necessary to ensure insurance coverage for designers working with biobased materials. Secondly, manufacturers may struggle to provide warranties and technical data to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. Designers rely on this information to demonstrate compliance and meet the requirements of home insurers and mortgage providers.

Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing funding for testing and compliance can help address this challenge. Lastly, insurance costs can be prohibitive for buildings constructed with biobased materials.

fig.32 “7-day workshop” Source Createlondon Instagram fig.42 “Rising from the Water: Designing in a Climate Emergency” / Source: Createlondon Instagram

Opportunities for Cultivating Commons We currently understand that insurance remains a barrier to using biobased materials in conventional construction. The example of Nottinghamshire University Campus building that uses straw-bale construction will be further investigated to understand how they were insured, the process for acquiring insurance, and cost if information is available.

fig.43 and 44 “Material Matter[s] Workshop #1 - Straw CIVIC SQUARE Courtyard” / Source: Civic Square Instagram

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Building Community Wealth through Public Common Partnerships (PCPs) Circular supply chains, Cradle-to-Cradle,

by Emily Bowerman

Procurement of conventional building materials follows a linear economic model opposed to the proposed bioregional economic model outlined in the previous section. Conventional economic models, such as capitalism, prioritise economic growth, are profit driven and strive for market integration. These models often overlook environmental limits, social equity, and long-term sustainability in favor of short-term gains and market efficiency.1 The neglect of local ecosystems negatively impact community resilience and cultural heritage in favor of economic expansion.

Ultimately, conventional economic models prioritise growth and expansion with limited acknowledgement for environmental limits or ecological capacities of the landscapes they influence.

Cultivating Commons explores alternative economic models that counter conventional linear economics driven by extractive and exploitative. According to the Doughnut Economics model

by Raworth (2017), social well-being and environmental sustainability are highly interdependent.1 This means that human well-being and environmental well-being are explicitly linked – therefore, our approaches to meeting social and economic needs must account for the impacts on environmental systems that sustain us. To implement this, material supply chains such as those developed by Material Cultures (2021) follow a Cradleto- Cradle approach that considers the means and methods of producing and using a material as equal importance to its disposal, composting, or reuse. 2

Aligning with Raworth’s social foundation, to promote distributive economic development, UK initiatives such as Community Wealth Building and Public Common Partnerships (PCPs) offer progressive methodologies for achieving equitable development regimes and mobilising a Cradle-to-Cradle strategy. Community Wealth building looks at opportunities for forming partnerships with anchor institutions so project goals can be realised in a way that benefits local community economies more broadly such as providing employment, upskilling. For example, the retrofitting of public institutions seeking to lower emissions can procure materials within the local region, supporting local producers, craft and business – the public project propels local industry and invests more broadly in the community whilst achieving project goals.3

From speaking directly with Kai Heron of ABUNDANCE on April 15, 2024 we understand that PCPs require a shift in values; whereby the acquisition of building materials needs to equally consider the broader impacts production and procurement of materials has to the landscape and community at large.

What would incentivise anchor institutions such as local Universities or UKRI to promote a Cradle-to-Cradle approach and engage in PCPs for the procurement of materials?

From our interview with Kai Herton, it is understood that councils may engage in PCPs to incentivise jobs and taxes that improve the councils’ image and economic viability. Furthermore, PCP’s might fulfil universities or educational institution’s sustainability agendas; universities may also partner to provide field courses related to biobased materials or develop training and internship programs associated with the R&D or construction of biobased materials.5

To mobilise the community wealth building approach, Public Common Partnerships (PCPs) can be established between local councils, educational institutions, and government institutions such as the BGS. PCPs are not a strict regimen but rather a series of principles and processes that need to be designed and implemented on a largely case-by-case basis. Conventional Mobilising alternative economic models for material procurement models typically involve Public-Private procurement from a Cradle-to-Cradle lens is complex. The Partnerships (PPPs) that combine “the deployment of private novelty of biobased material use in the UK presents challenges sector capital and, sometimes, public sector capital to improve related to uptake and interest in investing. Because of this, public services or the management of public sector assets”.4 In prototyping the BGS retrofit project becomes even more critical to demonstrate the feasibility and opportunity that comes from the case of the BGS retrofit, a PPPs would involve the engaging in a biobased economic system of production for both procurement of materials and services from a private sector firm communities, contractors, councils, educational bodies and who would tender the project, a builder would be appointed, and government Institutions. materials would be procured from conventional suppliers of concrete, insulation etc. (oversimplified for the purpose of this 1 Hill-Hansen, Dani, Guldager Kasper Jensen, and Kate Raworth. Doughnut for Urban summary). Alternatively, to redistribute wealth so government Development: A Manual. Copenhagen: Danish Architectural Press, 2023. asset improvement projects benefit communities more broadly, 2 Material Cultures, and Arup. “Circular Biobased Construction in the North East and Yorkshire,

a Public Common Partnership model could form networks 2021.” Material Cultures. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://materialcultures.org/2021-circularbiobased-construction-in-the-north-east-and-yorkshire/. between government institutions, research institutions and councils. These partnerships could forge way for communities, 3 Radcliffe, Eleanor, Laura Williams, Victoria Bettany, Amy Clancy, Matt Fawcett, and Amanda Stevens. “Part 1: Why Community Wealth Building?,” 2021. businesses, and local Doughnut suppliers and crafts people to benefit principles of practice from the procurement of biobased materials whether as 4 PMC, Europe. “Promoting Urban Farming for Creating Sustainable Cities in Nepal.” Europe PMC, suppliers, manufacturers, research and development personnel, January 9, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr594002. divisive economies into far interview more distributive ones.Awatramani, April 15, 2024.

Doughnut’semployees. holistic scope and visual simplicity, skilled-contractors or The upskilled 5 Kai Heron,

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more good in any given project. Lastly, Doughnut

book (2017), ‘Doughnut Economics: seven ways to

Economics recognises that growth may be a healthy

think like a 21st century economist’, further explored

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succeed do so by growing until it is time to grow up

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and thrive instead.

economic perspectives in a way that everyone can understand. It is now being discussed, debated and

To ensure the integrity of these core concepts,

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Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) has created

in business and in government, in towns, cities and

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Figure 3, that should be followed by any initiative that is working to put the ideas of Doughnut Economics

Doughnut Economics proposes an economic mindset that’s fit for our times. It’s not a set of policies and

Supply Chain Diagram

about the regenerative and distributive dynamics that schools of economic thought - including ecological, feminist, institutional, behavioural and complexity economics - it sets out seven ways to think like a 21st century economist to transform economies, local to global.

The starting point of Doughnut Economics is to change the goal from endless GDP growth to thriving in the Doughnut. At the same time, see the big picture by recognising that the economy is embedded within, and dependent upon, society and the living world. Doughnut Economics recognises that human behaviour can be nurtured to be cooperative and caring, just as it can be competitive and individualistic.

It also recognises that economies, societies, and the rest of the living world, are complex, interdependent

fig.35 Adaptation of Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics model in The Doughnut for Urban Development - A Manual 1

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this century calls for. Drawing on insights from diverse

Doughnut Economics

Doughnut Economics

institutions, but rather a way of thinking, to bring

into practice.

As addressed in the section on biobased materials, we understand that materials have a carbon footprint from propagation through to disposal. Building on the works of Material Cultures, we have identified opportunities for integrating strawbale insulation with timber framing, and kelp acoustic panels. This approach optimises all aspects of the supply chain to serve either an environmental or economic benefit to the local community through production, manufacturing, construction, and disposal processes. In term 3, we will further develop the inputs and outputs of the network as we specify actors and stake-holders specific to procuring materials for the BGS retrofit.

systems that are best understood through the lens of systems thinking. And it calls for turning today’s degenerative economies into regenerative ones, and

Figure 2: Transgressing both sides of the Doughnut’s boundaries (Raworth, 2017) with updated planetary boundaries from 2022.

ill.14 Supply Chain Diagram / by Emily Bowerman, Priyanka Awatramani and Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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BGS PROCUREMENT OF BIOBASED MATERIALS

Supply Chain Network for BGS To spatialise the potential supply chain network for the BGS, we mapped the existing cereal croplands, the existing seaweed farms nearby to the region, and the shellfish farms with potential for expanding to farm seaweed. In the short-term, seaweed farms could supply fertilisers for the production of cereals, of which straw is a by-product. Also identified on the map are suppliers, manufacturers, and contractors with existing biobased construction knowledge. This map provides foundational understandings of how the materials could be procured currently - this reflects the methodology employed by Material Cultures.

How can landscapes of production be considered at a regional scale to ensure they provide economic benefits whilst integrating holistically with the existing ecosystems and landscapes?

Building on this network, we will explore how the sites of production and procurement can form a regionally regenerative land management system.

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map.15 Supply Chain Network for BGS / by Priyanka Awatramani

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BGS PROCUREMENT OF BIOBASED MATERIALS

Establishing a local bioeconomy through Public Common Partnerships (PCPs) “Public-Common Partnerships are a way for organised communities, working in partnership with relevant public bodies, to gain ownership and control over the assets and resources (buildings, enterprises, farms) which impact their lives” (Abundance, 2024).

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

The local workforce, aiming to transition from traditional mining jobs to roles within the green economy, is at the forefront of a new initiative to form partnerships with regional producers, including farmer clusters, fishermen, and seaweed and shellfish groups. This coalition, supported by the British Geological Survey (BGS) advances through an extensive retrofitting project.

Together with local councils and universities, BGS acts as an anchor institution, offering government-owned land, upskilling and education opportunities, and leveraging grants and incentives to foster local businesses that supply biobased construction materials. In our efforts to understand how collaborations between BGS, local councils, and institutions could be formalized, we consulted experts in Public-Common Partnerships (PCPs), including Kai Heron from Abundance. Our proposal extends the PCP model to include designers and consultants already active in these fields, ensuring comprehensive guidance and support throughout the transition.

Find the BGS Handbook in the pocket on the back of the book.

ill.15 PCP Proposal / by Emily Bowerman and Priyanka Awatramani

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Policy Brief March, 2024

Bio based Retrofitting of UKRI Institutions through local Public Common Partnerships (PCPs) To the UK Government, the UK Research and Innovation, and Local Council

Executive Summary In 2019, the UK government set a target to achieve a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. (ref. Climate Change Act 2008). This necessitates retrofitting campuses of public institutions such as the British Geological Survey (BGS) of UKRI. However, conventional retrofitting often depends on carbon-intensive building materials, contributing to 40% of global emissions, according to the UK Green Building Council. Consequently, emissions from material extraction and production have adverse effects on local well-being and ecologies.

To better this goal, this policy mandates the use of locally produced biobased materials, which offer low embodied energy and in some cases, even contributes to carbon sequestration or soil regeneration. This approach not only supports UKRI’s net-zero targets but also benefits the regional communities (of East Midlands) by promoting a transition away from traditional production and extraction practices.

This paper highlights policy gaps in decarbonisation efforts, inadequacies in building codes, and challenges in retrofitting practices, emphasising the need for holistic approaches to construction. It also identifies disparities in the biobased materials industry and proposes strategies to address them, including promoting biobased materials in building codes, investing in research and capacity building, leveraging financial resources, and utilising public lands for research and development, through Public Common Partnerships (PCPs). These recommendations aim to enhance awareness, support funding, overcome resistance to change, and ensure sustainable procurement practices, ultimately advancing the transition to biobased construction materials and achieving broader environmental and social goals.

The Issue 1. Policy Gaps in Decarbonisation The drive towards decarbonization in the UK, with a target of achieving Net Zero by 2050, highlights the urgency of addressing the gaps in existing policies. While policies predominantly focus on reducing carbon emissions, they often overlook the intricate interplay between the construction sector, environmental preservation, and human health.

2. Inadequacies in Building Codes and Sustainable Practices The inadequacies in building codes become apparent when considering the incorporation of bio-based materials. Existing frameworks including non-governmental actors such as BREEAM, predominantly prioritize carbon reduction. evaluating environmental performance of a while overlooking its broader social and economic impacts.

BGS PROCUREMENT OF BIOBASED MATERIALS

Abstract This policy initiative focuses on leveraging biobased materials to transition from carbon-intensive construction practices, aiming to promote sustainability and support regional economies. This policy facilitates local production, fabrication and procurement of biobased materials for retrofitting public institutions through Public Common Partnerships (PCPs). These partnerships enable the adoption of biobased materials in retrofitting projects, contributing to both regional community economies and ecologies.

The policy mandates the formation of PCPs, fostering collaboration between the UKRI, local councils, universities, and communities to mobilize the transition to biobased materials. A PCP serves as a joint enterprise that in this context would include the BGS as an anchor institution, local council, local businesses and community groups to catalyze industry advancements. The BGS retrofitting project is pivotal to implement the initiatives under this policy that include funding upskilling programs for local workers and farmers, supporting education, and facilitating research and development initiatives on common lands. Common lands include council farms, protected landscapes and brownfields are utilized as test plots for biobased material production. This not only showcases the uptake potential to local farmers and producers but also fosters innovation and sustainability in regional economies.

[After mapping and analyzing the potentials of six bio-based materials for each region of the UK, we have chosen to focus on seaweed and straw for prototyping the case of BGS. Straw was selected due to its easy availability in the East Midlands region, while seaweed presents a promising opportunity as a long-term industry that can transition from a fertilizer to a construction material with further research and development.

It is important to note that the choice of materials may vary for other institutions depending on regional production capabilities and future interests in scaling up industries.

Therefore, the selection of seaweed and straw for the BGS’s prototype does not imply that these materials are universally applicable or that they alone can transform the construction industry. This allows us to acknowledge the potential of specific materials within our context while recognizing the dynamic nature of regional production and evolving industry interests.]

Policy Recommendations 1. Promotion of Biobased Materials in Building Codes and Procurement Processes Crown Commercial Service » Mandates the incorporation of minimum 30% biobased materials in public institution retrofitting projects. » Mandates regional procurement of biobased materials by amending the Tender Documents in the Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs). » Partitions large project tendering into smaller projects so local and regional businesses have capacity to engage in UKRI tendering process.

2. Investment in Research & Development, Capacity Building and Biobased Production The UKRI » Allocate funds for biobased material research and development so materials comply with building codes and insurance requirements. » Establish partnerships with local councils, and research institutions to study biobased materials that addresses technological gaps. » Ensure MMO and DEFRA farming funds, grants, and incentives are leveraged for regenerative raw material production.

Local Institutions » Implement upskilling programs for the local workforce, facilitated by UKRI funding, to equip workers with the necessary skills for working with biobased materials and supporting the growth of the local talent pool.

3. Utilization of Public / Common Lands for Research and Development

3. Retrofitting Challenges Despite its potential to mitigate environmental impact, the prevalent approach to retrofitting primarily focuses on reducing operational energy. However, this approach leaves significant room for improvement and fails to address the issue of construction materials ending up in landfills, necessitating a more comprehensive strategy.

Local Councils » Facilitate leasing of under-utilised public land to businesses for research, development and prototyping of biobased material production and use. » Make county farms available for testing farming methods of biobased materials.

4. Neglect in material procurement In retrofitting projects, material sourcing practices often ignore factors such as embodied carbon, production methods and manufacturing locations. This narrow focus obstructs the holistic advancement of the construction industry towards conscious practices.

Community Wealth Building Frameworks » Heron, Kai, Keir Milburn, and Bertie Russell. “Public-Common Partnerships: Democratising Ownership and Urban Development,” n.d. » “How to Build Community Wealth | CLES.” Accessed January 28, 2024. https://cles.org.uk/community-wealth-building/how-to-build-community-wealth/. » Radcliffe, Eleanor, Laura Williams, Victoria Bettany, Amy Clancy, Matt Fawcett, and Amanda Stevens. “Toolkit: A Community Wealth Building Energy Transition,” n.d. » “National low carbon strategy: The ecological and inclusive transition towards carbon neutrality.” March 2020. https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/en_SNBC-2_complete.pdf

5. Failure to address the implications of extractive Construction Materials The issue of extractive construction materials remains largely unaddressed in both decarbonization efforts and existing policies. This oversight perpetuates the environmental impact of material extraction and exacerbates challenges in achieving sustainable construction practices.

6. Assessing Variation in Biobased Material Industries (Bio-based materials studied: Timber, Clay, Straw, Hemp, Seaweed and Mycelium) Each material presents unique requirements in research and development, with some necessitating restrictive licensing for scaling up production. And hence, specific policies are required for each material, to address the challenges hindering the integration of these materials into the construction industry as mainstream building materials.

The Challenge 1. Limited Awareness and Understanding of PCPs Lack of awareness and understanding among stakeholders regarding the concept and potential benefits of Public Common Partnerships (PCPs) could impede successful implementation. [Addressed in Recommendation #2] 2. Securing Funding Sources Relying only on public funding may pose challenges in ensuring adequate financial resources for large-scale biobased retrofitting projects. [Addressed in Recommendation #2] 3. Overcoming Resistance to Change, Research and Verification Resistance from stakeholders, including institutions and local communities, towards adopting biobased retrofitting methods and transitioning from traditional practices is prevalent. Additionally, there is a problem with lacking research in materials, which impacts the ability to obtain insurance coverage as builders need verified materials to comply building codes and insurance companies checks. [Addressed in Recommendation #2 and #3] 4. Balancing Local Procurement and fair bidding process Establishing a fair and transparent bidding process for the procurement of biobased materials without imposing restrictive distance radius requirements. [Addressed in Recommendation #1] 5. Technology and Innovation gaps Limited technological advancements or innovations in the production of biobased materials may slow down the potential scalability. [Addressed in Recommendation #2 and #3] 6. Limited Capacity for Large Projects Local and regional businesses often face challenges related to their capacity to undertake large projects, including shortages in resources, inventory, and skilled manpower, restricting them from participating more actively in bidding. [Addressed in Recommendations #1] 94

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Bioregional Economics Adopting a bioeconomic approach to establish biobased material production in the East Midlands

by Emily Bowerman

VI DEVELOPING A REGIONAL PRODUCTIVE LANDSCAPE STRATEGY proposal for East Midlands bioregion for propelling biobased initiatives as a phased strategy

East Midlands boundary Extents of bioregion ill.16 East Midlands Bioregional boundaries / by Emily Bowerman

Building on the works of economist Molly Scott Cato, we have followed a bioregional approach to advance our understanding of regional systems beyond mere administrative boundaries.

Bioregions are defined according to watersheds, climate patterns, and biodiversity to acknowledge the interconnectedness of ecosystems and communities. 1 Following bioregional boundaries acknowledges the interrelationships of human activity and natural resources within a particular area; administrative boundaries often do not reflect the ecological and hydrological characteristics of a region.

Bioregional frameworks promote a holistic understanding of the region, emphasising the importance of sustainable resource management, preservation of ecosystem services, and adaptation to environmental changes accelerated by climate change. This project acknowledges the unique inland and coastal conditions that shape the East Midlands region; these landscapes are key indication of the opportunities and potential limitations of producing biobased materials. The study defines the East Midlands region according to the bioregional boundary that reaches from sea to land, crossing varied topographies and micro-climates.

Why transition to a Bioregional economy?

Bioregional economies support a more harmonious relationship between community economics and natural resources. Aligning human activities with the region’s inherent natural resources and ecological functions promote sustainability and resilience. For example, regenerative agriculture could provide materials required for construction whilst considering the health and longevity of soils and lands. This approach contrasts existing extractive practices of mines and quarries, relied upon for conventional building materials. Focusing on regional sustainability lessens reliance on global supply chains for goods and services.

Bioregional economies also encourage a sense of pride and community identity, whereby individuals within a particular

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region adopt stewardship responsibilities and identify with the landscapes that they rely on. Rather than resources coming from afar, disconnected from their sites of production and the labour involved, individuals are more integrated within the production and use of resources directly within the area they inhabit.

Ultimately, embracing bioregional boundaries not only acknowledges the interconnectivity of human and ecological activities but also offers an approach towards sustainable, resilient, and culturally rich communities.

What are some of the limitations of a Bioregional approach?

The transition to bioregional economies is not without challenges. Due to the incongruencies with political boundaries and bioregional extents, political resistance could ensue due to conflicting interests in governance strategy of natural resources.

Moreover, coordinating actions across various jurisdictions within a bioregion could present logistical difficulties – this demands a reformed understanding of responsibilities around natural resources and collective agreements for managing lands and resources. This will be further explored in Term 3, specifically to overlay political actors and bioregional resources for the prototyping of the BGS. Adopting a Bioregional approach in the East Midlands Adopting biobased material production, manufacturing, and processing for use in the BGS retrofitting project follows a two-phase approach at both the East Midlands scale and the Nottinghamshire scale. The phased approach is as follows:

1. Cato, Molly Scott. The Bioregional Economy: Land, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. New York: Routledge, 2013.

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Upscaling industries in East Midlands: Phase 1 Filtering areas of high unemployement and unskilled workers for prioritising the establishment of biobased industries and government owned brownfields for PCPs Phase 1 Firstly, to prototype biobased material production and construction, land and facilities are required. Therefore, by engaging local councils, universities and the BGS as anchor institutions, resources can be leveraged to provide lands for physical production prototyping, facilities and educational resources to educate the public and workforce, and funding to accelerate these initiatives. Therefore, lands including community allotments (council owned), local government owned lands and brownfields could host prototyping ventures.

Available lands were overlaid with areas of high-unemployment and low-skilled workers to understand what locations could be targeted for upskilling and job creation.

map.17 Upscaling industries in East Midlands: Phase 1 / by Emily Bowerman and Priyanka Awatramani

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Upscaling industries in East Midlands: Phase 2 Opportunities for regenerating and scaling existing industry

Phase 2 As awareness builds, worker competencies increase, and further research and development into biobased material certifications occur, the strategy moves to Phase 2. Phase 2 proposes the uptake of prototyping the BGS and knowledge within the existing supply chain. For example, existing cereal farms could be upskilled to produce construction grade straw. Moreover, opportunities exist for shellfish farms to expand to produce seaweed, or planned windfarms to integrate seaweed production.

map.18 Upscaling industries in East Midlands: Phase 2 / by Emily Bowerman and Priyanka Awatramani

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Nottinghamshire: Phase 1 & 2 Filtering areas of distress for prioritising the establishment of biobased industries and government owned brownfields for PCPs Concentrating specifically on the area surrounding the BGS, Nottinghamshire has several county farms and community allotments that could be used for prototyping and experimenting, as well as higher education institutions shown with the blue cross for R&D in Phase 1. Many are visibly located in areas of high unemployment.

map.19 Nottinghamshire: Phase 1 & 2 / by Alejandra Iturrizaga

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Regional Ecologies Priority habitats in the East Midlands We have identified ten of the principal landscapes that exist in the region.

These will all need to be considered holistically in terms of how they are farmed, managed, governed, improved or regenerated. These include bogs & peatlands and woodlands; factories and quarries; urban areas and cropland; pasturelands; salt marshes, mudflats and inter-tidal zones.

This landscape analysis, in combination with the supply chain study sets foundation for the next phase of our study to prototype our policy and landscape strategy for the BGS campus.

map.20 Regional Ecologies of East Midlands / by Emily Bowerman

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100m ill.17 bog/ fen/ peatland / by Priyanka Awatramani

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ill.18 deciduous woodland / by Priyanka Awatramani

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cement plant

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ill.20 sand and gravel quarry / by Emily Bowerman

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ill.22 cropland / by Emily Bowerman

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ill.24 saltmarsh / by Priyanka Awatramani

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ill.26 inter-tidal zone / by Emily Bowerman

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Prototyping the British Geological Survey Retrofitting the BGS: Integrating biobased materials and enhancing the campus landscape

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

VII

PROTOTYPING THE BGS AND LANDSCAPES OF PRODUCTION Envisioning the BGS, straw farms, seaweed and seashell farms, and prototyping sites.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) campus presents an opportunity to address existing limitations and implement advanced sustainable solutions. The current 3D render illustrates the campus’s existing conditions as seen on the BGS visit, featuring smaller labs, inadequate insulation, and limited natural light, with the outdoor space largely undeveloped. This chapter focuses on the proposed retrofitting strategies designed to enhance both the building’s functionality and its interaction with the surrounding environment.

Our proposal aims to address these deficiencies through a comprehensive retrofit approach, incorporating biobased materials and design solutions. By focusing on external facade insulation and outdoor space, we align our strategy with principles established in previous chapters, such as sustainable land use and environmental impact reduction. The goal is to create a cohesive environment that supports both the building’s performance and its integration into the broader landscape by utilizing native and pollinator-friendly plants. We focused not only on the building itself but also on an integral retrofit of both outdoor and indoor areas.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) plays a key role in the PublicCommon Partnerships (PCP) model by integrating biobased materials like straw and shellfish renderings in its retrofit project.

Collaborating with local councils and universities, BGS will foster research, provide workshops for upskilling workers, and create sustainable supply chains. As a demonstration site, BGS supports the PCP model’s goals of promoting biobased building practices, strengthening local economies, and advancing sustainable construction techniques throughout the region.

ill.27 BGS current status / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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Shellfish based render

Seating area

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Biodiversity

Permeable

Maintenance

Indoor/Outdoor communication

PROTOTYPING THE BGS AND LANDSCAPES OF PRODUCTION

Seaweed acoustic panels

Hgih traffic Oyster floor

Natural Light

Straw insulated walls

Open floor plan

ill.28 BGS retrofit proposal in summer / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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For the outdoor space, a communal area will be provided where workers can eat, rest, or engage in gardening activities. This space is designed to foster a stronger connection between the indoor and outdoor environments by incorporating larger windows and new glass doors that open directly to the garden.

Planting species that promote biodiversity is a key element of the outdoor design, as these plants not only enhance the campus environment but also play a vital role in managing rainwater runoff. Additionally, the proposal includes the creation of shellfish-based pathways. These permeable surfaces are strategically designed to assist with water management, ensuring that rainwater is absorbed and redirected in an eco-friendly manner.

Considering the sun’s lower inclination during winter, particularly to the east, deciduous trees are recommended for planting.

These trees, which shed their leaves in colder months, will allow more sunlight to penetrate the building, thereby improving the indoor ambiance during the shorter daylight hours. This increased natural light is particularly beneficial for the mental well-being of the workers during winter.

To maintain greenery throughout the year, evergreen trees are proposed for planting along the western facades. These trees will ensure that the outdoor spaces remain vibrant and visually appealing, while also providing views of greenery from the windows regardless of the season. ill.30 BGS indoor lab and workspace retrofit proposal / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

Seawood / Manufactured by Blueblocks, these panels are crafted from compressed seaweed, offering acoustic insulation and an aesthetic solution.

fig.04 Seawood acoustic panels / Source: Blueblocks

Building on the connection between the outdoor and indoor environments, the indoor space of the building focuses on incorporating biobased materials to create a healthier and more sustainable environment. These materials not only enhance the physical well-being of the occupants but also contribute to a more positive mental state by fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere.

To address acoustics and provide a degree of privacy within the open floor plan, compressed seaweed panels are strategically placed on the ceiling and used as table dividers. These panels not only absorb sound, reducing noise levels and improving concentration, but also add a natural texture and color that brings a sense of calm and warmth to the space. This integration of biobased materials supports both productivity and comfort, ensuring that the workspace remains functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The flooring will be retrofitted with a high-traffic oyster shellbased material, chosen for its durability and environmental benefits. This sustainable option ensures that the flooring can withstand heavy use while contributing to the overall ecofriendly design of the building.

In addition to the material choices, the open floor plan itself is designed to encourage collaboration and communication among workers. Large windows on both sides of the room are incorporated to maximize natural light, offering views of the surrounding gardens and promoting cross ventilation, making the space more pleasant and energizing for those who work within it.

The use of biobased materials in the interior plays a crucial role in improving indoor air quality. Unlike conventional materials, biobased options do not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harmful substances, ensuring that the air remains clean, fresh and healthy.

ill.29 BGS retrofit proposal in winter / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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The 1:10 scale showcases a section of the building with the proposed straw panels and shellfish render applied. This physical model brings people closer to the proposal and the materials themselves, offering a tangible experience that deepens understanding and appreciation. The model has been crafted to facilitate dialogue between all stakeholders involved in the project, ensuring that everyone has a clear and concrete vision of the proposed solutions.

ill.31 BGS retrofit proposal - facade / by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

Straw panel / Constructed from straw bales encased in timber frames, these panels are renowned for their excellent acoustic and insulation properties. The natural materials not only enhance energy efficiency but also contribute to a sustainable building approach by using renewable resources.

To address the insulation problem, we propose the use of straw panels on the facade. These modular panels, sourced from regenerative farms in the East Midlands region, offer an efficient and sustainable solution. The straw panels are designed for easy maintenance, allowing for individual panels to be mounted, demounted, and replaced as needed over the years. In developing this approach, we consulted with Ciaran Malik from Environmental and Technical Studies at the Architectural Association (AA) to gain a deeper understanding of biobased assemblies and construction methods. His insights helped to refine our approach to using straw insulation effectively.

For the facade rendering, we recommend a shellfish-based material, inspired by the innovative work of architects Katya Briskina and Nataly Nemkova. We had the opportunity to interview both Katya and Nataly where they provided us with a comprehensive understanding of their experimental work with shellfish in construction, which informed our decision to incorporate varying sizes of crushed shellfish across the facade.

fig.30 Straw Insulation Panel / Source: Ecococon.eu

This rendering approach not only makes it aesthetically pleasing but also follows a modular grid pattern that mirrors the internal structure of the wall, making it easier to identify and maintain.

The variation in shellfish sizes across the panels provides a textured, dynamic appearance that enhances the building’s character while contributing to its environmental performance.

The BGS, known for being a government institution at the forefront of resource innovation in the UK, serves as an ideal experimental ground for these materials. Not only the immediate needs of the building can be adressed, but also there could be a contribution to the broader field of sustainable construction practices. In line with this, I conducted my own shellfish rendering tests to explore the practical application of this innovative material.

Ciaran Malik Tutor at AA School

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Katya Briskina AA Emtech Alumni

Nataly Nemkova AA LU Alumni

fig.45 1:10 model of refurbished construction detail / Photo: by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

fig.XX Construction detail made and photographed by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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fig.46 Alejandra building 1:10 model / Photo: by Jose Bazo fig.47 Alejandra making Shellfish rendering. Process / Photo: by Jose Bazo

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SEASHELL POWDER

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BIG CRUSHED SEASHELLS

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fig.48 Shellfish and lime rendering on straw / Photo: by Alejandra Iturrizaga

SMALL CRUSHED SEASHELLS

Shellfish rendering presents a promising alternative to traditional lime rendering. Particularly, in the case of BGS, seashells could come from the East Midlands coast. Traditional lime rendering typically uses a mix of lime and water, sometimes combined with sand. In this approach, I substituted lime with shellfish powder, experimenting with different types of crushed shellfish to determine which combination would give the best results.

SEASHELL POWDER

RESULT

Although the shellfish powder showed great potential, I observed that the mixture might require an additive to improve its durability in rainy environments and is something that would need further testing. Ultimately, I found that a mix of shellfish powder, small crushed shellfish, and lime provided the most durable rendering (fourth row on the right). In this case, lime is not entirely replaced, but its demand could be significantly

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The shellfish powder is crucial because it solidifies as it dries, providing the necessary structural integrity. The crushed shellfish, while primarily decorative, offers the opportunity to create various textures and patterns. However, they do not contribute significantly to the rendering’s strength. When using smaller crushed shellfish, it’s essential to ensure that a sufficient amount of shellfish powder is present to hold the shell fragments in place as the render dries.

SMALL CRUSHED SEASHELLS

SEASHELL POWDER

LIME

RESULT

fig.49 Shellfish rendering tests composition / Photos: by Alejandra Iturrizaga

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Straw Farming Transforming traditional practices by integrating strategic grazing, soil regeneration, and ecological connectivity

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

Many existing farms in the East Midlands are characterized by conventional monoculture cereal production. The area under consideration which is located on the outskirts of Clifton town in Nottingham, along Fairham Brook and approximately 7 km from the BGS, exemplifies this traditional approach. This landscape, marked by isolated ecological parcels, presents an opportunity to enhance ecological connectivity and resilience through a comprehensive agroecological farming prototype centered on straw. By establishing wildlife corridors, hedgerows, and buffer zones, the prototype would link these fragmented habitats, allowing for the movement of species and the flow of ecological processes across the landscape.

BGS Straw Farm

The Straw Farm Prototype envisions a transformation from conventional practices to a more sustainable and ecologically integrated farming system. A key part of this prototype is the use of strategic animal grazing. By adopting rotational grazing practices, the farm will improve soil health, control weeds, and enhance nutrient cycling. This method supports soil regeneration and integrates livestock into the farming system in a way that complements and sustains other practices.

Tree buffers will be planted around fields and along waterways to provide shade, reduce soil erosion, and create valuable wildlife habitats. These buffers will also help in controlling wind and water flow, further contributing to soil regeneration and overall ecosystem health. The farm will incorporate the collection and utilization of straw bales. These bales will serve multiple purposes, such as mulch for soil health improvement, construction material, or as part of a closed-loop system to enhance farm sustainability.

Perennial crops, including perennial wheat, will be central to restoring soil fertility efforts, offering long-term benefits by reducing soil disruption and promoting longer soil health. The integration of wildflower buffers along field margins and within

corridors will further support pollinators, increase biodiversity, and enhance the aesthetic value of the landscape. These buffers also play a crucial role in soil health and water management.

Additionally, the prototype includes a recreational trail that will appear along the farm, providing public access and educational opportunities. This trail will facilitate deeper engagement with the farming practices and biobased material production, promoting awareness and fostering community connection as seen on the agroecological farming section on the next page.

By integrating strategic grazing, tree buffers, perennial crops, and public engagement through recreational trails, the aim is to create a resilient and interconnected agricultural landscape.

This comprehensive approach will contribute to a more sustainable and ecologically rich farming system.

The Straw Farm Prototype will be part of the Public-Common Partnerships (PCP) model, focused on producing constructiongrade straw while supporting local economic growth through job creation in sustainable agriculture. Collaborating with local councils and universities, the farm will serve as a hub for biobased material production. Universities will play a key role in providing research, workshops, and education to upskill workers and community members in biobased building techniques. Local councils will assist by offering policy support and grants, facilitating the adoption of agroecological practices across the region.

Through its collaboration with other farms in the PCP network, including seaweed farms that can provide organic fertilizers, the Straw Farm Prototype will foster an interconnected and regenerative local economy. This integrated system will strengthen regional resilience, enhancing both environmental sustainability and economic opportunities.

ill.32 Cliffton town before agroecological farming / by Priyanka Awatramani ill.33 Cliffton town after agroecological farming / by Priyanka Awatramani

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Straw bales

Soil regeneration

Perennial wheat

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Wild flowers buffer

Trail

ill.32 Agroecological farming section / by Priyanka Awatramani

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ill.33 Agroecological farming / by Priyanka Awatramani

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Prototyping site Transforming underutilized spaces to testing and training for biobased construction and regenerative practices

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

The prototyping sites play a crucial role in the transformation towards more sustainable and regenerative practices. These sites are envisioned as spaces where empty public lands, brownfields or abandoned structures are repurposed for a range of testing and educational activities. By adapting these areas, we can explore and refine innovative approaches in both construction and agriculture.

At these sites, we will test various straw panel assemblies to evaluate their effectiveness and durability in real-world conditions. This practical testing is essential for optimizing the design and performance of straw-based building materials.

Additionally, soil sampling will be conducted to assess and monitor soil health, ensuring that regenerative practices are having the desired impact on soil fertility and ecosystem health.

us to explore the best methods for producing and using straw in a variety of applications. Furthermore, these prototyping sites will host educational events aimed at training and upskilling workers and farmers. By engaging in hands-on activities and learning about biobased construction and farming methods, participants can better implement these practices in their own work.

Ultimately, the goal is to enable upskilled workers and farmers to adopt biobased construction and regenerative farming practices across the East Midlands. Through these prototyping sites, we aim to demonstrate the viability of these approaches, support the transition to more sustainable practices, and foster a broader adoption of regenerative methods in the region.

The sites will also serve as laboratories for growing straw and experimenting with different cultivation techniques. This allows

Repurposing old structures

Testing straw panel assembly

Soil sampling

Straw growing lab

ill.34 Prototyping site section / by Priyanka Awatramani

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ill.35 Prototyping site / by Priyanka Awatramani

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Seaweed and Seashell Farming Sustainable Farming and Marine Rewilding in Skegness

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

BGS Skegness

The Seaweed and Shellfish Farm Prototype envisions a transformative approach to coastal and marine resource management, particularly for communities like Skegness. This coastal area depicted, faces challenges such as flooding and economic dependency on tourism. Recent plans and news highlight a growing interest in diversifying into alternative industries, with seaweed farming emerging as a promising opportunity.

Seaweed farms could be established along the Skegness coast, integrating farming, recreational activities, and marine rewilding.

These farms, marked by black hatches on the visualizations to the left, are designed not only to provide economic benefits but also to contribute to environmental restoration. The white irregular patterns indicate areas where habitat rewilding would evolve alongside the farms, enhancing ecological health and biodiversity.

Kelp and seagrass rewilding efforts aim to restore seabed biodiversity that has been degraded by trawling and eutrophication. Ensuring that the seabed composition and water clarity are suitable for restoration is crucial to the success of these initiatives. To address issues related to light penetration, some rewilding efforts might need to be situated in nearby bay areas where the water is shallower and light penetration is more favorable. ill.36 Community of Skegness before Seaweed farming and rewilding / by Emily Bowerman ill.37 Community of Skegness after Seaweed farming and rewilding / by Emily Bowerman

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In addition to seaweed farming, we propose integrating multitrophic aquaculture systems, which involve cultivating kelp, mussels, and oysters together. These systems are beneficial for diversifying production, filtering pollutants from the water, and reducing the spread of diseases among marine species.

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture can significantly enhance the overall health and productivity of marine environments.

Key components of this prototype include drying facilities for seaweed processing, conservation efforts for nearby dunes, and the development of a recreational trail similar to those in the straw farm prototype. Wharfs would facilitate the handling and transportation of seaweed and shellfish. This prototype will actively collaborate with the Public-Common Partnerships (PCP) model, working with local councils and universities to align these farming initiatives with regional sustainability goals.

For example, local councils may assist in securing necessary permits and provide land access, while universities could contribute research expertise and help train the local workforce.

The seaweed and shellfish farms will supply sustainable materials for biobased construction and fertilizers for straw farms, thereby creating a closed-loop system that enhances both agricultural and construction processes. This not only directly supports the PCP model by creating jobs and fostering economic resilience in coastal communities but also strengthens the interconnectedness of sustainable practices across the region.

Left: fig.50 Economic Sector Review Report: Skegness Neighbourhood Plan/ Source: East Lindsey District Council Right: fig.51 “Skegness Gateway Development to Include 1,000 Homes and a Business Park.” / Source: BBC News

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Onshore activities would encompass drying facilities, recreational trails, and small ports dedicated to monitoring and maintenance operations. Additionally, there is potential to upskill existing shellfish farmers to transition into kelp farming, leveraging their current expertise and infrastructure to support this emerging industry.

PROTOTYPING THE BGS AND LANDSCAPES OF PRODUCTION

Integrating recreation and educational opportunities is a top priority to enhance community buy-in. The image on the right depicts recreational floats situated near kelp farms and diverse habitats. These floats serve multiple purposes, including community upskilling, field research, and monitoring areas. They also provide spaces for community recreation and eco-tourism, all within proximity to the sustainable aquaculture site such as the seaweed farm. Additionally, these areas could be designed to support migratory bird habitats, further enriching the local ecosystem.

ill.38 Onshore activities and upskilling shellfish farmers / by Emily Bowerman ill.39 Recreational floats / by Emily Bowerman

Drying facility

Dune

Trail

Wharf

Oyster farm

Mussel farm

Kelp prototyping

Oyster reef

Seabed rewilding

Recreation floats

Kelp Farm Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture

ill.40 Conceptual rewilding and seaweed farm section / by Emily Bowerman

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REGIONAL NETWORKS AND LANDSCAPES OF PRODUCTION Connecting Landscapes and Enhancing Biobased Production

fig.36 Site Visit: Visiting Allie Wharf from Norfolk Seaweed at Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk on February 23, 2024 / Photo: by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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Uptake of Biobased Materials

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

Phase 1 Uptake of biobased materials

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

Prototyping sites within 10 KM of DE on local government owned lands

The first phase focuses on leveraging community allotments, government-owned lands, and brownfields situated near areas with high unemployment and unskilled labor. These locations would serve as sites for prototyping construction assemblies, testing agricultural methods, and providing opportunities for workforce upskilling. In parallel, existing shellfish farms, represented by the blue crosses, could serve as pilot sites for seaweed-based material prototyping.

Farms within 2 KM of Natural England designated priority habitat and 10 KM of prototyping site

Existing shellfish farms for seweed prototyping

map.21 Uptake of biobased materials, Phase 1 / by Emily Bowerman

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Phase 2 Uptake of biobased materials

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

In Phase 2, as production of construction-grade straw increases, the network can broaden its reach to include a larger amount of under-skilled workers across the region. Additionally, seaweed farms can either expand along the coast or potentially integrate with new offshore wind farms, creating synergies between these two emerging industries. The preliminary selection for siting seaweed farms considers factors such as bathymetry, wave intensity, turbidity, fishing vessel traffic, proximity to ports, and Marine Protected Areas. This siting strategy is informed by reports from CEFAS, Hethel Innovation, and Norfolk Seaweed, which detail the placement of seaweed farms in the East Anglia region. As straw farms develop inland and potential seaweed farms are established, a noticeable degree of fragmentation within the network matrix is anticipated.

Prototyping sites within 10 KM of DE on local government owned lands

Farms within 2 KM of Natural England designated priority habitat and 10 KM of prototyping site

Existing shellfish farms for seweed prototyping Farms within the DE zones in the broader region

fig.52 News / Source: Hethel Innovation

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map.22 Uptake of biobased materials, Phase 2 / by Emily Bowerman

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Patches and corridors in the East Midlands Matrix Integrating Biodiversity and Connectivity in Biobased Production Landscapes

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

2023-2024

As the network of biobased materials production expands across the East Midlands, the landscapes dedicated to this production can play a pivotal role in enhancing regional biodiversity. When biodiversity enhancement measures are thoughtfully implemented at individual farms or across multiple farms, these productive landscapes can function as critical ecological patches. Practices such as planting wildflower buffers, establishing tree lines, and integrating rotational grazing or agroforestry systems contribute to creating habitats that support a diverse range of species. Over time, these measures help to regenerate soil health, promote pollination, and foster a balanced ecosystem within the agricultural landscape, making these areas not just zones of production but also ecological focal points.

In addition to the on-site biodiversity initiatives, it is crucial to consider the broader landscape connectivity facilitated by existing recreational networks. Greenways and greenspaces,

map.23 Patches and corridors in the East Midlands / by Emily Bowerman and Priyanka Awatramani

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Open green space

Open green space

Woodlands and Forests

Woodlands and Forests

Hedgerows and buffers

Hedgerows and buffers

Waterways and canals

Waterways and canals

Roads

Roads

Trails

Trails

already established within urban and suburban contexts, can be leveraged as ecological corridors, linking isolated patches of biodiversity across the region. These corridors enable the movement of wildlife, support plant dispersal, and allow for the flow of essential ecological processes between different sites.

Canals and waterways further enhance this connectivity by serving as natural conduits that link various habitats, providing both ecological benefits and opportunities for community engagement through recreation and education.

Moreover, traditional agricultural features like hedgerows and windbreaks, which historically served to protect crops and manage soil erosion, can be revitalized to act as linear connectors between farms. These features not only improve landscape connectivity but also contribute to the visual and ecological richness of the region.

Strengthening the corridor of production Bridging Land and Sea through a Unified Production Network

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

Trails and roads, if designed with ecological considerations in mind, can similarly function as connectors, linking productive landscapes and recreational areas while ensuring minimal disruption to wildlife.

By integrating these biodiversity patches with a network of ecological corridors, the East Midlands can create a mosaic of interconnected landscapes that support both agricultural productivity and environmental health. This approach not only strengthens the resilience of local ecosystems but also enhances the quality of life for communities by providing accessible green spaces, recreational opportunities, and educational experiences that foster a deeper connection to the land. As the region transitions to a biobased economy, these interconnected landscapes will be essential in balancing the needs of production with the imperative of ecological stewardship.

The concept of a “corridor of production” begins to take shape as we integrate the various elements of biobased material production across the East Midlands. This corridor visualized on the map, represents a continuous link between inland agricultural zones and coastal seaweed farms, effectively connecting land-based and marine environments. By strategically aligning these production sites, we not only enhance the flow of resources and knowledge across the region but also create a network that supports ecological resilience and economic sustainability. This linked area strengthens the ties between different landscapes, ensuring that the benefits of biobased materials are maximized, from the regeneration of soils to the restoration of marine ecosystems. 1

1. Forman, Richard T. T. Land Mosaics: The Ecology of Landscapes and Regions. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995. map.24 Corridor of production in the East Midlands / by Emily Bowerman and Priyanka

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Phase 3 Just Transition.

by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

In Phase 3, as demand for biobased materials rises, there is potential to further transition the workforce from extractive industries to biobased regenerative farming. Closed quarry sites could be repurposed for additional prototyping, while agroecological farming practices may expand throughout the region. This shift would not only enhance the availability of biobased materials but also contribute to a more sustainable and diversified local economy.

Phase 1 Farms

Phase 2 Farms

Phase 3 Farms Dormant and Inactive Quarries. Could act as prototyping sites Active Quarries

map.25 Uptake of biobased materials, Phase 3 / by Emily Bowerman

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Summary

Designers play a pivotal role in advancing the use of biobased materials, shaping both the built environment and the natural landscapes that surround it. This thesis has demonstrated how thoughtful integration of biobased materials such as straw for insulation, seaweed for acoustic paneling, and shellfish-based renderings can transform construction practices and contribute to regional sustainability. Through detailed analysis, prototyping, and testing, we have explored how these materials can be effectively utilized in the BGS retrofit and broader regional applications in the East Midlands.

conditions, directly impacting the efficiency and comfort of their workers. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining the BGS’s role as a leader in geological research. The analysis suggests two potential approaches: either retrofitting existing laboratories to improve their environmental performance or repurposing them for office use and constructing a new facility using biobased materials. Such steps would not only enhance the operational efficiency of the BGS but also align with broader sustainability goals, ensuring that the campus remains a cutting-edge hub for scientific inquiry.

The construction industry faces an urgent need to reduce embodied carbon emissions, which account for a significant portion of a building’s total carbon footprint. As the UK works toward its Net Zero 2050 target, it’s essential to consider not only operational emissions but also the environmental impact of material extraction, processing, and disposal. Traditional building materials like cement and stone contribute to resource depletion and waste, while globalized supply chains add further complexities, including social and environmental issues abroad.

To address these challenges, the industry must prioritize the use of regenerative and low-carbon materials, and sustainable waste management practices. This holistic approach will be crucial in reducing the sector’s overall environmental impact and fostering more resilient communities.

The case study on Arup & Material Cultures highlights the transformative potential of biobased materials in construction, particularly through their environmental, economic, and regional benefits. However, it also highlights the challenges that remain in scaling up their use. Material Cultures’ work provides a solid foundation, illustrating how biobased materials can reduce carbon emissions, enhance biodiversity, and stimulate local economies through new supply chains. However, gaps exist in addressing the transition from traditional extractive industries and the need for a more holistic, regional landscape approach.

The Cultivating Commons project seeks to advance this by proposing a more integrated strategy, focusing on upskilling local workforces, implementing Public-Common Partnerships (PCPs), and establishing a regional bioeconomy that aligns with sustainable land management practices. By doing so, it aims to bridge the existing gaps, ensuring that the adoption of biobased materials is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically and socially equitable, providing a replicable model for future developments. PCPs provide a collaborative framework that ensures diverse stakeholder involvement, including public entities, local communities, and private partners. This collaborative approach is essential for balancing ecological, social, and economic benefits and preventing the concentration of advantages within a single entity. By engaging a broad spectrum of participants, PCPs promote equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, aligning with the goals of sustainability and regenerative design.

The relationship between extraction landscapes and architectural design calls to an urgent need for a more integrated approach to material selection and environmental responsibility.

Contemporary construction must evolve towards a post-waste economy where materials are designed for reuse, recycling, or composting. Biobased materials represent a key aspect of this transition, offering benefits such as carbon sequestration and soil fertility restoration, and aligning with both environmental and human needs. France’s proactive stance on bioconstruction, supported by regulatory frameworks and incentives, provides a valuable model for the UK, demonstrating how international collaboration can advance sustainable building practices. The proposed biobased materials viability framework is essential for navigating the complexities of material selection, including logistical, performance, and environmental factors. By adopting biobased materials and drawing lessons from successful international practices, the UK can improve its construction industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In reflecting on the just transition from extractive to biobased materials within the UK’s construction sector, it’s clear that this shift is not merely an environmental necessity but also a profound socio-economic transformation. Aligning with the principles of the 2015 Paris Agreement and subsequent COP24 declarations, the transition must holistically address the intertwined environmental, social, and economic challenges.

Environmentally, this move towards biobased materials significantly reduces carbon emissions and environmental degradation, aligning with global sustainability targets. Socially, it emphasizes equity by fostering new opportunities for workers displaced by the decline of extractive industries, ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind. Economically, targeted investments in biobased materials can stimulate innovation, drive long-term growth, and create jobs, particularly in regions with high unemployment and the ones who would be most affected by the shift. This strategic multifaceted approach is essential for achieving climate goals.

The visit to the British Geological Survey (BGS) campus in Keyworth emphasized the critical need for retrofitting to meet contemporary standards of sustainability and functionality. The campus’s mix of older, historically significant buildings alongside newer structures presents both challenges and opportunities.

The laboratories, which are pivotal to the BGS’s research mission, suffer from inadequate acoustics and thermal

In adopting a bioregional approach, this study emphasizes the importance of aligning economic activities with the natural resources and ecological functions of the East Midlands. This approach not only fosters sustainability and resilience but also encourages a stronger sense of community identity and stewardship. However, the transition to a bioregional economy is not without its challenges, such as potential political resistance and logistical difficulties due to the misalignment with existing administrative boundaries. Despite these hurdles, the phased strategy outlined for the East Midlands focusing on biobased material production and leveraging local resources demonstrates the potential of this approach to drive regional development while addressing broader environmental and social challenges. This perspective highlights the need for comprehensive planning and cooperation across various sectors and scales to achieve sustainable outcomes.

The phased approach to the uptake of biobased materials in the East Midlands illustrated a strategic pathway from initial prototyping to broader regional implementation. Phase 1 focused on leveraging local resources and testing biobased materials, while Phase 2 projected a larger-scale integration, including potential synergies with offshore wind farms. This strategic expansion not only addresses material production but also considers the broader impact on regional landscapes and economies.

The prototyping of the British Geological Survey (BGS) campus and surrounding landscapes represents a pivotal step towards advancing sustainable construction and agricultural practices.

The retrofit plan integrates biobased materials such as straw panels and shellfish-based facades, aiming to enhance the building’s functionality while fostering a harmonious connection

with the outdoor environment. The design emphasizes biodiversity through landscaping and water management solutions, which together address both aesthetic and ecological concerns. Additionally, the incorporation of straw, seaweed and shellfish materials not only improves the building’s insulation and acoustics but also supports local economies by utilizing regionally sourced resources. The establishment of prototyping sites for testing these materials and practices further facilitates the transition to biobased building. By engaging in hands-on experimentation and education, these sites aim to refine practices and empower workers and farmers in the East Midlands. Similarly, the Seaweed and Shellfish Farm Prototype offers a transformative approach to coastal resource management, enhancing both environmental restoration and economic resilience.

The concept of strengthening the corridor of production emerged as a strategy, emphasizing the need to connect land and sea through a network of ecological patches and corridors. This approach integrates recreational and ecological networks such as greenways, waterways, and traditional agricultural features to enhance regional biodiversity and connectivity. It underlines the importance of aligning material use with landscape and ecological considerations to foster a more cohesive and sustainable regional framework.

Reflecting on the introduction of this thesis, Cultivating Commons has addressed the urgent need for innovative solutions to climate change and sustainable development. The project shows the interconnectedness of production landscapes -both natural and built- and their potential to positively influence regional ecologies and local economies. By transitioning from extractive materials to biobased alternatives, Cultivating Commons aims to mitigate carbon emissions, enhance soil health, and support biodiversity while fostering community empowerment and economic diversification. Cultivating Commons envisions a regenerative economy where landscapes of production not only sustain people and the planet but also contribute to building a shared surplus of resources. The insights gained from discussions with experts have been instrumental in shaping our understanding and focus throughout this thesis.

Their contributions have deepened our knowledge of biobased materials and highlighted key areas for development and application.

However, we recognize that challenges remain, particularly in the UK context, where issues such as insurance limitations currently hinder broader adoption of these innovative materials.

Our research highlights the importance of scaling up and investing more in biobased materials. As illustrated in the Public Common Partnerships (PCP) model, addressing these constraints through increased investment and supportive policies can help mitigate existing barriers, making these materials accessible and encouraging more engagement. By overcoming these hurdles, we aim to foster an environment where biobased materials become standard practice, benefiting both the environment and the community.

As we strive to align with the UK’s target for Net Zero by 2050, it is crucial to understand that this goal extends beyond simply retrofitting or constructing new buildings. It demands a holistic vision that considers all aspects of the landscape impacted by these efforts. Designers are therefore called to integrate these principles into their practice, ensuring that every decision not only advances sustainability but also thoughtfully considers how their choices transform and shape the landscapes they design.

The findings from this thesis provide a foundation for ongoing research and application, setting the stage for creating landscapes that offer benefits to both people and the environment.

fig.01 Source: Unknown at The Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University

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Conclusions

This thesis has been a transformative experience, shaping not only my understanding of biobased buildings but also deepening my appreciation for the complexities behind sustainable architecture. One of the key takeaways for me has been the realization that biobased construction does not need to remain confined to small-scale or niche projects. Too often, we associate biobased materials with either luxury eco-homes or low-cost housing initiatives. This view limits the extent to which biobased construction can make an impact. If we are really going to align with Net Zero goals we need to amplify the spectrum and make a concerted effort to scale up the production of biobased materials through PCP or community-owned regenerative farming practices, supported by quality labour and proper governmental grants. These materials should be implemented into cultural, governmental and institutional buildings, just as this thesis proposes for the BGS campus.

However, rather than demonizing brick and concrete, we should question the site to be intervened, ensuring that the solutions come from the site without alienating it, and responding directly to it. What I argue for is a more conscious selection process as designers. “Green” isn’t inherently better unless we can trace the entire lifecycle of a material. It’s crucial to ask, Where did this come from? How was it extracted? Who was involved, and were they treated fairly? Who owned the means of production? Often, in our rush to embrace sustainable trends, we overlook the labour practices tied to these materials, effectively externalizing the human cost from the product. This gap is something we need to close if we are to create truly sustainable systems.

We must centre local communities in the design, opening conversations about the place they will inhabit to make sure it responds and fosters local identity and community cohesion.

There are challenges and open questions within the scope of this project, especially in predicting how local communities - such as fishermen or workers in extractive industries - might react or engage with these biobased initiatives. The trails and corridors designed to connect the community to these changes are vital, but we must ask, Will they foster a sense of belonging and identity, or will they create resistance? This social engagement is as important as the material choices we make and could, in turn, shape stronger and more cohesive communities.

ill.41 “Building connections”. Figure based on the supply network for BGS map by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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Growing up in Peru, I’ve had the privilege of working directly with artisans and local materials. This proximity to the source has always inspired my work. Artisanal craftsmanship is closely tied to the landscape and its ecosystems, and the materials used are often a reflection of what is available in the surroundings. Yet, I

also understand the challenge of tracking the supply chains of more industrial materials, like bricks and cement. This is often a blank box, and we rarely consider the working conditions of those who produce these materials. This disconnect has shaped my commitment to keep pursuing more traceable and ethical building practices.

Incorporating a Public-Common Partnership (PCP) model, as proposed for the BGS retrofit, offers a more transparent and equitable way to manage material sourcing. It is not just about creating direct connections, but about establishing publicly and community-owned industries that drive the biobased transition.

By empowering local communities to take ownership of the production and supply chains, we can foster a system that is ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable. And this, I believe, is the greatest challenge: achieving balance on all three fronts. Every step we take toward that balance is a sign that we are moving in the right direction.

Addressing the commons through the PCP model also has broader implications for resource management. By involving local communities in the stewardship of their landscapes, we can ensure that flora, fauna, and human needs are all considered in balance. This kind of holistic planning could benefit not just public institutions but also private companies willing to adopt these principles for their own projects.

Throughout this process, I’ve come to see the project as a vast canvas with a web of interconnected elements that goes beyond simple material choices. From harvesting to composting, every decision impacts the next, and this broader understanding of the supply chain has helped me reflect on how crucial it is to engage with the entire life cycle of a building. The story of each material, the people who work with it, and the environment that supports it all contribute to a more meaningful and sustainable design.

Equally important is the role of policy not just as an incentive for change but as a tool for regulation. Without strong political frameworks that prioritize sustainability, we risk falling short in addressing the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of building. Policies are essential for ensuring that the biobased transition is not only possible but also equitable and scalable.

I understand that real-world projects are often unpredictable, and many variables can shift the course of a plan. But this thesis serves as a theoretical spine for navigating those changes. In practice, things may evolve, but the core principles outlined here can help ensure that the decisions we make are grounded in a commitment to a truly sustainable future.

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APPENDIX

Invitation for Key-Informant interviews Ethics Application - Approval notice Engagement Overview List of Figures List of Illustrations List of Maps Bibliography

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fig.53 Site Visit: Low tide. Visiting Allie Wharf from Norfolk Seaweed at Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk on February 23, 2024 / Photo: by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

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Invitation for Key-Informant interviews

Ethics Application - Approval notice

Sample e-mail shared with experts to participate in an interview

Formal ethics application submitted and approved by the AA ethics board

APPENDIX

Norfolk Seaweed allie@norfolkseaweed.com Hi Allie,

Emily Bowerman

My name is Emily Bowerman, and I am a Landscape Architect currently studying at the AA School of Architecture in London in the Landscape Urbanism program.

My colleagues Alejandra and Priyanka and I are undertaking thesis research exploring the potentials of using biobased materials in the construction industry – one of those materials being seaweed.

We were very excited to see your involvement in the Hethel Innovation project regarding seaweed farming in East Anglia. We are looking to learn more about seaweed production in the UK and would greatly appreciate your input on our work.

From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:

As we are in the initial stages of our study, there are lots of opportunities to shape and mould our work to reflect current industry needs. Therefore, we were wondering if there would be an opportunity to meet with yourself or one of your team members to share more about our research and learn more seaweed farming and the seaweed industry in the East Anglia region.

Dear Priyanka, Emily and Alejandra,

Please let us know if you would be willing to discuss with us. We would be happy to arrange a phone call, otherwise, we do intend to be in East Anglia/East Midlands region on February 23rd and could meet with you.

I hope that you are keeping well. I am emailing to confirm receipt of your application for ethical approval for the project: Retrofitting of BGS using bio-based materials.

Please let us know if this is something you would be willing to accommodate.

Thanks kindly, Emily

Mike Aling Tuesday, February 20, 2024 3:40 PM Priyanka Awatramani; Emily Bowerman; Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich Clara Oloriz Ethics approval

This application has been approved.

If you have not already done so, please make sure to read the participant checklist. For gaining signatures for consent, you can utilise the Participant Consent Form. Both of these forms can be found on the AA Intranet by going to the ‘Key Documents’ tab and clicking on the ‘Ethics…’ link under the heading ‘General Policies or Processes’.

Wishing you a successful project, Kindest regards, Mike _________ Mike Aling Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning Architectural Association School of Architecture 36 Bedford Square London WC1B 3ES mike.aling@aaschool.ac.uk www.aaschool.ac.uk

Ethics application completed by Emily Bowerman and Priyanka Awatramani

1

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

2023-2024

CULTIVATING COMMONS

APPENDIX

Engagement Overview NAME & ORGANISATION

INTERVIEW STATUS

NOTES

Allie Wharf, Nortfolk Seaweed, Norfolk UK

In-Person interview & Site Visit February 2024

+Ongoing communications via e-mail. +Shared contacts for additional interviewees +Seaweed farming and East midlands coastal insights

Kai Heron, ABUNDANCE

In-person interview

+Identified areas for improving policy diagram for establishing PCP

Kathryn Larsen, Studio Kathryn Larsen

Contacted via e-mail

+Provided insights regarding Eelgrass vs. Kelp as a building material

BlueBlocks, Netherlands

Unable to contact

+Seaweed acoustic panels

Ella, Câr-y-Môr, Wales

Declined interview & Site visit

Karishma Tuladhar, UCL Bio Integrative Design Graduate

Virtual Interview

+Microalgae research

Anika Riopel, Ecology Action Centre, Nova Scotia, Canada

Unable to contact

+Sustainable seaweed production in Nova Scotia

UK Hempcrete

Unable to contact

+Information regarding hempcrete products and cost

Ben and Loretta, Local Works Studio

Declined interview

+Architecture firm working with sustainable building materials

Bradley Nissen, UKGBC

Virtual Interview

+Sustainable building construction

make Architects, London

Unable to contact

+Straw panels for Insitutional projects

Johanna Gibbons, J&L Gibbons, London, UK

Unable to contact

+Sustainable resource management & landscape transformation in the UK

Material Cultures

Attended in-person lecture at the Barbican February 2024 Unable to contact for an interview

+Reinforced opportunities and gaps in their current research

Eco Cascade

Unable to contact

+ Innovation start-up for Seaweed processing in Scotland

Sam Fenshawe, Blue Marine

Virtual Interview

+ Seaweed farming insights

Anonymous Key Informant, Marine Research Organization

Virtual Interview

+ Seaweed and farming insights

Cypren Edmunds, Straw Bale Building UK

Virtual Interview

+ Straw bale building insights

Andrew Barkwith,BGS

In-person Interview and BGS visit

+ BGS needs and campus tour

Ciaran Malik, AA

In-person Interview

+ Construction details

Katya Briskina, EM Tech Alumni

Virtual Interview

+ Shellfish as material

Nataly Nemkova, AA LU Alumni

Virtual Interview

+ Shellfish as material

fig.54 Screenshot of Interview with Cypren Edmunds from Straw-Bale Building UK

fig.55 Screenshot of Interview with Sam Fanshawe from Blue Marine Foundation

ill.02 Engagement Overview / Summary by Emily Bowerman and Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

fig. 56 Screenshot of Interview with Anonymous Key Informant from Marine Research Organization

160

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CULTIVATING COMMONS

APPENDIX

List of Maps List of Figures

map.01 Concentration of UKRI institutions UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). “Nottinghamshire Map.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https:// www.ukri.org/.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). “Nottinghamshire Map.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https:// www.ukri.org/.

10, 152 fig.01 Source: Unknown at The Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University 16

fig.02 Aerial view of the Mary Ward College as it was offered for sale in 1975 / Source: BGS

36, 81

fig.03 Seaweed Harvest / Source: Atlantic Sea Farms

121

fig.04 Seaweed Acoustic Panels / Source: BlueBlocks, Netherlands

40

fig.05 Regenerative Ocean Farm / Source: Câr-Y-Môr, Wales

40

fig.06 Irish Moss Seaweed – Organic, Wild Harvested from Donegal Bay / Source: unknown

169

fig.07 Seaweed Harvest / Source: Câr-Y-Môr, Wales

map.02 UKRI Institutions UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). “Nottinghamshire Map.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https:// www.ukri.org/. Google Maps. “Building condition.”

Google Maps. “Building condition.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.google.com/maps/. map.03 Geological Reserves and Stone Quarries

42, 169 fig.08 Straw harvesting / Source: © StockFood 169

fig.09 Straw Panel / Source: BlueBlocks, Netherlands

46

fig.10 Wheat Farm / Photo by Bryan Bian, 2019. Source: Pixels.com

46

fig.11 Straw Pile / Photo by Dusan Petrovic

52

fig.12 Hemp Harvest / Source: East Yorkshire Hemp

169

fig.13 Hemp Panel / Source: Homeland Hempcrete

British Geological Survey. 2020. “Reserves & Quarries.” Directory of Mines and Quarries, 2020: 11th Edition. Keyworth, Nottingham, British Geological Survey. OR/20/036. © UKRI 2020.

Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/dmq/Directory_ of_Mines_and_Quarries_2020.pdf. map.04 Sand and Gravel Reserves and Industries British Geological Survey. 2020. “Reserves & Quarries.” Directory of Mines and Quarries, 2020: 11th Edition. Keyworth, Nottingham, British Geological Survey. OR/20/036. © UKRI 2020.

Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/dmq/Directory_ of_Mines_and_Quarries_2020.pdf.

56, 169 fig.14 Urban Mycelium Farm / Source: © Mike Botha, Vegout Fungi Ltd 169

fig.15 Mycelium Panel / Source: Mykor

60, 169 fig.16 Clay Extraction Site / Source: Pixabay 169

fig.17 Adobe Brick Wall / Photo by Carlos Santa Maria, Source: Adobe Stock

64, 169 fig.18 Timber Forest / Source: Wikimedia Commons 169

fig.19 Wooden panel / Source: unknown

68

fig 20 Biobased materials, hempcrete, wood wool and timber in the interior of Flat House in Cambrigeshire / Source: Material Cultures

70

List of Illustrations

fig.21 Biobased materials, straw and timber in The Gateway Building, University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington Campus / Source: Make Architects

69

fig.22 Biobased material, Mycelium Foam Insulation in interior of a residence / Source: Mykor

83

fig.23 Core Stores, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, March 08, 2024 / Photo: by Clara Oloriz

78

fig.24 British Geological Survey, Keyworth, March 08, 2024 / Photo: by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

80

fig.25 NEIF Archaeological Radiocarbon Laboratory at BGS / Source: Geo-Biosciences Advanced E-Learning Academy

81

fig.26 Stone Wool Insulatio Panel / Source: Kooltherm Insulation

81

fig.27 Dunald Mill Limestone Quarry Nether Kellet, England / Source: Atlas Obscura

81

fig.28 Mineral Wool Acoustic Panel / Source: Prima acoustic Nimbus

81

fig.29 Slag Grinding Plant / Source: Guangxi Guigang Hengyao steel Co. Ltd

81, 122 fig.30 Straw Insulation Panel / Source: Ecococon.eu 81

fig.31 Wheat Farm / Source: unknown

87

fig.32 “7-day workshop” Source Createlondon Instagram

84

fig.33 Cover Page of Circular Biobased Construction in the North East and Yorkshire Report / Source: Material Cultures and ARUP

86

fig.34 From the Report - Hemp Supply Chain Network Strategy (2036-38) / Source: Material Cultures and ARUP

88

fig.35 Adaptation of Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics model in The Doughnut for Urban Development - A Manual

142

fig.36 Site Visit: Visiting Allie Wharf from Norfolk Seaweed at Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk on February 23, 2024 / Photo: by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

22

fig.37 Four Heavy Equipment Vehicles in a Quarry During the Day by McLendon, Shane / Source:

26 35 70 81 87

Unsplash fig.38 “Leicester’s High Street to Get New Look in Major Revamp.” / Source: BBC News fig.39 Zines, August 2024 /Photo: by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich fig.40 “UK Wheat Crop Is the Largest since 2019. Image by Henry Arden / Source: FeedNavigator fig.41 Seaweed Acoustic Panels / Source: BlueBlocks, Netherlands fig.42 “Rising from the Water: Designing in a Climate Emergency” / Source: Createlondon Instagram

87

fig.43 “Material Matter[s] Workshop #1 - Straw CIVIC SQUARE Courtyard” / Source: Civic Square:

19

ill.03 3D of BGS Campus

Chatham House. 2021. “resourcetrade.earth.” Data. Accessed February 25, 2024. URL: https:// resourcetrade.earth/.

30

ill.04 Biobased Material icons

33

ill.05 Viability Framework

37

ill.06 Seaweed Matrix

43

ill.07 Straw Matrix

48

ill.08 TImeline for Seaweed and Straw

53

ill.09 Hemp Matrix

57

ill.10 Mycelium Matrix

61

ill.11 Clay Matrix

65

ill.12 Timber Matrixd materials, hempcrete, wood wool and timber in

81

ill.13 BGS Retrofitting Conventional vs Biobased

89

ill.14 Supply Chain Diagram

93

ill.15 PCP Proposal

97

ill.16 East Midlands Bioregional boundaries

106

ill.17 Regional ecologies: bog/ fen/ peatland

107

ill.18 Regional ecologies: deciduous woodland

108

ill.19 Regional ecologies: cement plant

109

ill.20 Regional ecologies: sand and gravel quarry

110

ill.21 Regional ecologies: urban area

111

ill.22 Regional ecologies: cropland

112

ill.23 Regional ecologies: pastureland

113

ill.24 Regional ecologies: saltmarsh

114

ill.25 Regional ecologies: mudflat

Council

118 120 121 122 128 128 130 132 134 137

ill.28 BGS retrofit proposal in summer ill.29 BGS retrofit proposal in winter ill.30 BGS indoor lab and workspace retrofit proposal ill.30 BGS retrofit proposal - facade ill.32 Cliffton town before agroecological farming ill.33 Cliffton town after agroecological farming ill.32 Agroecological farming section ill.33 Agroecological farming ill.34 Prototyping site section ill.35 Prototyping site

fig.51 “Skegness Gateway Development to Include 1,000 Homes and a Business Park.” / Source: BBC

138

ill.36 Community of Skegness before Seaweed farming and

138 140 140 140

Rewilding ill.37 Community of Skegness after Seaweed farming and rewilding ill.38 Onshore activities and upskilling shellfish farmers ill.39 Recreational floats ill.40 Conceptual rewilding and seaweed farm section

154

ill.41 “Building connections”. Figure based on the supply network

Instagram fig.45 1:10 model of refurbished construction detail / Photo: Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich fig.46 Alejandra building 1:10 model / Photo: by Jose Bazo fig.47 Alejandra making Shellfish rendering. Process / Photo: by Jose Bazo fig.48 Shellfish and lime rendering on straw / Photo: Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich fig.49 Shellfish rendering tests composition / Photos: by Alejandra Iturrizaga

139

fig.50 Economic Sector Review Report: Skegness Neighbourhood Plan/ Source: East Lindsey District

News fig.52 News / Source: Hethel Innovation

157

fig.53 Site Visit: Low tide. Visiting Allie Wharf from Norfolk Seaweed at Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk on

161 161 161

February 23, 2024 / Photo: by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich fig.54 Screenshot of Interview with Cypren Edmunds from Straw-Bale Building UK fig.55 Screenshot of Interview with Sam Fanshawe from Blue Marine Foundation fig.56 Screenshot of Interview with Anonymous Key Informant from Marine Research Organization

162

ill.02 Term 2 Engagement Overview

ill.26 Regional ecologies: inter-tidal zone

123 124 125 126 127

146

map.05 Construction Minerals Global Imports

160

ill.27 BGS current status

fig.44 “Material Matter[s] Workshop #1 - Straw CIVIC SQUARE Courtyard” / Source: Civic Square:

139

ill.01 Research Methodology

117

87

McCarten, M., Bayaraa, M., Caldecott, B., Christiaen, C., Foster, P., Hickey, C., Kampmann, D., Layman, C., Rossi, C., Scott, K., Tang, K., Tkachenko, N., and Yoken, D. 2021. “Global Database of Iron and Steel Production Assets.” Spatial Finance Initiative, UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment (CGFI).

13

115

Instagram

McCarten, M., Bayaraa, M., Caldecott, B., Christiaen, C., Foster, P., Hickey, C., Kampmann, D., Layman, C., Rossi, C., Scott, K., Tang, K., Tkachenko, N., and Yoken, D. 2021. “Global Database of Cement Production Assets.” Spatial Finance Initiative, UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment (CGFI).

for BGS map by Alejandra Iturrizaga Andrich

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). “Major Deposit Database.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://mrdata.usgs.gov/major-deposits/. map.06 Landfill vs Composting Sites EMODnet Human Activities. “Algae Production.” October 9, 2018. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_ Algae_Producing_Industry_20220125. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/ geonetwork/emodnet/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/7b849214- e6ae-4199-a3f0d4539f1f1289.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Aquaculture, Shellfish.” July 1, 2014. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Aquaculture_Shellfish_20220225. Available at: https://emodnet. ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/aa0d2b45-49c4-4b4286bb-8971a3c2d2cc.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Main Ports, Goods-Passengers-Vessels Traffic.” May 1, 2014.

Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Main_Ports_Traffic_20231106. Available at: https://emodnet. ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/379d0425-8924-4a41a088-1a002d2ea748. map.07 Seaweed Industries and Opportunities EMODnet Human Activities. “Aquaculture, Shellfish.” July 1, 2014. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Aquaculture_Shellfish_20220225. Available at: https://emodnet.ec. europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/aa0d2b45-49c4-4b42-86bb8971a3c2d2cc.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Main Ports, Goods-Passengers-Vessels Traffic.” May 1, 2014.

Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Main_Ports_Traffic_20231106. Available at: https://emodnet. ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/379d0425-8924-4a41a088-1a002d2ea748.

defra.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/provisional-agricultural-land-classification-alcengland/explore?location=52.504434%2C0.274396%2C6.53&showTable=true.

European Straw Building Association. “ESBA Certified Straw Bale Producers.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://strawbuilding.eu/map-of-straw-bale-producers/.

The British Hay and Straw Merchants Association. “BHSMA Straw Producers.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://hay-straw-merchants.co.uk/members. map.10 Hemp Industries and Opportunities Hemp Club. “Hemp Farms.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://hempclubproject.com/map/ map.html.

Hemp Club. “Hemp Product Producers and Distributors.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// hempclubproject.com/map/map.html. map.11 Mycelium Industries and Opportunities Farming UK. “Mushroom Farms.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://www.farminguk.com/ agricultural-directory/category/mushroom-growers_642.html.

Iturrizaga, Alejandra. 2024. “List of Mycelium Producers in the UK.” Dataset. Self-published.

Office for National Statistics. 2023. “Digital vector boundaries for Urban Areas in England and Wales as at 27 March 2001.” Dataset. Accessed June 9, 2023. URL: https://services1. arcgis.com/ESMARspQHYMw9BZ9/arcgis/rest/services/Urban_Areas_ December_2001_EW_BGE/FeatureServer. map.12 Clay Industries and Opportunities Mitchell, Clive, and Chloe Wrighton. 2022. “Mineral planning factsheet: brick clay.” British Geological Survey. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/ eprint/532490/1/Brick%20Clay%20Mineral%20Planning%20Factsheet.pdf. map.13 Timber Industries and Opportunities Forestry Commission. “Possibly Harvested Woodlands.” National Forest Inventory Woodland GB 2021. Accessed [date of access]. URL: https://data-forestry.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/5b91b7041f8b46e099f64aa6d2013e9d_0/about. Contains, or is based on, information supplied by the Forestry Commission. © Crown copyright and database right 2023 Ordnance Survey [100021242].

Forestry Commission. “Sustainably Managed Woodlands.” Woodland that is sustainably managed in England - 31 March 2023. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://data forestry.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/e1c1d7ead37d4feea303c1bf6f5a0369_0/about.

Contains OS data © Crown copyright 2023.

Forestry Commission. “Timber Processing Sites GB.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// dataforestry.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/ e3950cc2d09f47a4ad60871797c83ea9_0/about. Contains Forestry Commission information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright 2016. map.14 UK Biobased Summary Natural England. “Administrative Boundaries - Environment Agency and Natural England Public Face Areas.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://naturalengland- defra.opendata. arcgis.com/datasets/e1215f2ecb0e476dad3dc2d60944d259/explore.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). “Nottinghamshire Map.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https:// www.ukri.org/.

Maps 7 to 13, Cultivating Commons map.15 UK Transition Opportunities British Geological Survey. 2020. “Reserves & Quarries.” Directory of Mines and Quarries, 2020: 11th Edition. Keyworth, Nottingham, British Geological Survey. OR/20/036. © UKRI 2020.

Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/dmq/Directory_ of_Mines_and_Quarries_2020.pdf.

British Geological Survey. 2020. “Reserves & Quarries.” Directory of Mines and Quarries, 2020: 11th Edition. Keyworth, Nottingham, British Geological Survey. OR/20/036. © UKRI 2020.

Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/dmq/Directory_ of_Mines_and_Quarries_2020.pdf.

DEFRA. “Straw Producing Croplands.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https://naturalenglanddefra.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/provisional-agricultural-land-classification-alcengland/explore?location=52.504434%2C0.274396%2C6.53&showTable=true

EMODnet. “EMODnet Human Activities, Algae Production.” Accessed October 9, 2018. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Algae_Producing_Industry_20220125. [URL: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/emodnet/eng/catalog.search#/ metadata/7b849214-e6ae-4199-a3f0-d4539f1f1289]

EMODnet. “EMODnet Human Activities, Algae Production.” Accessed October 9, 2018. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Algae_Producing_Industry_20220125. [URL: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/emodnet/eng/catalog.search#/ metadata/7b849214-e6ae-4199-a3f0-d4539f1f1289]

map. 8a and 8b Straw Producing Crop Yields

EMODnet Human Activities. “Aquaculture, Shellfish.” July 1, 2014. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Aquaculture_Shellfish_20220225. Available at: https://emodnet.ec. europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/aa0d2b45-49c4-4b42-86bb8971a3c2d2cc.

DEFRA. “Straw Producing Croplands.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://naturalenglanddefra.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/provisional-agricultural-land-classification-alcengland/explore?location=52.504434%2C0.274396%2C6.53&showTable=true.

European Straw Building Association. “ESBA Certified Straw Bale Producers.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://strawbuilding.eu/map-of-straw-bale-producers/.

The British Hay and Straw Merchants Association. “BHSMA Straw Producers.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://hay-straw-merchants.co.uk/members.

McCarten, M., Bayaraa, M., Caldecott, B., Christiaen, C., Foster, P., Hickey, C., Kampmann, D., Layman, C., Rossi, C., Scott, K., Tang, K., Tkachenko, N., and Yoken, D. 2021. “Global Database of Cement Production Assets.” Spatial Finance Initiative, UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment (CGFI).

map. 9 Straw Industries & Opportunities

McCarten, M., Bayaraa, M., Caldecott, B., Christiaen, C., Foster, P., Hickey, C., Kampmann, D., Layman, C., Rossi, C., Scott, K., Tang, K., Tkachenko, N., and Yoken, D. 2021. “Global Database of Iron and Steel Production Assets.” Spatial Finance Initiative, UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment (CGFI).

DEFRA. “Straw Producing Croplands.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://naturalengland-

Society Digimap. “Semi-skilled and un-skilled manual occupations.” QS611UK (Approximated

163

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social grade - Household Reference Person (HRP) aged 16 - 64) - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. map.16 Supply Chain Network for BGS DEFRA. “Straw Producing Croplands.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https://naturalenglanddefra.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/provisional-agricultural-land-classification-alcengland/explore?location=52.504434%2C0.274396%2C6.53&showTable=true.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Aquaculture, Shellfish.” July 1, 2014. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Aquaculture_Shellfish_20220225. Available at: https://emodnet.ec. europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/aa0d2b45-49c4-4b42-86bb8971a3c2d2cc.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Main Ports, Goods-Passengers-Vessels Traffic.” May 1, 2014.

Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Main_Ports_Traffic_20231106. Available at: https://emodnet. ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/379d0425-89244a41a088-1a002d2ea748.

2023-2024

naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

Office for National Statistics. 2023. “Digital vector boundaries for Urban Areas in England and Wales as at 27 March 2001.” Dataset. Accessed June 9, 2023. https://services1.arcgis. com/ESMARspQHYMw9BZ9/arcgis/rest/services/Urban_Areas_December_2001_EW_ BGE/FeatureServer.

Society Digimap. “Social Grade / High Priority.” QS611UK (Approximated social grade Household Reference Person (HRP) aged 16 - 64) - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. Accessed April 21, 2024. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database right 2024. map.19 Nottinghamshire: Phase 1 & 2 DEFRA. “Straw Producing Croplands.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https://naturalenglanddefra.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/provisional-agricultural-land-classification-alcengland/explore?location=52.504434%2C0.274396%2C6.53&showTable=true

European Straw Building Association. “ESBA Certified Straw Bale Producers.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://strawbuilding.eu/map-of-straw-bale-producers/.

Google Maps. “Higher education institutions.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.google. com/maps/

Forestry Commission. “Sustainably Managed Woodlands.” Accessed April 21, 2024. Woodland that is sustainably managed in England - 31 March 2023 | Forestry Commission.

Contains OS data © Crown copyright 2023. https://forestrycommission.arcgis.com/ pages/sustainably-managed-woodlands.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore

Forestry Commission. “Timber forests.” Accessed April 21, 2024. National Forest Inventory Woodland GB 2021 | Forestry Commission. Contains, or is based on, information supplied by the Forestry Commission. © Crown copyright and database right 2023 Ordnance Survey [100021242]. https://forestrycommission.arcgis.com/pages/nationalforest-inventory-woodland-gb-2021.

Natural England. “Peaty Soils Location (England).” Feature Layer. December 8, 2022. Accessed April 25, 2022. Records: 9,028. [URL: https://naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/1e5a1cdb2ab64b1a94852fb982c42b52/explore?location=52.484865%2C4.923507%2C9.60]

Forestry Commission. “Timber processing sites.” Accessed April 21, 2024. Timber Processing Sites GB | Forestry Commission. Contains Forestry Commission information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright 2016. https:// forestrycommission.arcgis.com/pages/timber-processing-sites-gb.

Straw farms, “Straw Producing Croplands,” DEFRA, accessed April 21, 2024, https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/provisional-agricultural-landclassification-alc-england/ explore?location=52.504434%2C0.274396%2C6.53&showTable=true. map.17 Upscaling industries in East Midlands: Phase 1 BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY2022. User guide: BGS GeoCoast V1. British Geological Survey Open Report, OR/21/001. 48pp.

Moore, R.V., Morris, D.G., & Flavin, R.W. (1994). Sub-set of UK digital 1:50,000 UK water catchments. NERC, Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford.

EMODnet. “Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms.” June 1, 2014. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet, Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/ srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/8201070b-4b0b-4d54-8910-abcea5dce57f.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

Natural England. “Administrative Boundaries - Environment Agency and Natural England Public Face Areas.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://naturalengland- defra.opendata. arcgis.com/datasets/e1215f2ecb0e476dad3dc2d60944d259/explore.

Office for National Statistics. 2023. “Digital vector boundaries for Urban Areas in England and Wales as at 27 March 2001.” Dataset. Accessed June 9, 2023. https://services1.arcgis. com/ESMARspQHYMw9BZ9/arcgis/rest/services/Urban_Areas_December_2001_EW_ BGE/FeatureServer.

Society Digimap. “Social Grade / High Priority.” QS611UK (Approximated social grade Household Reference Person (HRP) aged 16 - 64) - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. Accessed April 21, 2024. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database right 2024.

Society Digimap. Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. Accessed on April 21, 2024. map. 18 Upscaling industries in East Midlands: Phase 2 EMODnet. “Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms.” June 1, 2014. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet, Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/ srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/8201070b-4b0b-4d54-8910-abcea5dce57f.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Algae Production.” October 9, 2018. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_ Algae_Producing_Industry_20220125. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/ geonetwork/emodnet/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/7b849214-e6ae-4199-a3f0d4539f1f1289.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Aquaculture, Shellfish.” July 1, 2014. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Aquaculture_Shellfish_20220225. Available at: https://emodnet.ec. europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/aa0d2b45-49c4-4b42-86bb8971a3c2d2cc.

Moore, R.V., Morris, D.G., & Flavin, R.W. (1994). Sub-set of UK digital 1:50,000 UK water catchments. NERC, Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://

164

Natural England. “Special Areas of Conservation (England).” Feature Layer. April 16, 2024.

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Office for National Statistics. 2023. “Coastal communities.” Dataset. Accessed April 21, 2024.

URL: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item. html?id=38d2dff9e81047458e3b4c3a8718e27b_ Society Digimap. “Semi-skilled and un-skilled manual occupations.” QS611UK (Approximated social grade - Household Reference Person (HRP) aged 16 - 64) - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics.

Society Digimap. Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. Accessed on April 21, 2024 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). “Nottinghamshire Map.” Accessed April 21, 2024. https:// www.ukri.org/ map.20 Regional Ecologies of East Midlands Forestry Commission Open Data. “EWCO Biodiversity - Priority Habitat Network.” Feature Layer. September 5, 2023. Accessed October 6, 2022. Records: 223,309. [URL: https:// data-forestry.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/f40f058911224269ad84642c8b63c2a6/ explore] Moore, R.V., Morris, D.G., & Flavin, R.W. (1994). Sub-set of UK digital 1:50,000 scale river centreline network. NERC, Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford.

Natural England. “Peaty Soils Location (England).” Feature Layer. December 8, 2022. Accessed April 25, 2022. Records: 9,028. [URL: https://naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/1e5a1cdb2ab64b1a94852fb982c42b52/explore?location=52.484865%2C4.923507%2C9.60] Natural England. “Special Areas of Conservation (England).” Feature Layer. April 16, 2024.

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Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland. “OSNI 50m DTM.” Scale 1:50,000. 2014. Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland Open Data Licence. Copyright: Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Sample image of OSNI 50m DTM. Accessed at https://digimap.edina.ac.uk/roam/map/os.

the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_ Algae_Producing_Industry_20220125. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/ geonetwork/emodnet/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/7b849214-e6ae-4199-a3f0d4539f1f1289.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Aquaculture, Shellfish.” July 1, 2014. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Aquaculture_Shellfish_20220225. Available at: https://emodnet.ec. europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/aa0d2b45-49c4-4b42-86bb8971a3c2d2cc.

EMODnet. “Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms.” June 1, 2014. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet, Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/ srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/8201070b-4b0b-4d54-8910-abcea5dce57f.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

Natural England. “Administrative Boundaries - Environment Agency and Natural England Public Face Areas.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://naturalengland- defra.opendata. arcgis.com/datasets/e1215f2ecb0e476dad3dc2d60944d259/explore. map.22 Uptake of biobased materials, Phase 2 Society Digimap. “Social Grade / High Priority.” QS611UK (Approximated social grade Household Reference Person (HRP) aged 16 - 64) - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. Accessed April 21, 2024. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database right 2024.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Algae Production.” October 9, 2018. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_ Algae_Producing_Industry_20220125. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/ geonetwork/emodnet/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/7b849214-e6ae-4199-a3f0d4539f1f1289.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Aquaculture, Shellfish.” July 1, 2014. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Aquaculture_Shellfish_20220225. Available at: https://emodnet.ec. europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/aa0d2b45-49c4-4b42-86bb8971a3c2d2cc.

EMODnet. “Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms.” June 1, 2014. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet, Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/ srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/8201070b-4b0b-4d54-8910-abcea5dce57f.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

Natural England. “Administrative Boundaries - Environment Agency and Natural England Public Face Areas.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://naturalengland- defra.opendata. arcgis.com/datasets/e1215f2ecb0e476dad3dc2d60944d259/explore. map.23 Patches and corridors in the East Midlands Society Digimap. “Social Grade / High Priority.” QS611UK (Approximated social grade Household Reference Person (HRP) aged 16 - 64) - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. Accessed April 21, 2024. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database right 2024.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Algae Production.” October 9, 2018. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_ Algae_Producing_Industry_20220125. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/ geonetwork/emodnet/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/7b849214-e6ae-4199-a3f0d4539f1f1289.

map.21 Uptake of biobased materials, Phase 1

EMODnet Human Activities. “Aquaculture, Shellfish.” July 1, 2014. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Aquaculture_Shellfish_20220225. Available at: https://emodnet.ec. europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/aa0d2b45-49c4-4b42-86bb8971a3c2d2cc.

BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY2022. User guide: BGS GeoCoast V1. British Geological Survey Open Report, OR/21/001. 48pp.

Moore, R.V., Morris, D.G., & Flavin, R.W. (1994). Sub-set of UK digital 1:50,000 UK water catchments. NERC, Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford.

Society Digimap. “Social Grade / High Priority.” QS611UK (Approximated social grade Household Reference Person (HRP) aged 16 - 64) - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. Accessed April 21, 2024. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database right 2024.

EMODnet. “Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms.” June 1, 2014. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet, Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/ srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/8201070b-4b0b-4d54-8910-abcea5dce57f.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Algae Production.” October 9, 2018. Creation: Date identifies when

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

arcgis.com/datasets/e1215f2ecb0e476dad3dc2d60944d259/explore.

Forestry Commission Open Data. “EWCO Biodiversity - Priority Habitat Network.” Feature Layer. September 5, 2023. Accessed October 6, 2022. Records: 223,309. [URL: https:// data-forestry.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/f40f058911224269ad84642c8b63c2a6/ explore] map.24 Corridor of production in the East Midlands Society Digimap. “Social Grade / High Priority.” QS611UK (Approximated social grade Household Reference Person (HRP) aged 16 - 64) - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. Accessed April 21, 2024. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database right 2024.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Algae Production.” October 9, 2018. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_ Algae_Producing_Industry_20220125. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/ geonetwork/emodnet/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/7b849214-e6ae-4199-a3f0d4539f1f1289.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Aquaculture, Shellfish.” July 1, 2014. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Aquaculture_Shellfish_20220225. Available at: https://emodnet.ec. europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/aa0d2b45-49c4-4b42-86bb8971a3c2d2cc.

Moore, R.V., Morris, D.G., & Flavin, R.W. (1994). Sub-set of UK digital 1:50,000 UK water catchments. NERC, Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford.

EMODnet. “Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms.” June 1, 2014. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet, Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/ srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/8201070b-4b0b-4d54-8910-abcea5dce57f.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

Natural England. “Administrative Boundaries - Environment Agency and Natural England Public Face Areas.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://naturalengland- defra.opendata. arcgis.com/datasets/e1215f2ecb0e476dad3dc2d60944d259/explore.

Forestry Commission Open Data. “EWCO Biodiversity - Priority Habitat Network.” Feature Layer. September 5, 2023. Accessed October 6, 2022. Records: 223,309. [URL: https:// data-forestry.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/f40f058911224269ad84642c8b63c2a6/ explore] map.22 Uptake of biobased materials, Phase 3 Society Digimap. “Social Grade / High Priority.” QS611UK (Approximated social grade Household Reference Person (HRP) aged 16 - 64) - Official Census and Labour Market Statistics. Accessed April 21, 2024. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database right 2024.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Algae Production.” October 9, 2018. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_ Algae_Producing_Industry_20220125. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/ geonetwork/emodnet/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/7b849214-e6ae-4199-a3f0d4539f1f1289.

EMODnet Human Activities. “Aquaculture, Shellfish.” July 1, 2014. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet_HA_Aquaculture_Shellfish_20220225. Available at: https://emodnet.ec. europa.eu/geonetwork/srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/aa0d2b45-49c4-4b42-86bb8971a3c2d2cc.

EMODnet. “Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms.” June 1, 2014. Creation: Date identifies when the resource was brought into existence. Unique resource identifier: EMODnet, Human Activities, Energy, Wind Farms. Available at: https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/geonetwork/ srv/eng/catalog.search#/metadata/8201070b-4b0b-4d54-8910-abcea5dce57f.

Natural England Open Data Publication. “Open Mosaic Habitat (Draft) - Verified sites of Open Mosaic Habitat.” Feature Layer. May 26, 2022. Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https:// naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/ datasets/03b0e55ff4204dcbb5e2f4e153c585e8/explore.

Natural England. “Administrative Boundaries - Environment Agency and Natural England Public Face Areas.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://naturalengland- defra.opendata. arcgis.com/datasets/e1215f2ecb0e476dad3dc2d60944d259/explore.

British Geological Survey. 2020. “Reserves & Quarries.” Directory of Mines and Quarries, 2020: 11th Edition. Keyworth, Nottingham, British Geological Survey. OR/20/036. © UKRI 2020.

Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: www2.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/download/dmq/Directory_ of_Mines_and_Quarries_2020.pdf.

Natural England. “Administrative Boundaries - Environment Agency and Natural England Public Face Areas.” Accessed April 21, 2024. URL: https://naturalengland- defra.opendata.

165

AA LANDSCAPE URBANISM

APPENDIX 2023-2024

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BIOBASED MATERIALS

Bibliography Hutton, Jane. “Reciprocal Landscapes; Stories of Material Movements,” 2019.

Brook, Tom. “Seaweed Farming and Blue Carbon: An Evidence Review to Support Sustainable Management in Wales,” n.d.

BUILDING MATERIALS

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mycelium-insulation/

MYCELIUM

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Accessed January, 2024. https://www.mykor.co.uk/news/mycelium-materials-fantastic-fungal-innovations-will-fungal-composites-take-over-the-world Revalu. Accessed January, 2024. https://www.revalu.io/ Climate-Adapt. “Innovative Use of Mycological Resources for Resilient Productive

“Seaweed Futures | Working with Natural Systems for Sustainable Futures | University of Exeter.” Accessed January 20, 2024. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/esi/community/creativeexchange/seaweedfutures/.

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COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING

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“Seaweedology.” Accessed January 18, 2024. https://www.aston.ac.uk/research/eps/ebri/case-studies/seaweedology.

DECARBONISATION

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Archives, The National. “The National Archives - Homepage.” Text. The National Archives (blog). The National Archives. Accessed February 13, 2024. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/common-lands/.

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“Measuring UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Office for National Statistics.” Accessed February 18, 2024. https:// www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/methodologies/measuringukgreenhousegasemissions.

United Nations Environment Programme, and Yale Center for Ecosystems +Architecture. “Building Materials and the Climate: Constructing a New Future.” United Nations Environment Programme, September 2023. https://wedocs.unep.org/xmlui/handle/20.500.11822/43293.

Dyson, Anna. Building Materials and the Climate: Constructing a New Future. Nairobi: United Nations Environment Programme, 2023.

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“UK Innovation Strategy,” n.d.

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Harper, Rachael. “Relief at Climbdown on Cornish Seaweed Farm.” Fishing News, January 18, 2024. https://fishingnews.co.uk/news/relief-at-climbdown-on-cornish-seaweed-farm/.

Harrington, Dr Tomás. “SEA Project: Developing Competitive Supply Chains (3.2),” n.d.

TIMBER

Gil-Moreno, David, Dan Ridley-Ellis, and Paul McLean. “Timber Properties of Noble Fir, Norway Spruce, Western Red Cedar and Western Hemlock Grown in Great Britain,” n.d.

Material Cultures. “Material Cultures.” Accessed February 3, 2024. https://materialcultures.org/mosaic-landscape-2023/.

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Sustainable Construction Solutions. “Where Does Your Timber Come From?” Text. Sustainable Construction Solutions, May 27, 2016. https://www.susconsol.co.uk/blog/where-timber-comes-from/.

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Who owns England? “Who Owns England’s Woods?,” November 2, 2020. https://whoownsengland. org/2020/11/02/who-owns-englands-woods/.

“Woodland Creation: Supporting Your Business and the Environment - Farming,” September 27, 2023. https:// defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2023/09/27/woodland-creation-supporting-your-business-and-the-environment/.

“Woodland Natural Capital Accounts - Office for National Statistics.” Accessed February 17, 2024. https://www. ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/bulletins/woodlandnaturalcapitalaccountsuk/2022.

“Woodland Natural Capital Accounts, UK - Office for National Statistics.” Accessed January 19, 2024. https:// www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/bulletins/woodlandnaturalcapitalaccountsuk/2020.

Hasselström, Linus, Wouter Visch, Fredrik Gröndahl, Göran M. Nylund, and Henrik Pavia. “The Impact of Seaweed Cultivation on Ecosystem Services - a Case Study from the West Coast of Sweden.” Marine Pollution Bulletin 133 (August 2018): 53–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.05.005.

Hethel Innovation. “Seaweed in East Anglia.” Accessed January 28, 2024. https://hethelinnovation.com/seaweedin-east-anglia/.

“Home - Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science).” Accessed January 28, 2024. https://www.cefas.co.uk/.

“2020-ZWW-Wier&Wind-Roadmap-230713.” Accessed January 20, 2024. https://xd.adobe.com/view/9ebb200b01a6-4db0-8624-320bdc1c4259-cbe8/?fullscreen.

ABC Education. “Catalyst: Can Seaweed Be a Sustainable Building Material?,” July 1, 2022. https://www.abc.net. au/education/catalyst-can-seaweed-be-a-sustainable-building-material/13955040.

Van Der Molen, Johan, Piet Ruardij, Karen Mooney, Philip Kerrison, Nessa E. O’Connor, Emma Gorman, Klaas Timmermans, et al. “Modelling Potential Production of Macroalgae Farms in UK and Dutch Coastal Waters.”

Biogeosciences 15, no. 4 (February 23, 2018): 1123–47. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-1123-2018.

Tomaney, John, Andy Pike, and Lucy Natarajan. “Land-Use Planning, Inequality and the Problem of ‘Left-behind Places,’” n.d.

“Why a Global Seaweed Shortage Is Bad News for Scientists,” January 3, 2016. https://www.independent.co.uk/ news/science/seaweed-shortage-prompts-calls-to-ration-use-of-vital-scientific-resource-a6794291.html.

WindEurope. “European Offshore Wind Farms Map Public.” Accessed January 28, 2024. https://windeurope.org/ intelligence-platform/product/european-offshore-wind-farms-map-public.

Jin, Runjie, Zhanjiang Ye, Shuangshuang Chen, Jiali Gu, Junyu He, Lei Huang, George Christakos, Susana Agusti, Carlos M. Duarte, and Jiaping Wu. “Accurate Mapping of Seaweed Farms with High-Resolution Imagery in China.” Geocarto International 38, no. 1 (December 31, 2023): 2203114. https://doi.org/10.1080/1010604 9.2023.2203114.

Zamroni, A., K. Laoubi, and M. Yamao. “The Development of Seaweed Farming as a Sustainable Coastal Management Method in Indonesia: An Opportunities and Constraints Assessment,” 505–16. New Forest, UK, 2011. https://doi.org/10.2495/SDP110421.

Keltie. “From Oceans to Innovation: The Power of Kelp.” Accessed January 29, 2024. https://www.keltie.com/ knowledge/from-oceans-to-innovation-the-power-of-kelp.

HEMP

La Barre, Stéphane, and Stephen S. Bates. Blue Biotechnology: Production and Use of Marine Molecules. 1st ed.

Wiley, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527801718.

“About Hemp - British Hemp Alliance,” October 19, 2015. https://britishhempalliance.co.uk/about-hemp/.

Mooney-McAuley, Karen M, Maeve D Edwards, Jennifer Champenois, and Emma Gorman. “Seaweed Cultivation and Analysis,” n.d.

“New Research Project to Help Catalyse Norfolk Seaweed Industry - Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science).” Accessed January 28, 2024. https://www.cefas.co.uk/news-and-resources/news/ new-research-project-to-help-boost-norfolk-seaweed-industry/.

East Yorkshire Hemp. “Home.” Accessed February 25, 2024. https://eastyorkshirehemp.co.uk/ WAMA Underwear. “Hemp Fuel.” Accessed February 25, 2024. https://wamaunderwear.com/blogs/news/ hemp-fuel Natural Building Store. “Hemp Shiv - HempBuild Building Shiv (UK Grown).” Accessed February 25, 2024. https:// naturalbuildingstore.com/shop/hemp-shiv-hempbuild-building-shiv-uk-grown/ UK Hempcrete. Accessed February 25, 2024. https://www.ukhempcrete.com/

“(PDF) Cost-Effective IMTA: A Comparison of the Production Efficiencies of Mussels and Seaweed | Aquaculture, Fish Farming, Aquaponics.” Accessed January 19, 2024. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/schematic-of-anintegrated-multitrophic-aquaculture-imta-example-of-rainbow-trout-in-a-polar-circle-cage-mussels-on-asmartf--151644712443774770/.

Vitality CBD. “Where Is Hemp and Cannabis Grown?” Accessed February 25, 2024. https://vitalitycbd.co.uk/pages/where-is-hemp-and-cannabis-grown Hemp Club Project. “Hemp Map.” Accessed February 25, 2024. https://hempclubproject.com/map/map. html

Atack, Dr Tim. “The Regulation of Seaweed Farming in the UK,” n.d.

Pennington, Abbey. “We Recognise That Aquaculture, in Particular Algae Aquaculture, Is a Relatively Novel Industry in England and Therefore There Are a Number of Knowledge Gaps.”,” n.d.

UK Hempcrete. “Traditional and Historic Buildings.” Accessed February 25, 2024. https://www.ukhempcrete.com/ services/traditional-and-historic-buildings/

Awards, Victorian Premier’s Design. “Phycoforms.” Victorian Premier’s Design Awards, December 16, 2021. https://premiersdesignawards.vic.gov.au/entries/2021/student-design/phycoforms.

Peters, Sascha, and Diana Drewes. Materials in Progress: Innovations for Designers and Architects. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2019.

Building. “Hempcrete: A natural solution in the quest for better materials.” Accessed February 25, 2024. https:// www.building.co.uk/focus/hempcrete-a-natural-solution-in-the-quest-for-better-materials/5115430.article

Bjørkan, Maiken, and Suzannah-Lynn Billing. “Commercial Seaweed Cultivation in Scotland and the Social Pillar of Sustainability: A Q-Method Approach to Characterizing Key Stakeholder Perspectives.” Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 6 (February 18, 2022): 795024. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2022.795024.

“Presidents Medals: Time and Tide for Seaweed.” Accessed January 20, 2024. https://www.presidentsmedals. com/Entry-21721.

UK Hemp Ltd. “Interested in Farming Industrial Hemp in the UK?” Accessed February 25, 2024. https:// ukhempltd.co.uk/pages/interested-in-farming-industrial-hemp-in-the-uk UK Green Building Council. “Mycelium Insulation.” Accessed Januray, 2024. https://ukgbc.org/resources/

166

Reijnders, Rianne. “SEALUTIONS: LOOKING AT SEAWEED-BASED SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS IN

Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment. “Climate Change and the Just Transition - A Guide for Investor Action.” Accessed April 15, 2024. https://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/publication/ climate-change-and-the-just-transition-a-guide-for-investor-action/.

“Just Transition for the Built Environment and Construction Sector: A Discussion Paper.” Accessed April 14, 2024. http://www.gov.scot/publications/transition-built-environment-construction-sector-discussion-paper/.

“Just Transition Fund - European Commission.” Accessed April 15, 2024. https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/just-transition-fund_en.

METHODOLOGY

Birkland, Thomas A. An Introduction to the Policy Process: Theories, Concepts, and Models of Public Policy Making. 3. ed. Armonk, N.Y.: M.E. Sharpe, 2011.

Creswell, John W, and J David Creswell. “Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches,” n.d.

Groat, Linda N, and David Wang. “Architectural Research Methods,” n.d.

Hemp Lime Spray. “Why We Should Build with Hempcrete.” Accessed February 25, 2024. https://hemplimespray. co.uk/why-we-should-build-with-hempcrete/ UK Hemp Ltd. “Interested in Farming Industrial Hemp in the UK?” Accessed February 25, 2024. https:// ukhempltd.co.uk/pages/interested-in-farming-industrial-hemp-in-the-uk

Archipedia New England. “Eelgrass Insulation.” Accessed January 31, 2024. https://www.archipedianewengland. org/eelgrass-insulation/.

JUST TRANSITION

Eden Hot Lime Mortar. “HempBuild Building Shiv.” Accessed February 25, 2024. https://edenhotlimemortar.co.uk/ product/hempbuild-building-shiv/

Norfolk Seaweed. “Norfolk Seaweed | Commercial Sugar Kelp Farmed in the UK.” Accessed January 18, 2024. https://www.norfolkseaweed.com.

Affan, Houssam, Karim Touati, Mohammed-Hichem Benzaama, Daniel Chateigner, and Yassine El Mendili.

“Earth-Based Building Incorporating Sargassum Muticum Seaweed: Mechanical and Hygrothermal Performances.” Buildings 13, no. 4 (April 2023): 932. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040932.

———. “Part 3: Current and Emerging Practice,” n.d.

“Who We Are – Carbon Kapture.” Accessed January 29, 2024. https://carbonkapture.com/who-we-are/.

“Huge Seaweed Farms the Size of 176 Football Pitches Planned for West Country - Bristol Live.” Accessed January 25, 2024. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/huge-seaweed-farms-size-176-9000860.

Maritime UK South West. “SOUTH WEST AQUACULTURE NETWORK (SWAN).” Accessed January 29, 2024. https://maritimeuksw.org/oceanscienceaquaculture/south-west-aquaculture-network-swan/.

Radcliffe, Eleanor, Laura Williams, Victoria Bettany, Amy Clancy, Matt Fawcett, and Amanda Stevens. “Part 1: Why Community Wealth Building?,” n.d.

———. “Toolkit: A Community Wealth Building Energy Transition,” n.d.

Houtland, Holland. “Bedrijvengids Bio-based Bouwen - Partners, voorbeelden en oplossingen,” n.d.

Lee, Sid. “Sargablock.” () for Tomorrow. Accessed January 29, 2024. https://fortomorrow.org/explore-solutions/ sargablock.

Tsolakis, Naoum, Tomás Seosamh Harrington, and Jagjit Singh Srai. “Digital Supply Network Design: A Circular Economy 4.0 Decision-Making System for Real-World Challenges.” Production Planning & Control 34, no.

10 (July 27, 2023): 941–66. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2021.1980907.

———. “Modelling Potential Production of Macroalgae Farms in UK and Dutch Coastal Waters.” Biogeosciences 15, no. 4 (February 23, 2018): 1123–47. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-1123-2018.

Williams, Jeremy. “Five Examples of Building with Seaweed.” The Earthbound Report (blog), September 1, 2023. https://earthbound.report/2023/09/01/five-examples-of-building-with-seaweed/.

“MCZ Project Ecological Network Guidance,” n.d.

SEAWEED

“University of Exeter.” Accessed January 20, 2024. https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/2019/april/title_714511_ en.html.

Jennings, Antonia, Charlie Murphy, and Rachel Bentley. “A Roadmap to Decarbonisation,” n.d.

167

CULTIVATING COMMONS

CULTIVATING COMMONS

BGS HANDBOOK

In 2019, the UK government set a target to achieve a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (refer Climate Change Act 2008).1 This necessitates retrofitting public institutions such as the UKRI British Geological Survey (BGS). However, conventional retrofitting typically depends on carbon-intensive building materials, contributing to 40% of global emissions, according to the UK Green Building Council.2 Consequently, emissions from material extraction and production have adverse effects on local well-being and ecologies.

There is an urge to use locally produced biobased materials, offering low embodied energy and in some cases contribute to carbon sequestration or soil regeneration.

To raise awareness, support funding and ensure sustainable procurement practices to uptake biobased material use in retrofitting public institutions, a Public Common Partnership (PCP) is suggested.

Why

biobased?

Environment

Community Engagement

Biobased materials are renewable during its growth and it is compostable at the end of the building’s lifecycle. Using biobased materials for refurbishment and landscaping around BGS can significantly enhance the environmental and ecological quality of the area

Using locally sourced biobased materials can engage the local community and boost local economies, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among BGS employees and people involved. This can also enhance the sense of belonging to the East Midlands landscape.

Carbon storage

Biophilia

Biobased materials sequester carbon during their growth and often require less machinery and energy to produce, therefore reduce the carbon footprint.

Biosourced materials can enhance the emotional connection between individuals and their living environment by promoting well-being. 1

Energy Efficiency

Innovation and Research

Most biobased materials have an excellent thermal quality providing comfort and performance to the building.

BGS commitment to sustainability and innovation could attract parterships, collaborations and media attention.

Health

Funding and Grants

Healthy environment for workers. Biobased materials have properties which enhance the indoor air quality.

Could attract funding from governmental organizations that promote green building practices or sustainable farming.

1. Guide matériaux biosourcés et commande publique. April 2020, 8.

Forming an

Alliance

PPP

Private Public Partnership

PROFIT

Business as Usual.

This partnership is a collaboration between a private enterprise and government. They often occur in large infrastructure projects that the private partner executes.

From the total investment amount, the private enterprise takes a portion as profit, and the remainder is invested in materials and skilled workers.

PCP

Public Common Partnership

Why is it a

better option?

These partnerships involve collaboration between state authorities and community organizations, with contributions from relevant third parties such as trade unions and local experts.

Under the PCP model, the emphasis is not on profit maximization. Any surplus profits are reinvested into future projects or used to establish additional PCPs. This allows PCPs to focus on sustainable development practices.

For instance, it can prioritize refurbishing buildings, reusing materials, and sourcing any needs locally.

Additionally, in this proposal, the PCP encourages the use of biobased materials and invests in research and development to foster innovation and ensure regulatory compliance.

By prioritizing local procurement, this approach supports responsible and local sourcing, particularly for retrofitting projects. As a result, PCPs contribute to more sustainable and community-oriented development, strengthen the local economy, reduce transportation emissions, and build resilient supply chains, further enhancing the overall sustainability and community impact of their initiatives.

CURRENT CHALLENGES 1. Limited Awareness and Understanding of PCPs

Lack of awareness and understanding among stakeholders regarding the concept and potential benefits of Public Common Partnerships (PCPs) could impede successful implementation.

2. Securing Funding Sources

Relying only on public funding may pose challenges in ensuring financial resources for large-scale biobased retrofitting projects.

3. Overcoming Resistance to Change, Research and Verification

Resistance from stakeholders, including institutions and local communities, towards adopting biobased retrofitting methods and transitioning from traditional practices is prevalent. Additionally, limited material knowledge impacts the ability to obtain insurance coverage as builders need verified materials to comply with building regulations and insurance companies checks.1

HOW CAN BGS ADDRESS THE CHALLLENGES?

4. Balancing Local Procurement and fair bidding process

Investment in Research & Development, Capacity Building and Biobased Production

5. Technology and Innovation gaps

The UKRI - Allocate funds for biobased material research and development so materials comply with building regulations and insurance requirements.

- Establish partnerships with local councils, and research institutions to study biobased materials that addresses technological gaps.

- Ensure MMO and DEFRA farming funds, grants, and incentives are leveraged for regenerative raw material production.

6. Limited Capacity for Large Projects

Local Institutions - Implement upskilling programs for the local workforce, facilitated by UKRI funding, to equip workers with the necessary skills for working with biobased materials and supporting the growth of the local talent pool.

Establishing a fair and transparent bidding process for the procurement of biobased materials without imposing restrictive distance radius requirements.

Limited technological advancements or innovations in the production of biobased materials may hinder scalability.

Local and regional businesses often face challenges related to their capacity to undertake large projects, including shortages in resources, inventory, and skilled manpower, restricting them from participating in bids for institutional scale projects.

1. Material Cultures, and Arup. “Circular Biobased Construction in the North East and Yorkshire,2021.” Material Cultures: 102.

Accessed April 21, 2024. https://materialcultures.org/2021-circularbiobased-construction-in-the-north-east-and-yorkshire/.

LOCAL PROCUREMENT Local procurement involves acquiring goods and services from suppliers within a specific geographic area, in this case in the East Midlands area.

Fair and Transparent Processes

Ensuring that procurement practices are open and fair to get good quality and competitive prices.

Bidding

Making it easier for local businesses to bid by breaking down larger contracts into smaller ones.

Supporting Local Economies

Buying locally helps boost local businesses and farmers, reducing transportation emissions and supporting the regional economy.

Creating Jobs

Local procurement can create job opportunities, contributing to economic stability in the community.

Economic and Social Value, Community Wealth Building

Ensuring that procurement spending benefits the local economy and community well-being. Financial stability for local workers can lead to increased spending in local shops and restaurants, further supporting the community.

Social and Environmental Impact

Considering the broader social and environmental benefits, like reducing emissions and fostering community health.

Local procurement not only fulfills immediate needs but also supports long-term community and economic health by promoting local businesses and sustainable practices.

Centre for Local Economic Strategies. “CLES - The National Organisation for Local Economies.”

Accessed July, 2024. https://cles.org.uk/

BIDDING ASPECTS

Referencing the French Guide to Biosourced Materials and Public Procurement

1. Identify the biobased materials

5. Durability and maintenance

Identify the biobased materials that are suitable for the institutional building which needs retrofit by understanding where the material is sourced and the availability of it in the area.

Choose durable biobased materials which require minimal maintenance and evaluate the technical performance. It is important to make a maintenance plan from the beggining of the retrofit or new building to secure the correct performance of the building.

2. Comply with regulations

5. Cost

Ensure compliance with regulations and standards for biobased materials in institutional buildings based on the technical and legal review. For example: Straw needs to be construction quality in order to comply with building regulations, but if used for insulation they do not need this requirement.

Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of biobased materials by conducting a cost-benefit analysis, considering both the initial investment and long-term savings in energy, maintenance, and operational expenses.

Biobased materials usually have a reduced impact on the final cost of the project. For example, insulation can vary in a 1% of the final cost.

3. Energy efficiency

6. Collaborate with stakeholders

Prioritize energy-efficient biobased materials for improved building performance. These materials offer comfort in summer and winter as most of them are good insulators and regulate humidity which allows saving on heating and airconditioning during the operation phase.

Engage with stakeholders, including building owners, facility managers, contractors, and suppliers, to promote collaboration and ensure a well coordinated approach when incorporating biobased materials in the retrofitting process.

4. Indoor air quality

7. Monitoring and evaluation

Choose biosourced materials that contribute to good indoor air quality by selecting low VOC materials that promote a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for workers and visitors.

Implementing a monitoring and evaluation plan to assess the performance of biobased materials post-retrofitting. This allows to measure the effectiveness of the materials proposed.

1. Guide matériaux biosourcés et commande publique. April 2020, 24.

2. Guide matériaux biosourcés et commande publique. April 2020, 16.

3. Guide matériaux biosourcés et commande publique. April 2020, 16.

4. Guide matériaux biosourcés et commande publique. April 2020, 24.

5. Guide matériaux biosourcés et commande publique. April 2020, 16.

6. Guide matériaux biosourcés et commande publique. April 2020, 16.

7. Guide matériaux biosourcés et commande publique. April 2020, 19.

8. Guide matériaux biosourcés et commande publique. April 2020, 24.

BGS & East Midlands Authorities

BGS

5 years

BGS

10 years

Full Refurbishment Enhance Energy Issue performance.

Utilise existing space efficiently.

Improve building fabric: insulation and accoustics as priority

New construction Build new storage space.

Phase 1

Phase 2

To mobilise the transition to biobased materials in the East Midlands, we are proposing a two-phase approach. Firstly, areas of high unemployment and unskilled workers could be engaged in prototyping and upskilling on lands designated as community allotments or government owned lands and brownfields.

With additional community uptake, we foresee farmers expanding construction grade straw on existing farms. More longterm, there also potential for expanding shellfish farms or establishing new seaweed farms as the industry expands in the UK. Croplands in conservation areas could require special consideration for regenerative farming.

CULTIVATING COMMONS