Material guide

The material pages detail a range of common and innovative recycled, reused, and low/zero carbon materials and techniques. This includes helpful information on material processing, environmental, health and safety implications, possible applications, relevant industry specifications, and the benefits and challenges associated with each material.

While the use of these innovative materials is a key strategy for achieving sustainability and promoting a circular economy and carbon zero pathway, there are many other considerations that can influence material and technology choices. It’s important to integrate these considerations into the decision-making process.

Some of these factors include:

• decision to build: ensuring that new construction is necessary and exploring alternatives such as upgrading existing infrastructure to meet current needs.
• local sourcing: utilising locally available materials to reduce transportation emissions and support local economies.
• durability and longevity: selecting materials based on their durability and long-term service life to minimise the frequency of maintenance and replacements.
• life cycle impacts: evaluating the life cycle impacts and life cycle costs of assets and materials, taking into account the emissions produced during extraction, processing, transportation, construction, operation and end of life, opting for materials with lower overall carbon footprints and circular applications.
• efficient construction techniques: implementing techniques such as modular construction, hollow core concrete, and materials that allow for thinner asphalt layers to reduce material usage and construction time.
• energy efficiency: incorporating energy-efficient design principles and renewable energy sources in construction processes.

The guides are reflective of what is currently permissible in specifications for illustrative purposes to create accessible interactive guides. They are not intended to replace adherence to agency specifications.