concrete

the green guide to specification

This publication is intended to assist designers in the specification of concrete in

conjunction with the Green Guide to Specification. An overview of some of the
complementary information available, that should be considered when designing
concrete buildings with the optimal sustainable performance, is given, with focus on
the Code for Sustainable Homes.
As stated by BRE, The Green Guide to Specification aims to provide guidance for specifiers, designers and
their clients on the relative environmental impacts of over 250 elemental specifications[1].

the green guide: in perspective

The Green Guide to Specification is part of the BREEAM family of
assessment methods and tools [2] and although not yet updated in
print, interim summary ratings have been issued electronically.
These summary ratings are being used by BREEAM and Code for
Sustainable Homes assessors in the interim until the Green Guide
to Specification is published by BRE later in the year (expected
October 2007) and are the ratings used in this publication. The
summary rating ranges from A+ to E and provides a mechanism to
directly compare elements on characterised, normalised and
weighted environmental impacts.
Material credits available for each green guide rating
Rating

Credit Available

A+

0.5

0.25

For a designer to be able to use the Green Guide for Specification

(referred to throughout as the green guide or the guide)
appropriately it is important to look at the guide in context,
as the guide provides information on just one piece of the
sustainability jigsaw.

and repair and maintenance are taken into consideration. This

disadvantages products that last more than 60 years, as their
embodied impacts reduce with time. It is a well accepted fact that
the majority of concrete and masonry buildings will last far longer
than this, yet this is ignored by the ratings.

Green guide and sustainability

To achieve sustainable development the three pillars of sustainability;
social, economic and environmental need to be considered.
However, the purpose of the green guide is to assess only the
embodied environmental sustainability credentials of building
elements. In addition, the 13 environmental issues selected are
also weighted.

As well as only looking at embodied environmental issues, the

guide only compares certain elements and consequently ignores
other solutions that can deliver great sustainability benefits.
One example is basements, where concrete construction can
provide a solution for reducing the environmental footprint of a
building and the buildings energy demand. These environmental
benefits are not captured by the green guide.

It is important to realise that the the green guide only assesses the
embodied impacts of the materials used in an element and does
not take into account the more significant operational impacts on
the environment through the use of the element as part of a
building. A recent study [3] showed that the slightly higher
embodied impact of heavyweight (concrete and masonry)
construction for housing could be offset in as little as 11 years as
a result of the energy savings over the lifetime of the building,
provided by the effective use of thermal mass.

Cumulative CO2 emissions (air-conditioned type) [3]

It must be remembered by users that the Green Guide to

Specification is not a service life planning tool. The Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) study period used in the green guide is 60 years
Years

Under ISO 14040 series rules, which are used in the methodology
for the green guide, if a measured impact of a component is less
than 5% of the total environmental impact of the element it is
excluded, in what is known as a cut off rule. For example; the
embodied impacts of the transportation of raw materials being
extracted from other parts of the world is excluded for some materials
and not others.

Green Guide methodology

The ratings are based on various data sources and, as such,
assumptions on assessment conditions have had to be made.
Some examples are highlighted here, but more information is
available from BRE on the methodology for environmental profiles
and the ISO 14040 series of standards.
Generic data, sourced from a variety of commercial databases,
trade associations and manufacturers, has been used as a basis for
the ratings. Data from such a variety of sources cannot be assumed
to be comparable. Designers should be aware that there are
concrete products in the marketplace that have a superior
environmental performance to the rating of the generic
construction that is listed in the green guide.

The environmental issues that are used as the measure in the green
guide are weighted. The weightings skew the summary ratings and
go against current voluntary ISO LCA methodology rules relating to
the use of weightings where there is direct comparison of products.
However, BRE believes that the use of weightings is important to
the feasibility of the green guide as a whole. The weightings are
essential to the creation of the summary rating that in itself is
fundamental to the compatibility of the green guide with the
BREEAM assessment tools. In addition, some users are reliant on
the expertise of BRE in the area of environmental issues, and have
an expectation that weightings will be applied.

the green guide: specification and design

Code for Sustainable Homes and so the green guide must be used
in the assessment. The following summary table (see pages 6-9) of
environmental issues and credits available gives the total number
of credits and the weightings factor for each of the Issue Categories
in the Code for Sustainable Homes and consequently shows the
amount of credits available in the material category and the other
categories that are being used to assess the overall impact of a
building over a 60-year study period.

There are many drivers for delivering a sustainable built

environment: clients needs, regulations and a corporate
responsibility amongst others. Currently sustainable development
is being defined by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) for the
London 2012 projects:
Whilst we will address all elements of the diverse themes which
make up sustainability, we believe we can make the biggest impact
and achieve the most beneficial outcomes by focusing London 2012s
sustainability efforts upon five headline themes: Waste; Climate
Change; Biodiversity; Health Living; Inclusion... [4]

It is recommended that for the majority of projects the information

provided from any scheme should inform, not dictate the design
process. Professionals should be wary of decisions driven only by
the need for credits and not lose sight of the goal of sustainable
development. However, if the need for credits is vital to a projects
success it should be remembered that there are a number of ways
of gaining credits.

However, for some projects the Green Guide for Specification is

mandatory. For example, social housing must be assessed by the

the green guide: case study

Marine Crescent, Folkestone
case study 1

Proof of the excellent durability of concrete comes in the shape of Marine Crescent, Folkestone, a
concrete building that has stood just a stones throw from the sea since 1870 and which, following
renovation, looks set to celebrate its 200th anniversary with ease.
Fourteen original dwellings have been converted into 91 contemporary
apartments, fitting comfortably with the government targets for
housing density. The apartments have acoustic and thermal values
that meet with Part E and L regulations respectively and, above all,
the re-conditioning and re-use of the existing building required
comparatively minor remedial work.

The survival and renewal of Marine Crescent proves that concrete

can easily last longer than the 60-year study period used in the
green guide and that concrete buildings are future-proof and can
be adapted to suit societys changing demands.
When designing for a building with a minimum 150-year service
life the BRE assessment tools will be able to accommodate the
project-based LCA rather than the default 60-year study period.

The restoration started with a structural engineers report. All the

walls, from a thickness of 150mm to 450mm (the latter found in
the basement), in the seemingly derelict structure were reported
to be in a satisfactory condition. Only some minor internal walls of
100mm thick had to be replaced.

the green guide: the code for sustainable homes

Environmental Issue Categories

Carbon dioxide emissions
Water
Waste etc.

}
Percentage of Credits achieved
in each category

}
Multiplied by Environmental Weightings
for each category

}
Overall Forms Score as a Percentage

available in the section. 6 credits are also available for the

responsible sourcing of basic elements (MAT2) and 3 credits for
finishing elements (MAT3). Currently, concrete product
manufacturers can provide information to demonstrate responsible
sourcing and the industry is working with BRE to instigate a
pan-industry scheme for responsibly sourced credits for concrete
products.

The Code for Sustainable Homes has six levels. These start at
Level 1, which is above current regulatory standards and is
comparable to an EcoHomes Pass; to achieve Level 1, 36 points
are required. Level 6 is an aspirational standard based on the
goal of zero carbon; 90 points are required to achieve Level 6.
The diagram above sets out the calculation method adopted within
the code for obtaining an overall points score:[5]

While concrete can contribute to gaining credits in other areas

of the Code for Sustainable Homes, there are areas where the
inherent performance benefits of concrete do not gain credits,
but their importance should not be overlooked.

To achieve points, credits gained from the environmental impact

categories are converted using the environmental weighting factor.
There are minimum standards that must be achieved to enable the
project to score points. This information is contained in the
technical guide that supports the code; this document is being
updated at intervals and to stay up to date the latest version is
available online from the Communities and Local Government
website, www.communities.gov.uk/.

Other factors influencing the design and purchase of a building

include aesthetics, security, affordability, maintenance. Concrete
intrinsically offers excellent acoustic and vibration performance,
inherent fire resistance, air tightness, durability and security,
as well as the benefits of thermal mass. Many of these benefits
are requirements of Building Regulations and the Loss Prevention
Standard for Innovative Dwellings LPS 2020, developed by BRE
Certification to provide an effective method of assessing the
performance and design of new methods of construction.

The green guide enables assessors to measure the embodied

environmental performance of a material for MAT1 of the
Code - Environmental impacts. A maximum of 15 credits are

Summary of the environmental issues and credits available

Category definitions and credit data is taken from the Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide [5]
Categories

Credits

Comments

Points to note for concrete construction

1. ENERGY/CO2

29

Category weighting percentage = 36.4%

Dwelling Emission Rate (DER)

Aim: To limit emissions of carbon dioxide
(CO2) to the atmosphere arising from the
operation of a dwelling and its services.

15

Credits are awarded based on the % improvement

in the DER below the Target Emissions Rate
(TER). DER and TER are as defined in Approved
Document L1A:2006.
The estimate is based on CO2 emissions in kg
per m2 p.a. arising from heating, hot water and
lighting for the actual dwelling. SAP 2005 and
Part L of the Building Regulations are part of
the assessment methodology.
Renewable systems and air conditioning are
not currently dealt with under SAP 2005 and
advice should be sought from BRE on calculation
procedures.

Passive solar design using thermal mass can

maximise operational energy savings. Work is
currently underway to enable this benefit to
be measured within the BREEAM family of
assessment tools and thus gain credits.

Building Fabric
Aim: To future proof the energy efficiency of
dwellings over their whole life by limiting heat
losses across the building envelope.

Credits are awarded based on the Heat Loss

Parameter for each dwelling. SAP 2005 and
Part L of the Building Regulations are part of
the assessment methodology.

Insulation, infiltration and cold bridging are

vital to the selected design solutions as well
as quality workmanship and site practice.
For air tightness, Part L of the Building
Regulations, 2006 requires pre-completion
pressure testing. Failing these tests means a
time-consuming process of inspecting joints
and interfaces and then resealing them.
Concrete edge details are simpler to seal and
have less risk of failure than other materials.
Some contractors have switched to deploying
concrete construction systems based on this
criterion alone.

Internal Lighting
Aim: To encourage the provision of energy
efficient internal lighting, thus reducing the
CO2 emissions from the dwelling.

Credits are awarded for the provision of fixed

dedicated energy efficient internal light fittings.
Evidence at design and construction stages is
required.

The use of passive design solutions encourages

the use of orientation and exposed concrete
finishes which can contribute to improving
day-lighting and reduce the need for artificial
lighting.

Drying Space
Aim: To minimise the amount of energy used
to dry clothes.

Credits are awarded based on the provision for

drying space for each dwelling type.

Energy Labelled White Goods

Aim: To encourage the provision or purchase of
energy efficient white goods, thus reducing the
CO2 emissions from the dwelling.

Credits are awarded where information is

provided relating to the provision of energy
efficient white goods, or where the energy
efficient white goods are supplied.

External lighting
Aim: To encourage the provision of energy
efficient external lighting, thus reducing CO2
emissions from the dwelling.

Credits are awarded where all external space

lighting not fixed to the external surface of
the dwelling is provided by dedicated energy
efficient fittings.

Zero/low Carbon (ZLC) Energy Technologies

Aim: To reduce carbon emissions and atmospheric pollution by encouraging local energy
generation from renewable sources to supply a
significant proportion of the energy demand.

Credits are awarded based on the % reduction

in total carbon emissions that result from using
ZLC technologies.

Low grade heat sources e.g. ground source

heat pumps are generally more effective with
higher thermal mass construction, such as
concrete.

Cycle Storage
Aim: To encourage the wider use of bicycles as
transport by providing adequate and secure
cycle storage facilities, thus reducing the need
for short car journeys.

Credits are awarded where adequately sized,

safe, secure, convenient and weather-proof
cycle storage is provided.

Home Office
Aim: To reduce the need to commute to work
by providing residents with the necessary
space and services to work from home.

Credits are awarded on the basis of the provision

of space and services that enable a room to be
used effectively as a home office.

Concrete construction provides the structural

integrity for a room in the roof to be a
feasible space for a home office. Basements
are a great space to accommodate the
lifestyles of occupants, including use as a
home office.

Evidence at design and construction stages is

required. Sufficient room, space and services,
including ventilation and windows/daylight
factor, are part of the requirements.

36.4%

Categories

Credits

Comments

Points to note for Concrete Construction

Category weighting percentage = 9%

Internal Consumption
Aim: To reduce the consumption of potable
water.

Credits are awarded based on the predicted

average household water consumption

External Consumption
Aim: To encourage the recycling of rainwater
and reduce the amount of mains potable water
used in landscape/garden watering.

One credit is awarded for providing a system to

collect rainwater for use in irrigation

Concrete products are available that are

suitable for water storage and offer the
benefits of being rot and vermin proof.
A SUDS system can be used for rainwater
harvesting.

3. MATERIALS

24

Category weighting percentage = 7.2%

Aim: To encourage the use of materials with

lower environmental impacts over their life
cycle.

15

Credits are awarded where at least three of the

following five key elements achieve a relevant
green guide rating of A+ to D: roof, external walls,
internal walls (including separating walls), upper
and ground floors (including separating floors)
and windows.

GREEN GUIDE

2. WATER

9%

7.2%

Generic profile ratings from the green guide

can be used or product specific profiles may
be available from the product manufacturer.
Specifications not in the green guide can be
provided by the BREEAM office as a bespoke
rating.
The comparison of elements in the green guide
shows that different embodied environmental
ratings can be achieved with different
concretes. The use of admixtures and byproducts from other industries, such as ground
granulated blastfurnace slag (ggbs) and fly ash
can be used to improve the elements rating.
Note: The benefits of concrete's thermal mass,
over the lifetime of a building, are assessed
in Category 1.

Currently, concrete product manufacturers can

provide information to demonstrate responsible
sourcing and the industry is working with
BRE to instigate a pan-industry scheme for
responsibly sourced credits for concrete
products.

Responsible Sourcing Basic Elements

Aim: To recognise and encourage the
specification of responsibly sourced materials
for the basic building elements.

Credits are awarded where materials used in the

key building elements (frame, ground floor, upper
floor, roof, external walls, internal walls, foundations/
substructure and staircase) are responsibly sourced.
EMS certification, ISO 14001 and evidence of the
use of reused materials and recycled materials are
part of the assessment methodology.

Responsible Source Finishing Elements

Aim: To recognise and encourage the
specification of responsibly sourced materials
for the finishing elements.

As above, with finishing elements identified as

stair, window, door, skirting, panelling, furniture,
fascias and other.

4. SURFACE WATER

Category weighting percentage = 2.2%

Reduction of Surface Water run-off

from site
Aim: To reduce and delay water run-off from
the hard surfaces of a housing development to
public sewers and watercourses, thus reducing
the risk of localised flooding, pollution and
other environmental damage.

Credits are awarded where rainwater run-off is

attenuated.
Evidence including manufacturers data and
design/proof of rainwater attenuation.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)

use concrete block paving to manage run-off
and facilitate rainwater storage. As well as
protecting utilities and property and flora and
fauna that can be affected by the deluge of
often contaminated water.
Green roofs can also be used and the strength
and durability of concrete provides an ideal
roof structure.

Flood Risk
Aim: To encourage developments in areas with
low risk of flooding or if developments are to
be situated in areas with medium risk of
flooding that appropriate measures are taken
to reduce the impact in an eventual case of
flooding.

Credits are awarded where evidence is provided

to demonstrate that the risk of flood is low or
measures are taken to reduce the impact.

If the demand for housing requires building on

flood plains, concrete structures are robust and
less susceptible to damage caused by exposure
to flood water. Advice given by the Association
of British Insurers includes:
Replace timber floors with concrete and
cover with tiles [7]
Replace gypsum plaster with more
water-resistant material, such as lime plaster
or cement render [7].

Flood probability and manufacturers data

covering flood protection are part of the
assessment methodology.

2.2%

Categories

Credits

Comments

Points to note for Concrete Construction

5. WASTE

Category weighting percentage = 6.4%

Household Waste Storage and

Recycling Facilities
Aim: To recognise the importance of having
adequate internal and external storage
space for waste to enable its appropriate
management.

Credits are awarded for the provision of storage

space for household and recycling waste.

Composting
Aim: To encourage developers to provide the
facilities to compost household waste, reducing
the amount of household waste sent to landfill

Credits are awarded where home composting

facilities are provided in houses with gardens or LA
kitchen waste collection/communal/community
composting services.

Construction Site Waste Management

Aim: To recognise the importance a Site Waste
Management Plan has on the efficient use of
resources during construction and demolition,
and to promote the reduction and effective
management of site waste.

Credits are awarded based on the site complying

with the criteria set out in the Code for
Sustainable Homes.

Concrete has a number of benefits that can

assist in reducing site waste. For example
your concrete supplier can offer:
- Takeback schemes for un-used ready-mix concrete.
- Just-in time delivery.

6. POLLUTION

Category weighting percentage = 2.8%

2.8%

NOx emissions
Aim: To reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides
(NOx) into the atmosphere.

Credits are awarded on the basis of NOx

emissions arising from the operation of space
heating and hot water systems.

Global Warming Potential (GWP) of

Insulants
Aim: To reduce global warming potential from
blowing agent emissions arising from the
manufacture, installation use and disposal of
foamed thermal and acoustic insulating materials.

Credits are awarded where all insulating materials

in the elements avoid the use of substances that
have a significant GWP. Elements are roofs, walls,
floors, hot water cylinder, and cold water storage.

When using concrete systems with in-built

insulation, such as sandwich panels or Insulated
Concrete Formwork (ICF) please ask your
product manufacturer for more information.

7. HEALTH AND WELLBEING

12

Category weighting percentage = 14%

Daylighting
Aim: To improve the quality of life in homes
through good daylighting and to reduce the
need for energy to light the home.

Credits are awarded for the dwelling meeting

criteria based on a minimum average daylight
factors.

The use of passive solar design solutions

encourages the use of orientation and
exposed concrete finishes that can
contribute to improving day lighting and
reducing need for artificial lighting.

Sound Insulation
Aim: To ensure the provision of improved sound
insulation to reduce the likelihood of noise
complaints from neighbours.

Credits are awarded for achieving higher standards

of sound insulation than those given in Approved
Document E of the Building Regulations and
demonstrating it by either using post-completion
testing or Robust Details.

Concretes mass and damping qualities are

exceptional and easily used to achieve good
acoustic performance. Increasing the mass of
a wall or floor improves the sound insulation
of a room, provided all gaps are sealed. The
high density of concrete offers great sound
insulation to impact and airborne sourced
sounds such as voice, loudspeakers and
musical instruments.
Under building regulations, Approved
Document E, over 60% of the approved systems or Robust Details for separating walls
and floors use concrete and masonry.

Private Space
Aim: To improve the occupiers quality of life by
providing an outdoor space for their use, which
is at least partially private.

Credits are awarded for an outdoor space that

meets the criteria of size and access.

The flexibility and versatility of concrete

products means there are a number of solutions
that can provide or enhance this private space.
Landscaping products for ground floor and
communal areas as well as concrete solutions
for balconies and roof terraces.

Lifetime Homes
Aim: To encourage the construction of homes
that are accessible to everybody and where the
layout can easily be adapted to fit the needs of
future occupants.

Credits are awarded where all the principles of

Lifetime Homes have been complied with.
Lifetime Homes is a principle developed in 1991
and the scheme involves the incorporation of 16
design features.

Many of the areas covered relate to the

design and layout of the home and can be
easily delivered using concrete solutions. In
addition, concrete produces robust structures
that can be flexible and allow for the future
adaptability of the dwelling.

A Site Waste Management Plan must be produced

and implemented as part of the assessment
methodology.

6.4%

Also concrete is 100% recyclable, which

reduces any waste should the structure be
demolished at end of life.

14%

Categories

Credits

Comments

Points to note for Concrete Construction

8. MANAGEMENT

Category weighting percentage = 10%

Home User Guide

Aim: To recognise and encourage the provision
of guidance to enable home owners/occupiers
to understand and operate their home efficiently
and to make the best of local facilities.

Credits are awarded for the provision of a simple

user guide that covers information relevant to the
non-technical tenant/owner on the operation
and environmental performance of their home.

To achieve efficient, comfortable and healthy

buildings training occupants to understand the
environment is vital. Passive design solutions
e.g. those that exploit the energy savings that
can be offered by concretes thermal mass,
will require good quality user information.
Information is available from The Concrete
Centre.

Considerate Constructors Scheme

Aim: To recognise and encourage construction
sites managed in an environmentally and
socially considerate and accountable manner.

Credits are awarded based on a commitment

to comply with best practice site management
principles.

These are areas where credits can be gained

based on site activity and the project team,
including the contractor, should be made
aware of this requirement.

10%

Schemes that contribute to credits include the

Considerate Constructors Scheme.
Construction Site Impacts
Aim: To recognise and encourage construction
sites managed in a manner that mitigates
environmental impacts.

Credits are awarded based on a commitment and

strategy to operate site management procedures.

These are areas where credits can be gained

based on site activity and the project team,
including the contractor, should be made
aware of this requirement.

Security
Aim: To encourage the design of developments
where people feel safe and secure and where
crime and disorder, or the fear of crime, does
not undermine quality of life or community
cohesion.

Credits are achieved by complying with section 2 Physical Security from Security by design New
Homes.

Homeowners and residents can be confident

of their security when concrete construction
has been used. Concrete construction in all its
forms - blockwork, precast panels or cast
in situ are capable of providing strong durable
structures that are resistant to unauthorised
forced entry.

9. ECOLOGY

Category weighting percentage = 12%

Value
Aim: To encourage development on land that
already has a limited value to wildlife, and
discourage the development of ecologically
valuable sites.

Credits are awarded where the site is defined as

land of inherently low ecological value.

Enhancement
Aim: To enhance the ecological value of a site.

Credit is awarded based on a commitment

to enhance the ecological value of the
development site.

Protection
Aim: To protect existing ecological features
from substantial damage during the clearing
of the site and the completion of construction
works.

Credits are awarded based on a commitment to

maintain and adequately protect features of
ecological value during site preparation and
construction works.

Change in value
Aim: To reward steps taken to minimise
reductions and to encourage an improvement
in ecological value.

Credits are awarded based on a measured resulting change in ecological value.

Footprint
Aim: To promote the most efficient use of a
buildings footprint by ensuring that land
and material use is optimised across the
development.

Credits are awarded based on the ratio of

combined internal floor area of all dwellings on
the site to their footprint.

Basements are a great solution for increasing

the floor area of the dwelling, without
increasing the footprint of the building.
The standard height of the building can be
maintained so no planning issues are created.

12%

the green guide: case study

The Environmental Building

Hourly average temperatures during the August 1997 peak [6]

by exposing the ceiling slab and utilising the thermal mass of the
concrete to absorb heat by day and is cooled by ventilation at
night. Pipes embedded in the floor can provide additional cooling
by using groundwater.

The Brief
- A working office with low energy consumption in use.
- Able to serve as a large scale experimental facility for the
evaluation of innovative technologies.
- 1200m2 of offices, 850m2 of seminar facilities and 1470m2
of net lettable floor area.
- BREEAM rating of excellent.
- 30% improvement on current best practice was represented by
performance targets for energy consumption and carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions of: 47 kWh/m2 for gas, 36 kWh/m2 for electricity
and 34 kg/m2 for CO2 emissions.

Performance has been monitored over a period of three summers

and it was found that stable temperature were maintained
throughout the year in the office space. Expectations of thermal
performance were exceeded, and there was little evidence of overheating during the entire monitoring period to date [6]. The peak
was represented by August 1997 when external temperatures
reached a peak of 33OC. The thermal design criteria were easily
met, as shown in the graph above.

The Solution
The aims for the building were to:
- avoid or minimise the use of air conditioning
- maximise the benefits of the building fabric in terms of
reducing/smoothing the heating and cooling loads
- minimising the use of artificial lighting, while actively
exploiting daylight
- applying the appropriate level of automatic and user controls.

Summary of Findings [6]

The conclusions were that the building provided:
- Excellent summer thermal environmental control.
- Good standards of relative humidity, indoor air quality
and ventilation.
- An energy performance that exceeds good practice,
but needs optimisation.
- A pleasant, comfortable working environment for staff.

These aims were to be achieved with the caveat that energy

efficiency is only acceptable when the design leads to a comfortable,
healthy working environment.

And findings included:

- Night-cooled thermal mass can be effective in providing
comfortable spaces.
- Daylighting strategies can minimise electric lighting consumption.

This project, known as Building 16, was commissioned by BRE

to be both a functional office and an exemplar low-energy office.
Many studies have been carried out on this building and further
reading is recommended [6]. Here the focus is the operational
benefits provided by concretes thermal mass benefits.

The BRE Environmental Building is an example of how concrete

can contribute to a sustainable building. A number of publications
intended to assist designers in utilising the benefits of thermal
mass are available from The Concrete Centre.
Visit www.concretecentre.com/publications.

A number of passive design measures were used in the design to

enable the project to achieve its aims. Air conditioning was avoided

15

Summary
Whether we are designers, contractors or the occupant of a sustainable building we have both a
regulatory and ethical drive to be more sustainable. Any measures or comparison tools that assist
our industry in creating a truly sustainable built environment should be welcomed. The Green Guide
to Specification is just one part of this movement towards sustainability and the information provided
here is aimed at facilitating comprehension and use for concrete products, while also providing an
insight into how concrete solutions can contribute to a broader more holistic view of sustainability.

References
1.

Extract taken from www.bre.co.uk/greenguide/section.jsp?sid=435

2.

For further information visit - www.breeam.org

3.

Hacker et al, Embodied and operational carbon dioxide emissions from housing: a case study on the effects of thermal mass
and climate change, The Concrete Centre, 2006. Available from www.concretecentre.com/greenhomes

4.

Towards a Sustainable Games, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Available from www.london2012.com

5.

Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide, Department for Communities and Local Government, 2007

6.

N Riain C, Fisher J, Littler J, Mackenzie F, BREs Environmental Building: Energy Performance in Use, CIBSE

7.

Flood Resilient Homes What homeowners can do to reduce flood damage, Association of British Insurers.
Available from www.abi.org.uk

8.

Code for Sustainable Homes Green Guide Ratings, v1.01, Building Research Establishment (BRE), June 2007

9.

Bowker et al, Flood Resilient and Resistant Construction Guidance for New Build, HR Wallingford, 2006

10.

Preparing for Floods - Interim guidance for improving the flood resistance of domestic and small business properties, ODPM, 2003

11.

Approved Document E - Resistance to the passage of sound, 2006

12.

Concrete and Sound Insulation, TCC/04/05, The Concrete Centre, 2006

The Concrete Centre would like to acknowledge the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in providing data and information used in this publication.

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Ref: TCC/05/08 The Concrete Centre First Published 2007