Sustainable Building Research and Information
NBT has always undertaken clear research into sustainable buildings. Driven by Neil May (Managing Director) our approach is holistic, practical and deliverable.
Holistic - having a narrow focus often means you miss the 'big picture'. As an example, using an insulation to save energy and carbon, but making the insulation requires high levels of energy and pollutants or toxins.
Practical - all NBT construction systems are simple and robust. Many of our staff are ex builders, who know the importance of 'buildability'.
Deliverable - our systems are proven over many decades and thousands of buildings. The technical research below on ThermoPlan Ziegel can be related to the fact that it is used on 40% of buildings in Germany, for over 40 years.
A quite lengthy paper drawing together many facets of how to
deliver truly sustainable buildings. This is a great place to
start for anyone considering any sustainable project.
This document applies the pitfalls and opportunities outlined in 'Why Build Better?' and applies
them to practical building systems and products to deliver a truly sustainable building.
Some
thoughts on making traditional buildings more energy
efficient, and how natural materials that are breathable and
hygroscopic are ideally suited.
A technical document suggesting that managing moisture with in a buildings construction
is key to energy efficiency, health of occupants and longevity of the building.
A 'must' read for anyone considering buying or specifying natural, organic or eco paints.
The subject of paints requires a good understanding of chemistry and biology - this article
attempts to explain some of the issues.
.jpg)
Clay plasters have been used extensively in buildings in the UK and indeed all over the world, for thousands of years. Although it is not widely known there are probably over a million buildings with clay materials in their structure in the UK, and a great many of these have clay plasters.
A short paper explaining what is meant by the phrase
'breathable construction', and how using truly breathable
construction can improve the comfort and health of occupants
and prolong the buildings lifespan.
.bmp)
A useful glossary of terms used by NBT, and in sustainable building in general.
Technical and informative.