Bio-based materials in industrial buildings: fad or solution of the future ?
Bio-based materials are extracted and manufactured from wood, straw, hemp, algae and other renewable resources. As policy-makers and the construction industry seek to promote the energy and ecological transition, these materials are receiving growing attention. For a general contractor in the commercial real estate sector, this trend raises a crucial question: are bio-based materials truly a sustainable & efficient solution for logistics and industrial buildings – or are they just fashionable? Let’s take a look at the realities and challenges that their use involves.
What’s a bio-based material ?
Bio-based materials are a great example of technological innovation at the service of environmental performance. Derived from the biomass and free of fossil fuels, these materials are composed partially or entirely of plant resources – such as straw – or animal resources – such as sheep’s wool. Mainly derived from sectors such as forestry, agriculture and recycling, they typify the smart & sustainable use of natural resources.
The main bio-based materials used in construction
Some bio-based materials are already widespread in the construction industry thanks to their technical and environmental properties. Among them, wood stands out for its robustness and its ability to give buildings a natural aesthetic touch. Hemp is also very popular, coming in the form of hemp plaster or hempcrete, which offer insulating benefits and excellent moisture regulation. Used cotton, for its part, can be transformed into recycled cotton panels and rolls, providing an ecological solution for buildings’ thermal and acoustic insulation. These materials, derived from renewable resources, reduce the carbon footprint of construction while guaranteeing high-quality technical performance. They embody a modern and responsible vision of architecture, where innovation serves the environment.
Addressing regulatory compliance issues
Like any other construction material, a bio-based material must be suitable for its intended use and comply with strict safety standards. When using them, we must address the potential risks associated with incorrect implementation.
In France, the RE2020 energy efficiency regulation establishes increasingly stringent requirements for new constructions, with an emphasis on resource conservation and a 50-year lifecycle assessment (LCA). From the design phase, the impact of materials on the environment is carefully evaluated. In this context, the use of bio-based materials can significantly reduce a building’s carbon footprint.
Applications of bio-based materials in construction and renovation
Bio-based materials open the way to many applications in our industry, ranging from load-bearing structures to insulation. They are also included in furniture and interior design.
These materials can be used in all areas of design and development. By taking a global approach, architects and engineers ensure consistency between sustainability, performance and aesthetics, while meeting growing environmental expectations.
Their versatility means they can meet the various needs of construction projects while complying with strict environmental criteria.
What’s a bio-based building?
A building is considered bio-based when its construction materials incorporate components of plant origin, such as wood, hemp, flax, recycled cotton, cellulose wadding, wheat straw, and many others. These materials come from renewable resources, which increases their ecological integrity.
In addition to timber, a wide range of bio-based construction products is available on the market. These include innovative insulation materials, bio-based concrete and various interior design elements. Composite materials made from renewable resources are also used for outdoor applications, such as cladding, decking and fencing.
Bio-based materials offer more than solid technical performance. They also play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By capturing and storing carbon during their growth and requiring less energy for processing, these materials help reduce a building’s carbon footprint.
Bio-based construction can provide aesthetically pleasing features. But more than that, it offers a responsible approach that responds to current environmental challenges. By moving towards bio-based solutions, we construct buildings that are in harmony with their environment, while offering high standards of performance and sustainability.
The benefits of bio-based materials for companies
Bio-based materials offer considerable benefits in terms of energy performance and sustainability. Their carbon footprint is particularly low, which makes them stand out as first-rate choices for green buildings.
These materials align with circular economy strategies. They are often manufactured from recycled or reused products, which reduces waste and extends resources’ life cycle. For example, materials such as wood, hemp, or recycled cotton can be reused or transformed for new uses, thereby minimising their lifelong environmental impacts.
Bio-based materials’ key strengths for industrial real estate
Bio-based materials can be a significant asset for an industrial building. These eco-friendly materials transform logistics and industrial facilities thanks to their environmental, thermal, economic and reputational benefits.
Sustainability
Bio-based materials are generally more environmentally friendly. Their production emits less CO₂ and they are quickly renewed. For example, wood captures carbon during its growth and can be recycled or reused at the end of its life. This is a major advantage for logistics and industrial buildings.
Thermal and acoustic performance
Many bio-based materials offer excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. In industrial or service sector buildings, these characteristics improve employee comfort and optimise energy consumption.
Lower long-term energy costs
Bio-based materials help reduce energy consumption related to heating or air conditioning, which can result in substantial savings in the long term. Although their initial cost may be higher, their benefits in terms of performance and energy savings can offset this difference..
Improved reputation
By using more bio-based materials in their industrial, logistics or service sector buildings, companies strengthen their brand image and demonstrate their commitment to the environmental transition.
The obstacles to massive adoption
Despite the many benefits offered by bio-based materials, their use in industrial real estate is not without challenges. Let’s examine the main obstacles that companies face when they choose to integrate these innovative materials into their construction projects.
High initial cost
One of the main obstacles to the adoption of bio-based materials is their cost, which is often higher than that of conventional materials. Although savings can be made in the long term, the initial investment can be a barrier for companies – especially in the industrial and logistics sectors where margins are often tight.
Availability and supplies
Though the demand for bio-based materials is constantly increasing, their availability can sometimes be limited, depending on the region. This can cause supply problems for construction projects.
Standards and certificates
Construction materials must comply with specific standards and certificates, particularly in terms of fire safety and sustainability. Some bio-based materials may require special treatments to meet the requirements of industrial buildings, which can complicate and slow down the construction process.
Insufficient knowledge and skills
Building a facility with bio-based materials requires special expertise. These projects are specific not only in the choice of materials, but also include considerations of design, implementation and sustainability. They require advanced technical skills to ensure compliance with standards, as well as the safety & durability of buildings.
Our role and expertise
As a general contractor in commercial real estate, GSE plays a key role in the adoption of bio-based materials. To drive this change, we need to identify the appropriate materials for each project, in partnership with specialised suppliers. We have two dedicated internal teams: our Green Buildings and the Open Innovation departments.
The Green Buildings team is dedicated to the promotion and adoption of environmentally friendly solutions in our construction projects. It ensures the implementation of the most advanced practices in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of our constructions while improving buildings’ comfort and performance.
GSE’s Open Innovation department focuses on two priorities: digitisation and environmental transition. The team defines a strategic and operational roadmap for innovation, with the aim of making a difference in our projects. Open Innovation identifies and integrates innovative technologies and materials, playing an essential role in technology monitoring and the adaptation of emerging innovations to the specific needs of each project.
A winning proposition in the long run
Bio-based buildings are not a fad: they are rapidly rising from the ground in our cities. Although these materials’ use does involve challenges, particularly in terms of initial cost and availability, their long-term benefits make them a relevant solution aligned with our values and growing environmental expectations.
Using bio-based materials in industrial and logistics buildings can therefore be a strategic choice for all stakeholders in a real estate project. Their progressive adoption will contribute to a more sustainable future for commercial real estate.
