BIOREGIONAL RECLAIMED

Reclaimed Materials Sourcing Advice

We work with design or construction teams to identify potential for using reclaimed materials in a project. We can contribute at any stage of project preparation, design or construction. Typically this includes a project review where we look for potential components in a design that could be sourced from reclaimed stocks. Then we can help with identifying suppliers and sources for those materials and finish with a report and case study quantifying the environmental benefits attained. The sort of services we can provide (free-of-charge) under the current Defra funded project include:

1. Reclaimed Building Materials Summary

At the outline planning / feasibility stage we offer a Reclaimed Building Materials Summary that details the environmental benefits of choosing reclaimed building products. This is presented as a short document for incorporation into any contract specification and/or bid proposal. Typically this will include a brief overview of the benefits gained by choosing specific reclaimed materials. The overview can be supported by details and images of a range of relevant products available and case studies of their recent use.

2. Project Review

We can provide support to the project team in the form of a Project Review. This aims to embed sustainability best-practice into the project by thinking both in terms of process and materials available. This support includes:

• Design Review Meeting
• Research into specific materials
• Report on reclaimed potential, cost and the "big hit" environmental savings

We offer advice on material availability (including volumes, costs, quality, lead times and supplier details), specific product alternatives and design considerations. We have listings of regular sources and suppliers for most materials.

3. Quantifying Environmental Benefits

Using reclaimed materials will help your project to reduce its environmental impact and meet its sustainability targets. We typically work with architects and clients to ensure overall benefits are maximised: for the individual material or a whole project. We can advise on the impact on sustainability rating (e.g. BREEAM) and quantify the environmental benefits that will accrue from each material choice. In collaboration with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and with ecofootprint specialists Best Foot Forward, we can offer two complementary assessment methods:

• Embodied CO₂ savings
• Eco-footprint saving

4. Case Studies

Case study projects where we have assisted in reclaimed materials sourcing: BedZED, Ingleton care home, Jubilee Wharf, Camden, Croydon woodchip store, Cornwall sustainable building trust, BowZED, Boston Properties, Brighton.