Post-Fossil Fuel Building Construction and Materials is an AECB report authored by David Olivier and successfully follows his first AECB report on Energy security.

Eight years after the first report, David Olivier looks at the UK policy of reaching ‘net zero’ greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 2050. This document briefly outlines moving towards a future in which buildings would be constructed, and materials manufactured, with ‘net zero’ GHG emissions.

The report excludes production of renewable materials, e.g. timber, bamboo, but describes how most other major material-producing industries operate and need to change to approach net zero. Examples include cement and concrete; fired clay bricks, paviors and tiles; calcium silicate; steel and aluminium.

As the report explains, given the chemistry involved in producing most materials, residual GHG emissions are unavoidable. To reach net zero, the report sets out a modest role for Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) as an essential part of an urgent climate protection policy.

David Olivier is the Principal for Energy Advisory Associates (EAA) which provides expert advice on energy efficiency, in particular, and green buildings in general. He has over 35 years experience in supporting UK architects and engineers on leading energy-conscious building designs.

POST-FOSSIL FUEL is an original thought piece from the AECB and expertly explains the key elements that are at the heart of our low energy sustainable building philosophy.

The report is available to download for free (for members) in the AECB shop.  (£5 for non-members.)