Sustainable Methods and Materials in Construction: A Case Study of Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitors Centre

This report analyzes the sustainable building materials and methods used in the construction of Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitors Centre. It critically evaluates the construction method using BREEAM categories and compares it with other green buildings in the UK. The report also discusses the importance of green building and provides recommendations for maximizing sustainability in construction.

Sustainable Methods and
Materials

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitors Centre overview............................................................3
Critically analysing method of construction that has been used in Attenborough Nature
Reserve Visitors Centre...............................................................................................................3
Concept of green building and its importance.............................................................................6
Construction methods in Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitors Centre ...................................6
Comparison with other building in the UK..................................................................................7
Discussion....................................................................................................................................8
Concept of Eco-friendly construction..........................................................................................8
Recommendations........................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Sustainable building material refers to the concept of selecting those raw materials that
has been manufactured within approaching resources efficient process. Those resources that are
aligned with renewable sources of energy has been taken in consideration for ensuring the
sustainability in construction of building (Stender and Walter, 2019). Focusing over selecting the
sustainable material for the building clearly assures the green tag to the building and it has
become equally important for the construction field that, they ensure effective and keen focus
over the sustainable building materials. The BREAAM categories helps in assessing the green
rate to the building that depicts that, the building has used most appropriate sustainable materials
at the time of construction. Often, it helps in suggesting the attributes that needs to be followed
while making new building.
The current study revolves around critically analysing the method of construction that has
been used in Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitors Centre. The evaluation will be done with the
help of BREEAM categories. Furthermore, the report will analyse the good sustainability
practices along with the areas of improvement required in the construction method of
Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitors Centre. Also, required comparison will be performed with
the existing building in UK. Lastly, the recommendations will be made for maximizing
sustainability.
MAIN BODY
Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitors Centre overview
The Attenborough Nature Reserve is located in Nottinghamshire, England. Here, in this
place there is a building that has been called as Attenborough Nature Centre that provides visitor
services and educational facilities (Macaluso, 2018). It covers approximately 145 hectares of the
lake. Large umber of visitor visits here in term of gaining effective experience. It has been
evaluated from various studies that, in the construction procedures of the building, the
sustainable construction material has been selected that has ensures green practices.
Critically analysing method of construction that has been used in Attenborough Nature Reserve
Visitors Centre
In current era, involving sustainability in all the areas has become highly important as it
plays crucial role is saving the resources for future generation. Along with this, it contributes in

saving environment. Method of construction is concerned with the procedure and resources that
has been used in terms of making building. Involving good sustainable practices in the
construction of building assures the ethical concern by construction industry (Freitas and Zhang,
2018). Here is the complete analysis of construction method of Attenborough Nature Reserve
Visitors Centre in the context of BREEAM Categories. It has been considered as the
sustainability assessment methods that is concerned with standard techniques that is used in
order to assess the non-domestic buildings against the nine environmental elements such as,
Energy, transport, water, management, waste, Health & well-being, Pollution, land use and
ecology & materials.
Energy- This refers to the ability of doing work. In similar manner, in order to ensure the
methods of construction and performing the elements the energy transmission is required that
can enable the work to be carried out. It has been considered as the first attribute of the
BREAAM structure that helps in analysing the green practice in context of using renewable
source of energy. Construction method of building is concerned with the wind and sun designed
PV system that helps in generating the electricity. Thus, in form of using energy the building has
adopted the effective source of renewable form of energy. The solar panels helps in generating
electricity with the help of sunlight.
Transport- It is concerned with shifting of material from one place to another place while
carrying construction procedure. Often, this attribute decides the level of environment pollution
that has been created by while constructing building. The building is located at the interior part
while constructing the building most of the transportation of resources has been done within
using shipping as the building has been established over lake. Also, for visiting the building, no
internal transportation is required or resources is required such as electricity for transferring
resources.
Water- The system in constructing of building is entitled with the low usage of water and
electricity (Vigovskaya, Aleksandrova and Bulgakov, 2018). Thus, the construction method of
building does nor involve wastage regarding the water resources. The centre is located on a
flood-plain. Using of water has been done for generating the heat and electricity.
Management- The management process is highly consists of using water for creating the
electricity and heat in the building. System in the building has been fitted in such manner that

results in using of low water and low electricity. This clearly depicts that, the sustainability has
been maintained. PVC usage has been try to avoid where it can be possible.
Waste- It refers to decreasing the project waste at on-site and off-site fabrication. While
constructing building excavation waste has been generated on a higher note. It has been found
from various studies that, the waste that has been generated at the site of the construction has
been used in creating the engineered timber. Thus, this is how the building has maintained the
green practices as the waste that has been generated did not ensured harm to the environment.
Furthermore, it has been recycled.
Health and well-being- This category of BREAAM is consists with focusing over the comfort
level of visitors. The major motive of this category is to assuring healthy environment to the
visitors so, they do not face any harmful issues regarding environment. Attenborough Nature
Reserve Visitors Centre has assuring the focus over their installed system does not create any
harm to building and building occupants (Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, 2022).
Pollution- This is considered as the control of pollution that occur from flooding, land and water.
The building has been build over the 100 yr level of flood that has reduced the risk of pollution
in context of flooding. However, the system that are installed in the building has contributes in
noise pollution. Thus, the final conclusion that can be drawn from here states that, the building is
somehow contributing in creating noise pollution.
Land use & ecology- This category refers to promoting the sustainable use of land within
ensuring sustainable land management for promoting the ecological balance (Ismaeel, 2018). It
has been witnessed that, Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitors Centre has performed the site
selection after observing the land capability for promoting the ecological imbalance. This
scheme is based over the sensitive site that has been designed under the special scientific interest.
It has been found from various studies that, architecture of Attenborough Nature Centre
has designed the construction of building in such manner that can be set as an environmental
example. The building has been proven highly effective in terms of managing all the attributes
that are aligned with the BREAAM categories However, in some aspect the negative aspect has
been drawn. But, from over-all view, the building has managed effectiveness in terms of
performing the green sustainable practices. Often most of the BREAAM categories depicts that,
the building has been proven highly effective enough in terms of promoting good sustainability
practices while designing the method of construction. However, in some areas it is lacking. In

UK, currently it has become highly important that construction industries must focus over
performing sustainable methods so the resources can be save for future.
Concept of green building and its importance
The green building refers to that building that are proven highly effective in managing the
concept of sustainability. Furthermore, such building creates standards for another building in
terms of following the concept of sustainability. So, the resources can be save for the future.
Moreover, such building are assuring loyalty and honesty towards the environment. In current
era, environment has become the most important attribute from every aspect as it is contributing
in managing the health of the people as well. The threat towards the environment creates the
threat towards the environment creates the threat towards the health of the people. The harmful
elements that has been dropped into environment by industries, constructing and other
procedures creates harmful impact over the environment (Killip, 2020). Coming towards the
major point that is aligned with the construction field, it has been found from various studies
that, the activities of construction has been contributing in damaging the environment as the
elements and resources that has been used in making of building or other things makes direct
contribution in the environment. In terms to become the most successful Green country it is
highly mandatory in UK, that all buildings must get the tag of Green building. Also, the green
building rating system has been designed in order to know the rate at which the building is green
and environment- friendly.
Construction methods in Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitors Centre
Ground floor- The Ground floor of the building has been underdrawn with the cement fibre that
is assuring rot proof to the water and the fire resistant surface. Also, this has been set up in such
manner that is maintenance free. As the building is located on the lake therefore, the set-up has
been made in such manner that can reduce the threat of flood.
Wall construction- The panel construction has been done within using softwood timber panels.
The complete 300mm thick wall has been filled with the Rockwool insulation. Also, the lined
has been fitted in the walls.
Roof structure- Engineered timber has been used in the roof structure as it is ensures the various
environmental benefits and those are that, it does not create harmful emission in the
environment. The waste wood material has been used in order to produce engineered timber and
then, it has been used in the construction process. This can perform the operation of the basis

timber. In context of root finishing the stainless steel sheeting has been used. The major reason
of selecting stainless sheeting is that, it is best for low pitches and is mainly requires for the roof.
Also, it provides the assurance of long term durability. The stainless steel that has been used in
the building is made by using 70% of the recycled steel thus, it is clearly stating that the building
has been proven effective enough in performing steel sustainability (Sharma, 2020). EPDM has
been considered as the rubber sheer membrane which has been mechanically foxes at the roof.
Also, the cork insulation are highly environmental friendly that has been used in the enhancing
the recycle procedure. Furthermore, the roof lights that has been fixed in the main corridor are
free from aluminium fat glass. Also, concerned with low U-value glazed units. These are mainly
consist with low-maintenance and helps in improving recycability. Moreover, Anodised
aluminium guttering & stacks has been used for low maintenance and ensuring the concept of
green building.
Doors and windows- The aluminium frame has been used in the doors and windows that can be
recycle and has been proven highly effective for the environment. The oak has been used that has
the life up-to 30-60 years. The curtain walling are of high performances that are aligned with the
sustainable elements.
Comparison with other building in the UK
Citicape House has been considered as one of the latest green building in UK. The
BREAAM categories has been adopted in construction method of this building. Attenborough
Nature Reserve Visitors Centre has been lacking in managing pollution and waste categories.
However, Citicape house building wall is concerned with native wild-flowers that helps in
creating the effective quality of air and reducing the bad amount of quality in air (Bisegna and
et.al., 2018). One Embankment Place building in UK is using the system that converts vegetables
waste into a fuel that can be further used for further cooling and heating. Thus, Attenborough
Nature Reserve Visitors Centre has to make focus over the pollution and waste categories.
The report of smart market world green building trends 2018 has revealed that, in UK,
around 40% of the firm has assured their focus over adopting the concept of green building. The
sustainable development strategy of UK is aligned with the belief that, everybody has a strong
right to assure the focus over environment. This can be achieved by reducing the poverty &
joblessness. Government has made commitment in terms of diminishing the green gas emission
up-to 80% by the year 2050. As 45% of the carbon emission in UK comes from the building.

Also, 32% of the waste comes from the construction activities. Therefore, the demand is rising in
terms of following the concept of green building that can assure less or no harm to environment.
Discussion
On the basis of above analysation it can clearly depict that, formation of green building
has become highly important for maintaining the environmental ethics. BREAAM categories is
mainly used for assessing ecological aspects maintained in the construction method. As the
resources are decreasing on a higher note therefore, it is highly important to save the resources
from all perspectives (Hussien and et.al., 2021). Especially, in the construction of building large
number of resources has been used that often provides negative impacts over the sustainability
concept. Using renewable form of energy is one of the best way to promote the good
sustainability practices in construction of building. However, renewable sources of energy often
requires sources that occur from environment.
Thus, more strategies in context of assuring good sustainability practices while making
building is required as this helps in determining the standard format that can be followed by the
builder and assurance of saving environment can be given. The resources are scare in nature as
they are on their vanishing note and large amount of resources are required mainly in
construction projects. Therefore, the BREAAM categories needs to be followed and an effective
focus over ensuring the green practices needs to be made. Here are the various recommendation
that can influence good sustainability practices in construction projects.
Currently, the major focus has been made over the steel sustainability as steel has been
considered as one of the best sustainable product that can be use by numerous times. Often it is
helping in performing good sustainable practices that can help in saving the resources for future.
Building in UK are mostly responsible for producing carbon emission. Thus, the green
sustainability in UK cannot be performed without focusing over the green building practices. The
national target in relation of greenhouse emission in UK is concerned with using of law carbon
operations while making building. The steel construction sector is playing major part in the
overcoming of this problem.
Concept of Eco-friendly construction
The Eco-friendly method of construction has been designed so, the building does not
create negative impact over the natural resources and environment. In UK, government has made

a keen focus over this concept with respect of assuring effective sustainable practices. Therefore,
the light needs to be shed over selecting the inputs while constructing the building as input
assures the output. In case, those resources that are not renewable in nature has been used then, it
leads to create scarcity of resources for future. Also, the materials that creates damage to the
environment has been selected then, it provides negative impact over the nature. Thus, the
selection of input is requires in such manner that follows the green practices and helps in
managing effectiveness of environment (Middlemiss, 2018). In context of more conventional
building control, the building material and the technology required to be unify in such manner
that develops ecological resources that are highly mandatory for achieving green success.
Therefore, it is highly important to maintain the eco-friendly method of construction. The
various recommendation has been suggested that can ensure effective sustainability practices.
Recommendations
Good sustainability practices in construction method assures future development as well
as it helps in saving the mandatory resources for future generation. Here are the major
recommendations that can be used in the future projects of Attenborough Nature Reserve
Visitors Centre at other location:
Construction of waste management- With the help of haulers approximately 75% of the landfill
avoidance can be done and there is no need to separate the materials. Reducing the waste at the
time of constructing building has become one of the crucial task in term of performing
sustainability practices (Umaroğulları and Seitablaiev, 2018). Large number of waste contributes
in harming the environment. Therefore, the focus is need to be made over this. Also, the waste
can be recycled and can be use in creation of new form of energy in the construction process.
This helps in saving the resources along with this, the good sustainability practice can be
ensured.
Managing site- Water and noise pollution has become one of the big issue that impacts the
building and building occupants as well. Thus, special focus is required over managing the
polluted water at the site. Also, consistent cleaning is required at the workplace at there is large
number of chemicals has been emitted at the time of construction. This chemical emission often
contributes in the creating environmental waste. Often, the contractors must bring the recycling
containers at the site for carrying food in terms of reducing organic waste.

Lean manufacturing for reducing energy- Construction approaches must link with the lean
thinking. As it is concerned with the elimination of wasteful activities. More number of
elimination of wasteful activities leads to assure the saving of resources as well. If it is possible
to use such materials that does not require higher amount of energy then it must be installed.
Material selection- Those materials that can be used for recycle purpose has to be selected so,
the recycling can be done and the resources can be saved (Ajayi and et.al., 2019). LEEDS Points
are available in terms of installing water saving features. Managing construction site results in
assuring green building in-future. Here is the detailed explanation of the elements that needs to
be observe while selecting the materials. Thus, all starts from here as the material selection plays
the vital role as the effectiveness of input determines the effectiveness of output. Therefore, the
focus has to be assure while selecting the materials.
Using sustainable building material- This is one of the best way in terms of performing good
sustainability practices. The buildings must use the sustainable building material as it is
environment friendly and assures less or no harm to environment. Also, the production of this
amount release the large amount of greenhouse gases in the environment. Thus, the green
building material needs to be used.
Using of Prefabricated material- This process mainly involves the production of the
construction material such as, doors, floor panels, windows and walls in the controlled
environment. The prefabricated material has double benefits and those are, it is cost-effective
and environment-friendly as well.
Discouraging the use of paper blue print drawings & the specs- Reducing the usage of these
elements can help in saving the number of trees. In this manner, the good sustainability practices
can be performed. Rather than investing in paper the investment neds to be made in the
construction management software (Shameer and Prasad, 2018). This software management
helps in managing the activities of construction project in effective manner. Also, the task has
been completed on time and assure effective results.
Using energy efficient construction material- The another way of ensuring good sustainability
practices in construction is concerned with using of energy efficient construction materials these
materials helps in reducing the harm created towards the environment. Also, it enables in using
the renewable sources of energy.

All the above suggested method can be used in performing the effective sustainable
practices while making building. Also, this contributes in making building green the major
attribute that has been assured by this is that, it helps in managing resource along with this, it
also helps in saving the environment and that is ultimate goal of green sustainable practices.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that, maintaining sustainability practices
while performing construction is highly important. Materials that has been selected for making
building must be renewable so, the resources can be protected for future. Also, the protection
towards the environment cam be assured. Furthermore, the report has analysed Attenborough
Nature Reserve Visitors Centre's construction procedure in the context of using sustainability
practices. Along with this, the major area that is required for the improvement has been
highlighted in the report. The report has described BREEAM categories in order to perform the
evaluation.
Moreover, the recommendations has been made in the context of effective sustainability
practices. Thus, the report has come over the another conclusion and that is, it is highly
important to perform the concept of sustainability in context of assuring green rating to the
building. However, it has become the most important aspect at the current as the resources are
scare in nature. But, the BREAAM categories have analysed the numerous attributes of existing
green building that are clearly depicting that in some places the existing building in UK are
critically able to maintain and follow these categories. Furthermore, large number of focus needs
to be made over the scenario of green building and more practices in context of green
sustainability practices needs to be performed.

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architect.architecture.com/groundworks-architects-llp/nottingham/attenborough-nature-reserve-
visitor-centre>.