Creating sustainable buildings with greather thermal efficiency
Our approach is pragmatic. Back to Earth's focus is on products that are similar to conventional materials in terms of use, shape and function, but have been manufactured considerately from natural materials and without high levels of processing. They are compatible with systems that are already proven and popular, such as timber frame construction, in order to have a significant impact on modern building practices.
Back to Earth has developed a new ETH system - earth blocks, timber and hemcrete - for maximum durability, sustainability and practicality. All components of the ETH system are similar in form and format to conventional materials, and can be applied with the same speed and at the same cost. However, the finished product has incredible environmental benefits which makes it ideal for modern construction projects, which are increasingly aiming to meet high environmental targets.
Earth blocks Compressed earth blocks (CEBs) produced by Ibstock, one of the UK's biggest brick manufacturers, can be laid in exactly the same way as concrete blocks. Because of their high density, CEBs reduce sound transmission and are able to store more thermal energy, making for much more energy efficient buildings.
Timber - new legislation is expected to encourage less use of bricks and mortar in favour of timber constructions. Timber frames can normally be pre-fabricated off site and then erected over a very short period. Heat treated timber products are now available as an alternative to
conventional chemically treated timber which is more costly and less environmentally friendly. When timbers are eventually in need of replacement they are fully recyclable.
Tradical Hemcrete is a building material we're really excited about. It's a hemp-based concrete that has the capacity to absorb up to 110kg CO2 per cubic meter, creating the potential for zero or even negative CO2 builds. Plus, it has amazing thermal properties, insulates against sound, is moisture permeable and very easy to use. We think it's going to revolutionise the sustainable construction industry.
click here for ETH diagram in PDF format
Our ETH system uses a layer of 100mm earth blocks to line the inner face of a timber-framed building, adding more thermal inertia and increasing the density of walls to allow heavier duty items to be mounted on internal surfaces. Hemcrete is then sprayed or poured into shuttering in the centre of the wall to form a rigid, monolithic structure with amazing thermal and sound insulating properties. More info on ETH sustainability.
Natural building materials are only slightly more expensive than their conventional equivalents, but much cheaper in terms of whole project and longer term costs. For example, using hemcrete means:
In the case of heat-treated wood, it requires no initial or repeated treatment throughout its lifespan which means huge savings on maintenance time and materials. Also, lime mortars offer faster rates of building due to the type of sands contained in them, plus the opportunity to recycle bricks which has massive energy saving potential.
Invest now, then sit back to enjoy the monetary and environmental savings.
Most of the natural building materials we sell are maintainable, to maximise lifespan whilst minimising cost and environmental impact. However, correct design and specification are key to ensuring the durability of any building element, which is why Back to Earth offers consultancy services on all aspects of natural building issues.
Tradical hemcrete has been used in France for the past 20 years, but knowledge of it is only now beginning to spread in the UK. As a result, more and more contractors are including it in new-build projects with great success.
The key to success with any building material is correct specification and application. To help encourage wider use of natural building materials, Back to Earth is offering consultation services across a range of issues to help ensure products are applied efficiently and effectively.
Years of experience in the industry, both building with and manufacturing natural materials, has built up a knowledge and skills base that will be valuable across the industry as it moves towards using a greater proportion of sustainable materials.
These services will be of use if you are an architect, designer, developer, building contractor or self-builder: