Executive Summary
This report, published by Arup and the Nordic Blue Building Alliance, explores the potential of marine biobased building materials in the Nordic region. The aim is to support the green transition of the Nordic construction sector by promoting sustainable and innovative solutions.
Introduction
- Background and Aims: The Nordic Prime Ministers' vision is to make the region the most integrated and sustainable by 2030. The report focuses on the Sustainable Construction program, which seeks to minimize environmental and climate impacts.
- Scope and Limitations: The scope covers marine biobased materials from cultivation to end-of-life management, with limitations including the exclusion of certain geographical regions and specific technical details.
- Methodology: The methodology involves gathering input from research, public authorities, and companies across the supply chain, including stakeholders from cultivation to product development.
Marine-Based Biomaterials
- Seashells: Derived from shellfish, these materials offer structural and decorative uses.
- Algae and Seaweed: Macro and micro algae are used for insulation, roofing, and bioplastics.
- Chitosan and Chitin: Biopolymers with applications in water treatment and wound healing.
- Seagrass and Eelgrass: Used in acoustic mats and boards, insulation, and thatched roofs.
- Reed: Used in thatched roofs and other architectural applications.
Marine Biomaterial Products
- Søuld: Acoustic mats and boards made from eelgrass.
- Møn Tang: Insulation and roofing material from eelgrass.
- Thatched Roofs from Reed: Traditional and sustainable roofing solutions.
- Interesting Times Gang: Bioplastic made from sugar kelp and oyster shells.
- ReefCircular: Bioconcrete made from waste oyster shells.
- Mounid: Microalgae-based ink for textile dyeing.
- DanShells: Mussel shell-based products.
Recommendations and Opportunities
- Regulations: Addressing regulatory frameworks to facilitate the use of marine biobased materials.
- Technical Playbook: A guide on how to implement marine biobased materials in construction projects.
- Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between stakeholders to accelerate innovation and adoption.
Key Data and Definitions
- Embodied Carbon: Total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of materials, including extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and assembly.
- Global Warming Potential (GWP): A numerical value used to measure the relative contribution of greenhouse gases to global warming.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A method for evaluating the environmental impact of materials, products, or assets throughout their entire lifecycle.
This report aims to inspire the Nordic construction sector to adopt more sustainable practices, leveraging the unique resources available in the marine environment.
