Architecture: Construction & Sustainability

Architects! Climate Action Network (ACAN) Education Toolkit – toolkit for climate education in architecture

Architects Declare – network of architectural practices dedicated to addressing the climate and biodiversity emergencies

Biophilic Cities – organisation promoting natureful cities, including biodiversity and wild urban spaces

The circular economy in the Australian built environment – report on circular economy within architecture, engineering, and construction in Australia

The CUSP Institute at Curtin University – research institute focussing on sustainability, video resources available here

Education for sustainable development guide – guide to incorporating sustainability in teaching and learning, produced by UCL

Ellen McArthur Foundation – charity committed to establishing a circular economy, their introduction to the circular economy can be found here

Gaia Group – collective of Gaia organisations focussed on sustainability, their publications – including RIBA publications – can be found here

Gehl – urban strategy and design firm aiming for sustainable public spaces

AUB Materials Library

Located in the library, the AUB Materials Library is a collection of product samples such as ceramics, plastics, glass, paper, metal, timber, and much more. Students are welcome to explore and handle the collection at any time.

Users can also browse the materials online and learn more about them by using the Materials Library catalogue. To log in, click the “Sign in with Microsoft” button and use your AUB login details.

Material ConneXion

The library subscribes to Material ConneXion, a database of materials including detailed profiles, reports on applications and processes, and information about innovations and manufacture. To access, please register for a Material ConneXion account using your AUB email address.

The Stacks

The Stacks contains material deep dives, sustainability webinars, manufacturer highlights, trend reports, and much more, all written by the Material ConneXion research team. To access, please register for a Material ConneXion account using your AUB email address.

Other material discovery resources

Architonic - a platform exhibiting products, materials, and concepts for interior designers and architects

Material District - a digital materials library specialising in innovative materials and solutions

Stylepark - a product selector and magazine for architects and interior designers

Transmaterial - a database specialising in hi-tech materials and textiles for design

Featured new material: Renoprene

Renoprene is a recycled alternative to virgin neoprene, made from post-consumer waste collected from partner organisations. Zips and plastics are removed and recycled, while the neoprene is shredded, mixed with Vulcan rubber, and reformed into stable sheets. The original textile laminate remains, allowing strong bonding and enabling further lamination with a wide range of materials. The process avoids burning or melting, with no toxic emissions. Aqua glue is used for lamination – a PVC-free adhesive compliant with REACH and RoHS standards.

Renoprene has reduced stretch and insulation compared to virgin neoprene but still offers comfort and protection. Applications include yoga mats, outerwear, bags, cases, and accessories.

The samples of Renoprene can be found in drawer D1.4 in the Materials Library.

Brick Development Association – major player in clay bricks and pavers, many free resources

The Concrete Centre – organisation aiming to realise the potential of concrete, lots of information about concrete and construction

The Concrete Society – member organisation for individuals with an interest in concrete, student membership is free

Timber Development UK (TDUK) – organisation for the timber industry, students can access their learning resources for free

Construction Information Service

The Construction Information Service provides access to UK standards, regulations, and legislation for all stages of the construction process. To access it, follow this registration link and create an account using your AUB email address. Once you have set up an account, log in using the link above.

RIBA Plan of Work

The RIBA Plan of Work is the definitive UK model for the building design and construction process, laying out the outcomes, core tasks, and information exchanges at each of the eight stages. The online Plan of Work allows you to browse, customize, and download a plan of work, with guidance provided at each stage.

NBS Source

NBS Source is an online construction product library, enabling the comparison of properties and values, performance criteria, and certification information across products.

Detail Inspiration

Detail Inspiration is an online image and reference database for architects, featuring photos, drawings, and technical information.

The Detail Construction Manuals are a series of books covering materials used in construction, including example buildings. Some titles in this series are available online.

The U-value, also known as the thermal transmittance, indicates the rate of heat transfer through a building element such as a wall, roof, or window. The U-value is measured in watts per square meter per degree Celsius (W/m²·K). A lower U-value indicates better insulation, meaning less heat loss and better energy efficiency.

Below, you can find some recommended tools for calculating the U-value of a building element.

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