Environmental Impact of Materials: Vertical Cladding

This report provides a review of how insulation materials have been assessed within The Green Guide to Specification, including the application of the Environmental Profiles methodology which underlies it. The way in which cladding is addressed within building level environmental assessment schemes such as BREEAM and the Code for Sustainable Homes is also explained. The report will give manufacturers and specifiers an understanding of the impacts of their cladding products over their life cycle and to identify opportunities for improvements to their environmental performance. It is part of a series that provides comparable information on insulation, floor finishes, windows, metals, timber, masonry and concrete. These will be of value to architects, specifiers and environmental consultants when considering the environmental impact of specific construction materials.

1. Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Profiles and The Green Guide to Specification 2. How the Environmental Profiles Methodology Has Been Applied in Relation to Cladding 3. Key Impacts for Cladding and Opportunities for Reducing Environmental Impact 4. Progress with Reducing Environmental Impacts 5. Where More Data Are Required 6. Conclusion. Appendix: Defining Cladding Terms Used in The Green Guide to Specification. Glossary.

BRE, UK