Barriers hindering acceptance of earth construction in the urban context of the United Kingdom

Despite the fact that contemporary earth construction may open up new avenues to cutting down CO2 emissions, a review of literature reveals that there is sparse research to date identifying reasons behind why there may be resistance to earth construction as a sustainable construction material in the United Kingdom. The aim of this paper is to formulate a conceptual framework that facilitates a clearer understanding of factors affecting the acceptance of earth as a sustainable material in the UK. To achieve this aim, this study adopted a research methodological framework comprising of an extensive review of literature, the Delphi technique, and in-depth interviews. The conceptual framework provides insight into factors related to the UK context specifically including a lack of technological innovation, resources, well-established supply chain networks, training facilities in universities and building codes. These issues may be addressed through the promotion of earthen architecture as a method of cutting CO2 emissions and introducing earth construction modules in relevant degree programs. Keywords: conceptual framework, factors, building material, earth, environmental sustainability

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Understanding the advantages of earth construction in urban housing in the United Kingdom

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33755/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Sharif Zami

Keyword(s):

United Kingdom ◽

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Urban Housing ◽

Address Climate Change ◽

Earth Construction ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Self Help ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Research Philosophy ◽

Depth Interviews

Abstract Earth building material is beneficial in urban housing in the United Kingdom, particularly with regard to the promotion of environmental sustainability. Due to higher demand to achieve sustainable development around the world, researchers and innovators are increasingly turning their attention to efficient ways to address climate change and excessive CO2 emissions. Contemporary earth construction certainly contributes to reducing current global CO2 emissions and achieving environmental sustainability. Existing literature documents numerous benefits to constructing in earth, yet a critical review of the literature shows that, in many cases, these benefits are empirically unsubstantiated. Moreover, some benefits found in literature seemingly conflict and are often context and/or project specific. This paper aims to address some of these incongruities through an in-depth analysis of the advantages of earth construction in the development of UK urban housing. To achieve this aim, an interpretivist research philosophy was employed, including an up-to-date state of art literature review on the topic, and validation through the Delphi technique and in-depth interviews of construction professionals in the field of earth construction. The results show that earth building is very safe for the environment, it saves energy, promote self-help construction and significantly contribute achieving all aspects of environmental sustainability in the United Kingdom.

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