Requested research

Literature review: Analyze possible contaminations, pollutants, chemicals, radiation, toxins, and fumes that may occur in alternative materials and pose risks to human health and the environment.

Impact assessment template: Develop a framework to evaluate the health impacts of alternative building materials and techniques, such as natural materials and recyclables, and compare them to conventional materials like concrete, steel, and bricks.

Case studies: Design and evaluate case study houses or construction elements using alternative materials, with the aim of performing and comparing environmental and health impact assessments.

Background: Building Biology

The field of Building Biology examines how the built environment affects both human health and ecological systems. Its goal is to harmonize construction with natural processes and resources, while optimizing factors such as air and water quality, and minimizing pollutants and electromagnetic radiation.

This assignment focuses on assessing natural and recycled building materials for potential health hazards. Examples include additives to soil in earthen construction, anti-termite resins used in bamboo, microplastic generation from household items, and chemical leaching from discarded car tires.

Further areas of concern include hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields and radiation, as well as impacts on indoor air quality. These can stem from sources such as mobile phones, steel reinforcements in concrete, and the operation of air conditioning systems.

Further action

This project contributes to a broader program of environmental assessments, including integration of nature-based solutions and Life Cycle Assessments of alternative materials and techniques.

Interested? For more information, or to explore this as a final-year thesis opportunity, send us an email to schedule a meeting.