Resource efficiency and energy efficiency in the Portuguese ceramic industry
TFI Network+ News The Portuguese ceramic industry constitutes 0.5% of Gross Domestic Product in Portugal, far higher than most other European nations, and thus it is essential this sector is decarbonised, cost-effectively to preserve jobs [...]
Barriers and enablers for use of compressed earth blocks
Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) are a low carbon, low cost construction product that are considered by many to be the go-to sustainable masonry wall solution for low-cost buildings. However, although their use was prototyped in [...]
Investigation into the composition of commercial glass reveals energy saving potential
TransFIRe researchers from the Sheffield Hallam University have been investigating the composition of commercial glass currently present in the UK market following a lack of recent research and data on the subject. The study involved [...]
Our shared understanding: a circular economy in the built environment
We need to transition to a circular economy if we are to solve our global systemic challenges: climate change mitigation and adaption, biodiversity loss and social equity. We won’t hit our net zero targets if [...]
The efficient use of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) in reducing global emissions
A draft copy of a cross industry paper, which included contributions from TranFIRe researcher Michal Drewniok, has reported the current and future levels of availability of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) in concrete and [...]
Inclusive Innovation in the Foundation Industries
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to meet Karen Souza, D&I Partner at Innovate UK KTN. I was excited to hear about their focus on Inclusive Innovation, and immediately asked her to join [...]
What to do about plastics? Lessons from a study of UK plastics flows
A new study of UK plastics flows co-authored by TransFIRe researchers Michał Drewniok and Jonathan Cullen shows that 1/3 of related green house gas (GHG) emissions could be reduced by increasing recycling capacity and reducing demand. Plastics [...]
Mapping material use and embodied carbon in UK construction
TransFIRe researchers have co-authored a paper in which they quantified and benchmarked the material use and embodied carbon to the deliver the 'core and shell' of typical residential and non-residential buildings. In this paper embodied [...]
Make sustainable manufacturing the heart of the UK’s net zero transformation
The UK’s net zero future will depend on making things in sustainable ways, with close attention to the whole cycle: the materials we use, the energy and carbon emissions involved in processes, and the opportunities [...]