BRE FB38 PDF

INTRODCUTION

The cladding sector accounts for a substantial proportion of external wall construction, both in the UK and internationally. For certain building types the range of choice, flexibility and speed of installation are all factors that contribute to the decision to use cladding solutions.

However, with such a wide variety of choice within the sector, what are the environmental considerations? To answer this question, this report draws together the relevant information, data and experience gained during the production of The Green Guide to Specification (The Green Guide) and utilised in the assessment of cladding specifications.

‘Cladding' is a broad category where the analysis of environmental impact is concerned because of the vast range of materials used. For this reason, the scope of this paper (in terms of types of cladding covered) is limited to the external wall cladding types assessed in The Green Guide. In addition, due to the diverse nature of cladding and the abundance of terms used to describe it, terms relevant to The Green Guide are defined in the Appendix at the end of this report.

This report has been produced as part of a series on the environmental impact of materials relating to The Green Guide. Many of the other reports in the series focus on specific materials, and will provide more in-depth information, which may also be of value when considering the environmental impact of specific cladding types.