The Future of Biogenic Materials in Construction: A Cultural and Technical Shift
By James Morton
The UK construction industry is undergoing a transformation as it seeks to lower its carbon footprint and embrace sustainability. With the sector accounting for nearly 40% of the nation’s carbon emissions, alternative building materials must be explored. Biogenic materials—those derived from organic sources such as timber, hemp, straw, and mycelium—present a compelling solution. Their ability to store carbon, improve indoor environmental quality, and contribute to a circular economy makes them an essential part of the construction industry’s future. However, achieving widespread adoption will require significant cultural and logistical shifts, as well as addressing concerns regarding durability, fire resistance, and supply chain limitations.
Reclaiming Materials: A Circular Approach
Biogenic materials are not only sustainable but also highly reusable. Timber from demolished buildings, for instance, can be repurposed into structural elements, flooring, or furniture, reducing demand for virgin resources. Similarly, hempcrete panels can be dismantled and reintegrated into new structures, while straw bales, if properly maintained, can be reused in insulation applications. By prioritising material recovery, the industry can drastically reduce waste and move toward circular construction models that maximise resource efficiency.
A major cultural shift is necessary to transition from the mindset of disposal to reuse. Deconstruction, rather than demolition, must become the industry standard. This requires contractors and developers to rethink project planning, ensuring that materials are catalogued, safely removed, and stored for future applications. Investment in infrastructure that facilitates material reclamation, such as sorting and processing facilities, will be critical in scaling these efforts.
Health and Wellbeing Benefits
Beyond their environmental advantages, biogenic materials have profound implications for occupant health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that natural materials contribute to improved indoor air quality by regulating humidity and reducing the presence of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Timber, for example, has been linked to stress reduction and increased cognitive function in workplace and residential settings. The natural insulating properties of straw and hempcrete also contribute to better thermal comfort, reducing energy costs and creating more habitable living environments.
With growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the built environment, the integration of biogenic materials can play a crucial role in designing spaces that support wellbeing. Hospitals, schools, and workplaces are increasingly turning to wood, cork, and other natural materials to create calming, biophilic environments that enhance productivity and recovery rates.
Overcoming Barriers: Supply Chain and Regulatory Challenges
Despite their potential, several barriers prevent the widespread adoption of biogenic materials in the UK construction industry. One of the primary concerns is supply chain scalability. The UK has relatively low domestic timber production compared to European counterparts, and reliance on imports introduces vulnerabilities, particularly in the face of geopolitical instability and shifting trade tariffs. To mitigate these risks, strategic investment in afforestation, regenerative agriculture, and localised supply chains will be essential.
Fire resistance is another key concern that must be addressed to ensure regulatory compliance. While untreated timber and straw can pose a fire risk, advancements in fire-retardant treatments and engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) have demonstrated that biogenic materials can meet stringent safety standards. Building codes must evolve to reflect these innovations, ensuring that sustainable materials are not unfairly restricted due to outdated perceptions.
Economic and Commercial Impact
A shift toward biogenic materials will necessitate adaptations in business models across the construction supply chain. Developers who invest in sustainable materials may initially face higher upfront costs, but long-term savings in energy efficiency, reduced waste disposal fees, and improved building performance can offset these expenses. Additionally, growing consumer demand for eco-friendly buildings presents a lucrative market opportunity for companies that position themselves as leaders in sustainable construction.
Financial incentives, such as tax credits for using biogenic materials or subsidies for material recovery initiatives, could accelerate adoption. Public sector projects should set an example by prioritising biogenic materials in government-funded developments, encouraging private-sector uptake through demonstration of viability and performance.
Conclusion: A Necessary Evolution
The integration of biogenic materials in construction represents more than a technical shift—it is a fundamental cultural transformation. By embracing material reuse, prioritising health and wellbeing, and addressing supply chain and regulatory challenges, the UK construction industry can lead the way in sustainable innovation. As geopolitical pressures and climate imperatives mount, now is the time to commit to biogenic materials as a mainstream solution for a resilient, low-carbon built environment.
By investing in research, policy adaptation, and industry-wide collaboration, the potential of biogenic materials can be fully realised, paving the way for a construction sector that is not only sustainable but also healthier and more economically resilient for future generations.