How Green is Your Cladding?

PRAMEENA KARUNAIRAJ, Business Development, FunderMax India, elaborates on the need and benefits of green construction and cladding solutions.

According to a study done by Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, currently buildings account for more than one-quarter of the total greenhouse gas emissions. If we are to mitigate the effects of having more buildings on the environment, green construction is the answer, and material selection plays a major role here. The right material in building envelope protects the occupants from the caprice of the environment. The reverse also holds true where material choice can protect the environment from the adverse effects of buildings. 

Cladding is an element that is generally reserved for the last, during the material selection process. We forget that it is the first line of defense of a structure. New-age materials are fast replacing the conventional masonry-based cladding. But some of these materials are so ubiquitous that there is a dearth of freshness in the buildings we see daily. 

Features of cladding
Look for materials that have natural raw materials which can be replenished in shorter cycles. If the material is wood-based, it has to be sourced from sustainable managed forests. The recent fire tragedies across the world have shown us that material choice is the key to preventing such mishaps. The recently updated NBC helps in this regard.
Buildings feel suffocated with cladding systems that do not allow them to breathe. Rear ventilated façade systems let the façade breathe, and by virtue of their design, are suitable for all types of climatic conditions. Most often, it is a common tendency to overlook the future maintenance needs of cladding during the selection process. Maintenance not only requires time and money but also human effort. Using a material that requires minimal maintenance saves resources. It also saves wastage of precious water resources used in cleaning façades. Materials that can withstand climate extremes define longevity. We need to look at materials that have undergone accelerated climate tests or use materials that have proven sustainability over decades. 

Importance of materials
What happens to building materials at the end of their useful period is as critical as their performance during their life-cycle. Materials not causing adverse effects on environment even during disposal is preferred. 
High pressure laminates from FunderMax satisfy these requirements and are preferred for their aesthetic benefits as well. They create sustainable and energy-efficient façades. Available in multiple colours, they provide a design freedom to architects and add character to the building.