Upscaling bio-based construction: challenges and opportunities

Construction projects using emerging bio-based materials have been realized over the past ten to fifteen years within Europe. Bio-based buildings utilize properties of natural regulate internal environments, particularly fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity. Despite individual exemplar demonstrating functional performance long-term operational cost savings, there hasn’t a proliferation commercial or domestic projects. With growing shift towards circular economy construction, could be readily adopted meet this development. This study evaluates barriers faced by materials, making upscaling production breakthrough into mainstream construction challenging. Evaluation was achieved through senior professionals with experience participating semi-structured interviews based on core categories finance, knowledge, policy. Challenges include manufacturers inconsistencies life cycle assessment, material certification accreditation, vested interests industry, concerns regarding initial costs, availability, knowledge products. Potential solutions for are identified increased case studies, positive legislation, regional economic regeneration, wellness agenda, sustainability, engagement established companies. insight has informed procurement process, evaluation, adoption