Sep, 24 2021 - Aluminium International Today
Q. What are the latest discoveries for the uses of sustainable aluminium in construction and architecture?
A. Low-carbon aluminium supports sustainable recovery and creates added value by reducing embodied carbon in building and construction sector. Aluminium can account for 42% of total embodied carbon in wood-framed buildings. Use of lowcarbon aluminium can reduce embodied carbon of buildings by up to 20%. In commercial buildings with traditional structures and aluminium parts made with low-carbon aluminium can reduce carbon footprint by 7%. This is an important part of decarbonising the sector and low-carbon aluminium needs to be part of it as a critical material for the ‘green’ building and construction.
Aluminium is a key element for sustainable recovery after the pandemic as it is light, wear-resisting and suitable for infinite recycling. Construction accounts for 30% of global energy use and 39% of global energyrelated CO2 emissions. All new buildings to operate at net-zero emissions by 2030 at the latest, and for all buildings to operate at net zero by 2050.
Q. What projects will be conducted in the future, involving sustainable aluminium?
A. Increasingly, all new aluminium inputs in building and construction are likely to bear lower carbon footprint. One of the best examples that highlight the ultralow carbon aluminium is the partnership between En+ Group and V&A at London Design Festival Exhibit. “Between Forests and Skies” is a pavilion made from aluminium with the world’s lowest carbon footprint produced using En+ Group’s unique inert anode technology. It will draw attention to the fundamental role of lowcarbon raw materials in creating a more sustainable world, and the importance of low-carbon aluminium – a key enabler of more sustainable economic development and a ‘green’ recovery worldwide. The innovative design uses a minimal volume of material to create a seemingly delicate yet robust structure to demonstrate the unique qualities of aluminium. The pavilion will be positioned in the John Madejski Garden at the V&A from 18 September to 17 October to coincide with London Design Festival (18 to 26 September). Then the pavilion will move to Glasgow for the UNFCCC COP26.
Q. With this in mind, what is the importance of integrating low carbon aluminium into projects now and the future?
A. It certainly is important to contribute to the decarbonising the sector, thereby contributing to the decarbonisation of national economies and global economy in general. Green building standards are also increasingly go in the direction of giving more points for low carbon footprint and recycled content. Measuring and optimising embodied carbon are becoming a standard requirement in ‘green’ building rating systems. Today investors require ‘green’ building certifi cation systems, such as LEED v4.0 & 4.1.
Q. Newest trends in aluminium application in architecture and construction will be demonstrated at AlumForum-2021. Who can we expect to see speaking at the event?
A. The Forum is attended by heads of government agencies, business and public organisations, leading Russian and foreign architects, developers and constructors as well as aluminium constructions and goods manufacturing companies. The welcome addresses to the participants of the Forum were sent by Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Denis Manturov, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Russian Federation, Irek Faizullin, Minister for Construction and Housing of the Russian Federation and Arkady Dvorkovich, Chairman of the Skolkovo Foundation.
The speakers of the Forum include Nikolay Shumakov, President of the Union of Russian and Moscow Architects, governors, department heads of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities, engineering and financial organisations and architectural institutions. This time we plan to introduce unique workshops in the format of portrait interviews. Leading architects from the top-10 best architectural companies are expected to participate. Among them are Philippe Samin (Philippe Samyn and Partners), Michael Young, Hussam Chakouf (Zaha Hadid), Philippe Nikandrov, architect bureau Fuksas (Italy), Recycle Group (Russia), Alexander Skokan (Ostozhenka Bureau). Special attention will be paid to the development and strengthening of international cooperation, busy agenda of sessions involves presentations of aluminium associations and companies’ heads from USA, Germany, Canada and Italy.
Q. Who attends these sorts of events?
A. In 2019 the Forum was attended by over 11 000 visitors, this time we expect that the number will increase. The Forum will be held offl ine and online and is aimed at creating favorable atmosphere for the direct dialogue between architects, project designers, developers and aluminium goods manufacturers. The Forum is also targeted at the students of architectural institutions and universities of civil engineering, they are invited to participate in the educational session New generation chooses aluminium.
Q. In your programme, you have also prepared presentations on larger projects such as bridges and the Hadrian’s Tower built in the UK. Can you elaborate on this project and other striking examples of aluminium in architecture and construction?
A. The Forum will demonstrate aluminium industry capabilities: product samples for architecture and construction, translucent structures, wall panels, profi le systems, decorative and fi nishing materials made of aluminium, stained-glass windows, roofs, architectural lighting, etc. Over 30 projects are included in the competition program; the best implemented project with aluminium and glass will be awarded with Grand-prix. The construction of stylish apartments Hadrian’s Tower was completed in 2020 in Newcastle. It has become the tallest building in the city (82 meters). The international team of experts involved the member of the Russian Aluminium Association, which was in charge of anode treatment and mechanical processing of sheet aluminium. The façade was mounted as the entire cellblock or element (aluminium framework with multiple glazing), which ensured a more accurate and quickly assembly as well as space saving on the construction site. Renovation of the Polytechnic Museum in Moscow with a translucent roof is another bright example. The work was done by the Association member – Load-Bearing Systems from Novosibirsk. The company proposed to use aluminium instead of steel: aluminium has got a number of advantages such as high anti-corrosion properties, minimum load on the building’s supporting frame, high architectural and aesthetic characteristics (star-shaped connection, no gaps at joints), as well as quick installation. Another striking implemented project of the company is the shopping centre in Yekaterinburg, where aluminium was used in the production of translucent domes with a total area of 16,000 sq. m and facade elements.
Q. You put a strong focus on collaborating with and developing schools – as examples: art school for children, schools in remote population areas…. What is your focus on developing new generation? In addition, what is your aim in developing this generation?
A. The Forum will feature the exhibition of children’s works, which continues a good tradition started at the fi rst AlumForum in 2019. It is held for Moscow art schools for children. Tablets and models of children’s works will be presented at the Forum venue. The young generation demonstrates its vision of the architecture of the future and application of aluminium constructions in modern cities.
We are aware that the effi cient development of human resources is impossible without skills and competences, which meet the requirements of actual and future needs of the construction industry. Today our task is to encourage and involve talented youth in scientifi c and creative activities in architecture, urban development and construction.
We need to change educational standards in the application of innovative and hitech materials in order to ensure a more sustainable future for everyone.