Environmental impact of biomaterials and biomass (FB 67)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Environmental impact of biomaterials and biomass (FB 67) was written by Nigel Jones and Jo Mundy and published by BRE on 27 May 2014. It is part of a series that provides comparable information on windows, masonry and concrete, metals, floor finishes, cladding and insulation to assess the environmental impact of specific construction materials.
This 24-page report reviews how biomaterials and biomass have been assessed within The Green Guide to Specification (4th edition), including the application of the environmental profiles methodology. The way in which biomaterials and biomass are addressed within building-level environmental assessment schemes such as BREEAM and the Code for Sustainable Homes is also explained.
Within The Green Guide, biomaterials are classed as naturally-derived construction materials (ie those originating from plant or animal sources) providing both structural and non-structural functions within the building fabric. Biomass is a biological material used as a fuel.
The report gives manufacturers and specifiers a general understanding of the benefits and impacts of biomaterials and biomass over their life cycle and helps identify opportunities for improvements in their environmental performance.
It’s contents are:
- Glossary
- Introduction
- Sector overview
- Life cycle assessment, Environmental Profiles and The Green Guide
- Applying the updated Environmental Profiles methodology to biomaterials and biomass
- Key impacts and opportunities for the biomaterials and biomass sector
- Where more data are required
- Conclusions
- References
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Biogas.
- Biomass.
- Biomaterial.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BREEAM.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Code for sustainable homes.
- Environmental impact.
- Life cycle inventory.
- Sustainable materials.
- Timber.
- Types of fuel.
- Wood pellet mill basics.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.