Sustainable Spaces – May 2025

This month’s Sustainable Spaces highlights three innovative ideas driving sustainable design and construction. Each innovation offers a unique approach to minimising environmental impact while maximising durability and performance.

Cormac Garvey explores the benefits of UK Hempcrete’s natural building material, Hempcrete, highlighting its versatility for both new builds and retrofits. Ian Martin discusses the Daikin Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering financial support to encourage the transition to low-carbon heating solutions. Sophie Fowler shares her perspective on CoFlora’s innovative cork products, from wall coverings to versatile fabrics, demonstrating how sustainable materials can elevate design and functionality.

Hempcrete Building Blocks

UK Hempcrete believes the future of construction lies in natural, sustainable solutions that work in harmony with the environment. Their signature product, Hempcrete, crafted from hemp shiv and lime, delivers natural insulation, moisture regulation, and long-term carbon storage. Designed for both new builds and retrofits, it supports healthier indoor environments while reducing a building’s carbon footprint.

Hempcrete can be cast around a timber frame for new builds or applied as an internal or external insulation layer in retrofit projects. Its vapour-permeable nature makes it ideal for upgrading older or historic buildings, helping to regulate moisture and prevent issues like damp and mould. As a low-carbon alternative to traditional materials, UK Hempcrete proves that sustainable solutions can be both durable and efficient.

Key Attributes:

• Breathable material.

• Mould resistant.

• Long lifespan, 300-500 years if properly maintained.

“I chose hempcrete because it remains relatively unknown and underutilised in the industry. However, I believe it has the potential to become more widely adopted in the future due to its numerous benefits. This product, in particular, can be used for both repair and upgrading of traditionally constructed buildings, which may mean that we have an opportunity to use Hempcrete products. Hempcrete has been tried and tested on a range of diverse projects, from compact extensions in private gardens in London to entirely stand-alone buildings up in the Scottish Highlands. This goes to show how versatile this product can be used for different applications across the country.”

Cormac Garvey, Assistant Technical Services Manager

Daikin BUS Scheme

Upgrading to energy-efficient heating isn’t just a smart move for homeowners, it’s a valuable investment for businesses too. Daikin UK’s Funding Hub is an online guide that helps you find financial support available for both residential and commercial properties looking to adopt low-carbon heating solutions. From grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which extends to small non-domestic properties, to the Green Business Fund offering support for SMEs, these initiatives are designed to ease the transition to more sustainable systems. It’s about making eco-friendly choices more accessible while helping businesses reduce operational costs and meet sustainability goals.

Key Attributes:

• Financial incentive to swap out old fossil fuel heating systems for low carbon heating technology

• Is a great way for Landlords for commercial fit outs to consider this approach to save money in the long term when looking at capital plant replacement

• Scheme is administered by Ofgem and endorsed by the Government

“Launched in April 2022 to encourage homeowners to install low-carbon heating technology, the grant aims to support the UK’s transition to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Heat pumps provide an eco-friendly heating solution that’s better for the planet, and your pocket. Quite simply, heat pumps are the future of home heating.” 

Ian Martin, Senior Technical Services Manager

Cork Products by CoFlora

CoFlora is redefining sustainable design with its innovative use of cork, offering a range of eco-friendly products that combine functionality, style, and environmental responsibility. Their mission is to challenge conventional materials like wood, metal, and leather by showcasing cork’s versatility, durability, and minimal environmental impact. From textured wall coverings and versatile cork fabrics to modular furniture and acoustic solutions, each piece is crafted with care using natural cork sourced from rural Portugal. With a focus on reducing environmental impact and showcasing the creative potential of cork, CoFlora transforms everyday spaces with materials that are as practical as they are planet-friendly.

Key Attributes:

• 100% biobased

• Durable

• Water repellent

“There has always been a gap in the market for sustainable wallcoverings, with most options being vinyl or fabric. This innovative cork leather/fabric fills that gap, offering a versatile, eco-friendly solution for fit out projects. It is a stylish and durable wallcovering, and it can also be used for upholstery and even as a sustainable leather alternative in fashion. Often overlooked in design, wallcoverings play a crucial role in aesthetics and functionality. This cork-based material brings natural warmth, durability, and sustainability to any space.”

Sophie Fowler, Designer