Design Buy Build Issue 57 2022 | Page 64

LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS

CORK , THE GREEN SOLUTION FOR PLAYGROUNDS

Contributing to the goal of carbon neutrality in the cities
Architects and designers increasingly seek eco-efficient materials and solutions that ensure quality and comfort without harming the environment . Combining ecology and performance , cork is one such product and has tremendous potential in the fields of urban construction , rehabilitation and outdoor areas .
All over the world , a growing proportion of people lives in cities . Big or small , old or new , cities are becoming our natural environment . According to the United Nations , about 55 % of the world ’ s population currently lives in urban areas , and it is estimated that this percentage will rise to 68 % over the coming decades *. By 2050 , two thirds of the world population will live in urban areas .
CORK AND THE GREEN CITIES OF TOMORROW
In this context , it is imperative to increase the quality of life in urban centers , both in terms of comfort and in terms of environmentally friendly solutions in new buildings , rehabilitations , and outdoor spaces .
Cork , as a renewable natural raw material that plays an important role in the reduction of greenhouse gases , is gaining momentum in the area of sustainable and ecoefficient construction , mainly due to its thermal insulation properties and acoustic and vibration control capacities .
EVERYTHING BEGINS IN NATURE
Cork is a natural , 100 % recyclable , renewable raw material obtained from the cork oak tree ( Quercus Suber L .). This oak species whose bark ( cork ) regenerates itself is mainly found in Southern Mediterranean countries and North Africa , and has an average lifetime of 200 years . Portugal is the leading cork-producing country , responsible for over 50 % of total European cork production .
Studies indicate that for each ton of cork produced , the cork oak forest can sequester up to 73 tons of CO2 **, and thus helps to reduce the Global Warming potential and contributing to the goal of carbon neutrality in the cities .
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