Towards sustainable materials 

Every year, the world transforms more than 100 billion tons of raw material into products.

Less than 25% becomes buildings, cars or other long-lasting things.

Less than 10% cycles back into the economy. 

67% goes to waste 

We know there’s a problem, but what’s the answer? How do we become more sustainable?

This BRANZ/Edge Environment webinar explores the need to move to a circular economy – one that also addresses climate change and modern-day slavery.

Through presentations and guest speakers, we explain:

• What ‘sustainable materials’ means
• The relationship to life cycle assessment, responsible sourcing and the circular economy
• How and where to find certifications, EPDs and rating tools
• The roles that different actors in the supply chain can play to lead us towards more sustainable materials.

The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session.

Presenters

Lead presenter – Jonas Bengtsson: CEO of Edge Environment, a global sustainability consultancy with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the US and South America. Founder and CEO of BPI Rating, a construction product database designed to help the sector more easily identify and compare suppliers’ sustainability credentials. Director and former president of the Australian Lifecycle Assessment Society, and a technical advisor to the Green Building Council of Australia, EPD Australasia, Planet Ark’s Circular Economy Hub, and the Living Future Institute.

Introduction and moderation – Dr Casimir MacGregor: senior social scientist at BRANZ and Lead for the BRANZ Transition to Zero Carbon programme.

Guest speaker – Zarina Bazoeva: Director of Neocrete, a New Zealand based company focussing on reducing the carbon footprint of concrete.

Guest speaker – Brian Berg: Manager/Lead, Carbon Neutral Housing, Kāinga Ora, whose role is to accelerate the whole-of-life decarbonisation and sustainability of Kāinga Ora new construction state/public housing construction programme.