Holistic sustainable material process – potential in local resources

Abstract

Abstract The construction and transformation of the built environment is a key factor in the transition to a sustainable future. The interest in material’s role in this transition increased in the last few years, especially in regard to embodied energy in the construction phase. This is however only a small part of the societal and environmental impact caused by the material chain. Because the material practice in todays globalised world is increasingly complex and materials should be considered cultural artefacts that are part of ecological, social and economic systems. In this article the concept of a holistic sustainable material practice is discussed from the perspective of a relocalised material process. The concept of landscapes and social-ecological systems is used to frame this process and allows discussion of opportunities and challenges within such a process. This has been achieved through literature studies and by using Regenerative Sustainability and Circular Economy as theoretical framework. The article has explored the relocalisation of the material process from the perspective of Sweden, though many of the aspects discussed can be applied in other contexts.