1. www.footprintfutures.org.uk Module 4 - Buildings Building Footprints

2. www.footprintfutures.org.uk ? Our greenhouse gas emissions This graph shows us how much greenhouse gases various activities release. So if we want to really reduce our emissions significantly, then we need to concentrate on the things which release most greenhouse gases.

3. www.footprintfutures.org.uk ? Impact of building materials

4. www.footprintfutures.org.uk ? Steel, concrete and bricks Steel, bricks and concrete are very strong. But they also use a lot of energy to make. Cement to make concrete is quarried and highly processed. Steel and bricks need to be fired at high temperatures. When we calculate the amount of energy used to make something, we call it ‘embodied’ energy. These materials have high embodied energy.

5. www.footprintfutures.org.uk ? Insulation Can you guess which house has no insulation in the roof? The one where the snow has melted, because the heat is escaping straight through the roof, wasting heat energy and money. Image credit: Pat Turner for Transition Tynedale

6. www.footprintfutures.org.uk ? Thermal vision It’s not only roof spaces that need insulating. Heat can escape through the walls, floor, doors and windows too! Image credit: heatandenergy.org

7. www.footprintfutures.org.uk ? Daylight What would this room like to be in? Buildings that aren’t good for the environment, are often not good for people either. Natural daylight, ventilation and materials are better for our health. Image credit: Tim Soar

8. www.footprintfutures.org.uk ? Synthetic paints Some paints contain solvents made from chemicals which are harmful to humans. They are also difficult to dispose of and can pollute the local environment.