The Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) explores the benefits of copper in modern day infrastructure – from our homes to hospitals and transportation systems – and how copper is helping to create a more sustainable future through careful and considered design
Copper is a vital material that has been used in architecture for centuries, originally for exterior fittings such as roofs, and then indoor applications such as piping when indoor plumbing was introduced.
Copper is well known for its energy efficiency, durability, versatility and sustainability, making it suitable for windows and door frames, piping, cladding and roofing panels, and structural features in buildings. But what are the benefits of the material in our buildings?
Versatility
Copper is a strong and durable metal that can be used for various projects, and benefits from malleable qualities meaning that it can be stretched into different shapes depending on design requirements. From specific round shapes to being arranged into wires, the atoms in copper prevent the material from becoming damaged, making the material a resistant and adaptable building material.
This flexibility allows copper to adapt to complex and intricate designs, fitting into tight spaces without losing its qualities. Copper’s malleability also makes it an ideal choice for creating custom components and detailed architectural features, further enhancing its value in both construction and design applications.
Environment
Like stainless steel, galvanised steel and aluminium, copper is extremely corrosion resistant. It is a highly sought-after material for rural, marine and industrial environments as it retains its high quality due to a naturally occurring film that forms on the surface, protecting the material from any natural factors.
Such strong properties make copper the perfect fit for both indoor and outdoor environments, from copper piping to structural features including handrails, columns, beams, and staircases. Its versatility makes it ideal for use in harsh environments where material integrity is critical, proving to be reliable over long periods of time – unlike plastic pipes, which degrade quickly or dissolve when in contact with certain solvents.
Protects
A significant benefit of copper is its antimicrobial properties, making it a highly suitable material for areas that require protection against bacteria, viruses and fungi. When microbes land on its surface, antimicrobial copper releases oxidising atoms, ultimately killing the microbe and preventing any bacteria from spreading further, reducing any infection.
The natural resistance copper has against bacteria helps immensely with highly bacteria-prone areas, including hospitals, medical centres and all modes of public transport. Copper’s ability to actively kill harmful microbes adds an extra layer of protection in environments where hygiene is paramount.
Sustainability
One of the most important aspects of copper as a construction material is its infinite recyclability. Copper can be recycled countless times without any degradation in its quality or performance and is, therefore, an essential component in the construction industry as it can be reused efficiently.
Copper’s life cycle doesn’t end when it’s no longer needed. Instead, it’s recovered, refined, and repurposed into new products, being used for multiple designs within its lifetime. This means that copper is ideal for circular applications and is the sustainable option for building and design, with a lifespan of over 80 years.
Conductivity
Copper’s electrical and thermal conductivity makes it essential in modern design. When it comes to conductivity, copper is second only to silver among all metals, making it particularly well-suited for use in power generation, transmission, and distribution.
As the architecture industry keeps incorporating and working towards more renewable energy solutions, copper’s role in efficient power generation, transmission and distribution will become even more sought-after when the need for sustainable energy systems increases.
Copper can play a crucial role in supporting the growing demand for heat pump installation in the UK – the material is suitable for supplying heating, water and gas into homes thanks to it being an excellent conductor of heat. Copper pipes can be integrated with air-source heat pumps, transporting the heat extracted from outside air to radiators, electric heaters and other outlets.
Its ability to support sustainable energy infrastructure ensures that the material will become increasingly involved in designing buildings that are energy efficient.
Temperatures
Copper’s fire-resistant properties make it a reliable choice for building materials. With a melting point of around 1,085°C, it can withstand even the highest of temperatures. This ensures that copper pipes and wiring remain intact during a fire, preventing the spread of flames and ensuring the design is well-equipped to handle an emergency fire.
Essentially, copper’s low thermal expansion rate means that the material maintains its structural integrity even under extreme heat, minimising the damage and reducing the need for extensive repairs after a fire.
In conclusion – why choose copper in 2024?
Copper’s unique combination of strength and flexibility makes it an essential material for design, while its properties, including its natural resistance against bacteria and ability to exceed high temperatures, make it an ideal material for specific environments.
With such diverse benefits, copper’s recyclability makes it a sustainable choice for more environmentally conscious designs, while the overall aspects of it ensure longevity and, most importantly, safety, highlighting its importance in modern-day designs.