The COP26 UN Environmental Summit is bringing together a global audience to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
As part of the summit, the zero carbon, timber frame COP26 House has been developed by Beyond Zero Homes, a group of more than 20 organisations, including Rainclear, from across the homebuilding sector, created and led by Peter Smith, Roderick James Architects.
The members of Beyond Zero Homes are joined together by a single, mutual goal that goes beyond zero carbon: to demonstrate how beautiful, affordable, healthy and comfortable homes can be developed with minimal impact on the environment, throughout their lifecycle Rainclear’s Infinity Copper Gutters and Downpipes, which feature prominently on the outside of the House, were selected due to the their longevity of life, circular economy principles (incorporating 50-70% recycled copper and being fully recyclable at end of life), as well as aesthetics.
Copper is fully and infinitely recyclable, maintenance free, offers an attractive natural aesthetic and has a typical lifespan of 40 to 50 years. Conversely, uPVC rainwater products, widely used across the UK construction industry, are more challenging to recycle, require regular maintenance and have a typical lifespan of only 10 to 15 years.
