Materials used in a building not only have an impact on environmental performance, they can also affect the health of its occupants. Materials considered for use in CH2 were evaluated for their environmental impact according to four priorities:
- use and adherence to the principle of lowest life cycle cost for the anticipated 100 year life (ie. Maximising durability, minimising replacement, maximising maintainability)
- minimising embodied energy
- minimising indoor air pollutants
- use of locally grown, sourced or manufactured products and materials.