Guests:

• Ace McCarlton (New Frameworks)
• Greg Bossy (Rare Forms)

Episode Overview:

In this episode of Why We Build, host Greg Woleck delves into the world of sustainable and regenerative construction. Featuring industry pioneers Ace McCarlton and Greg Bossy, this discussion covers innovative eco-friendly building solutions, with a deep dive into the Seed Panel Program and straw bale panel technology. The conversation explores the importance of creating healthy, energy-efficient spaces that are both beautiful and durable, and offers insights into how the building industry is evolving to meet modern environmental challenges.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Mission and Vision of Sustainable Building
   • Ace introduces New Frameworks as a worker cooperative based in Vermont focused on bridging green and natural building practices.
   • Greg discusses Rare Forms’ values-driven approach to integrating high-performance and natural building principles.
2. Straw Bale and Seed Panel Technology
   • Straw Bale Panels: These panels use renewable, natural materials, which help reduce carbon footprints and create healthier living environments.
   • Seed Panel Program: A collaborative approach to distributed manufacturing, enabling smaller companies to use local resources to create sustainable building panels without centralized mass production.
   • The Seed Program’s goals of scaling nationwide and fostering resilience through shared designs and local material sourcing.
3. Advantages of Local and Natural Building Materials
   • New Frameworks’ use of regional materials like clay, lime, local woods, and plant-based oils to enhance building sustainability.
   • The significance of creating non-toxic, renewable structures that reduce environmental impact and support regional economies.
4. Workforce Development and the Future of Construction
   • The potential of off-site construction and prefab panels to address workforce shortages by creating accessible, comfortable work environments.
   • Importance of diverse and inclusive workplaces in attracting the next generation to sustainable construction practices.
5. Addressing Common Misconceptions Around Straw as a Building Material
   • Straw bale structures are resilient and highly fire-resistant, with performance comparable to wood in fire safety.
   • Case studies show straw’s durability over 100+ years, with added benefits of fire resistance due to straw's high silica content and density.
6. Environmental Impact and Climate Change
   • The building industry’s contribution to global carbon emissions (around 40%) and how natural building practices can mitigate this impact.
   • Use of the BEAM calculator to measure a building’s carbon footprint and show how straw panels offer the best carbon offset per dollar invested.
7. Future of the Seed Network and Collaborative Construction
   • Expansion plans for the Seed Network across North America and beyond, with goals to create regional building solutions that support local economies and reduce long supply chains.
   • Availability of design and fabrication tracks within the Seed Network for builders, designers, and architects interested in adopting straw bale and natural material construction.