Introduction:
Nestled amongst the people and wildlife of the UNESCO Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve, Artecology has long been a beacon of creative thinking and design innovation in eco-engineering. However, we're not yet content with mere trend bucking using systems thinking, realistic applied science, and interdisciplinary working; we're also committed to redefining the very essence of excellence in the field of ecological enhancement and advancement of Integrated Grey Green Infrastructure (IGGI).
As a result, we find ourselves drawing inspiration from an unlikely source, of all places, the automotive industry's collaborative model for the production of high performance cars. Yes, Artecology is positioning itself to become the Cosworth of eco-engineering!
Problem:
In the realm of eco-engineering, a significant gap persists between standardised production solutions and those optimised for the highest possible performance. While many eco-engineering projects strive for good gains for wildlife and sustainability, because of the limitations relating to standardised manufacturing techniques, they often overlook the precision and ecological intentionality necessary for truly effective outcomes. Also, excessive material use resulting in big carbon footprints and embodied carbon remain prevalent issues in the field.
Compared to other options out there our work stands out for its high-spec, superior probiotic quality. Our habitats are designed with ecological intentionality in mind, that is, intentionally creating thriving complex spaces for a huge array organisms. One way to quantify this is through metrics, for instance; the ratio of active surface area (if spread out) to total material volume. This ratio serves as a measure of ecological opportunity or “intentionality”. For instance, an Artecology Vertipool would have a much higher ratio compared to a standard concrete eco-engineering cube, indicating that Vertipools have much more surface area per bulk of material available for the support of lifecycle resources. Conversely, measuring the ratio of internal volume to total surface area gives us a measure of "deadspace," which correlates with excess material use, and embodied carbon, and carbon emissions.
Solution:
Artecology presents a transformative solution. We can act as a specialist ‘works’ team, meticulously fine-tuning standard eco-engineering solutions into high-performance full production versions. Our expertise lies in optimising key metrics, such as the surface area to volume ratios mentioned earlier. This way we can support civil engineering projects to create habitats that not only foster biodiversity but also significantly reduce carbon footprint and embodied carbon at the same time.
Surface area to volume ratios are already widely used in biology, and provide a meaningful metric for evaluating habitat quality. We can use them for eco-engineering in the same way. Let’s dig a little deeper! A standard smooth 1m concrete cube has a surface area to volume ratio of 6:1, even by adding some pattern imprinted surface texture, the surface area ratio to bulk stays roughly the same. With specialist handmade complex textures & patterns, and with precision crafted complex sculptural forms that cannot be replicated with concrete moulds or 3D printing, we are able to achieve a much higher ratio; in the case of our own Vertipools perhaps closer to 9:1 for example.
Key Features:
Precision Eco-Engineering: Artecology's specialist team meticulously optimise internal and external surface area to volume ratios, maximising ecological opportunity within any Intentional Habitat while minimising material usage.
Hand Tuned Excellence: Just like highly trained Cosworth technicians, we have the skills and knowledge to elevate standard production line products to high-performance status, ensuring every detail is optimised for ecological impact and carbon efficiency. The techniques and skills used are transferable and therefore generate opportunities for specialist training, apprenticeships and job creation.
Carbon Footprint: By improving the active biorecepetive surface area to dead space, our solutions not only greatly enhance habitat quality but also significantly lower carbon emissions and embodied carbon.
Impact:
Artecology's approach transcends mass-production capabilities; it sets a new standard for excellence in eco-engineering with a measurable impact on carbon reduction. By harnessing precision engineering principles and ecological metrics, we're driving meaningful progress towards a more regenerative and sustainable future while mitigating the environmental impact of construction and development projects.
Call to Action:
Join us in revolutionising the eco-engineering sector with precision, innovation, and carbon efficiency. If you are working in the field of eco-engneering, Artecology's high-performance ‘works’ solutions offer a pathway to more sustainable, more bioreceptive products with tangible benefits for both biodiversity and carbon reduction.
Let's collaborate to build a future where every eco-engineering endeavour is a masterpiece of precision, ecological excellence, and carbon efficiency.