Introduction

Welcome to the new page for the COST Action FP1303 “Performance of Biobased Building Materials”.  The Action started its activities with the kick-off meeting on 22nd October 2013 in Brussels and will run for 4 years, until 21st October 2017. During the first 30 months it was managed by SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, and for the final 18 months it will be managed by the University of Primorska, Slovenia. The Action has now finished, but this page provides access to much of the information and findings from the 4 years of activity. It is hoped that this information will act as educational material and encourage collaboration in the areas of interest of the Action.

Objective
Maintaining and expanding the market potential for bio-based building products in indoor and outdoor construction uses remains a key activity for European industry in the forestry and biotechnological sector. Performance data for many "environmental friendly" building materials are lacking as well as suitable comprehensive test methodologies to determine their resistance against mould, stain, and decay. The similarity in terms of decay hazard, resulting response on climatic loads and thus performance of different bio-based building materials has not yet been recognised adequately, wherefore this Action will provide a platform for networking and scientific exchange between different disciplines, such as material sciences, wood technology, biology, biotechnology, building physics and engineering. Consumer demands and preferences, which might serve as limit states to develop service life prediction and performance models, will consider aesthetical aspects as well as the functionality of building assemblies. A coordinated effort to put the issue of biodegradability of organic building products on the agenda will contribute to the control and prevention of this imminent threat to use bio-based building materials, which in turn could severely damage a pan-European low carbon building agenda. Additional information can be found on the official webpage run by through COST.

The activities of the COST Action will be within 3 Working Groups:

Working Group 1: Material capability and enhancement

Working Group 2: Functionality and performance

Working Group 3: Adaptation and application