However, it’s estimated that 8% of the world’s carbon footprint is owed to concrete, while cob is an ultra-low carbon material; it comes from the Earth and can return there when the lifespan of the building is complete. 

This is the rationale behind CobBauge, a cross-Channel research project that has upgraded cob in the laboratory so that it now complies with regulations. 

A full-scale prototype building is now being monitored and evaluated in a single-storey ‘living laboratory’ on the Plymouth campus (pictured).

Both initiatives will find out whether they have won at the national Green Gown Awards ceremony taking place on 8 November 2022.