August 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 50

OPERATIONS
Cork: The Green Solution for Playgrounds
By Paula Bueno
A
rchitects and designers increasingly seek eco-efficient materials
and solutions that ensure quality and comfort without harming
the environment. Combining eco-efficiency and performance,
cork is one such product that has tremendous potential in the
fields of urban construction, rehabilitation and outdoor areas.
All over the world, a growing
portion of people live in cities. Big
or small, old or new, cities are becoming
our natural environment.
According to the United Nations,
about 55 percent of the world's
population currently lives in urban
areas, and it is estimated that this
percentage will rise to 68 percent
over the coming decades (tinyurl.
com/4xtbe429). By 2050,
twothirds
of the global population is
expected to live in urban areas.
Cork and the Green Cities
of Tomorrow
We must improve the quality of
life in urban centers, both in terms
of comfort and environmentally
friendly solutions in new buildings,
rehabilitations and outdoor spaces.
Cork, a renewable, natural raw
material that plays an important
role in the reduction of greenhouse
gases, is gaining momentum in sustainable,
eco-efficient construction.
This is due to its thermal insulation
properties and acoustic and
vibration control capacities, along
with other circular-economy and
nature-based materials.
Cork is a natural, 100 percent recyclable
material obtained from the
cork oak tree (Quercus Suber L.).
This oak species, whose bark (cork)
regenerates itself, has an average
lifetime of 200 years and is found
mainly in Southern Mediterranean
countries and North Africa. Portugal
is the leading cork-producing
country, responsible for more than
50 percent of total European cork
production.
Studies indicate that for each ton
of cork produced, the cork oak forest
can sequester up to 73 tons of
carbon dioxide, and thus helps to
reduce the Global Warming Potential
(tinyurl.com/xtmrn3ys). This
contributes to the goal of carbon
neutrality in cities.
Cork's Natural Technology
Cork has a honeycomb structure
The cork oak tree (Quercus Suber L.) has
an average lifetime of 200 years, and its
bark (cork) regenerates itself.
50 Parks & Recreation | A UGUS T 2 0 2 3
| PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
that includes thousands of microscopic
cells, filled by an air-like gas
that makes cork light with high
flexibility and compressibility.
In addition, cork has a series of
other characteristics that enables
a broad range of applications in
building construction. It's resistant
to moisture, friction and abrasion.
Cork also boasts thermal, acoustic
and vibration insulation capacities.
Safer, More Accessible
Playgrounds
Cork can be used as a safe, stable
and sustainable surface for outdoor
areas, urban parks and playgrounds
due to its main characteristics: low
surface temperature, impact absorption,
odorless, drainage capacity,
lightweight and fire retardant. Cork's
resilience creates a cushioning effect,
which makes floors comfortable for
walking and standing. Beyond comfort,
playgrounds made with cork
need to be safe. Cork surface systems
currently meet European standards
for play equipment and surfacing,
and several cork surfacing thicknesses
have been tested according to
ASTM 1292 by TÜV SÜD. What's
more, inclusive cork systems provide
full accessibility for those who use
wheelchairs or other mobility equipment.
Green
space is vital to children's
health and ability to engage in
physical activity. Natural playground
elements such as cork help
create dynamic, sustainable places
to play.
Paula Bueno is Marketing Manager at
Amorim Cork Composites (paula.bueno@
amorim.com).
PHOTO ©CORKEEN BY AMORIM
http://tinyurl.com/xtmrn3ys
August 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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