Lafarge develops and offers solutions that use less energy at every step of the lifecycle of a construction: from the material manufacturing, building operation to demolition.
Reducing the energy consumption of constructions |
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Buildings represent nearly 40% of global energy consumed. And this can rise up to 50% if the energy spent to manufacture the materials and equipments used in them is included.
Lafarge is involved at 2 major stages in a structure's life:
The challenge is important as environmental certifications are gaining in influence all around the world while regulations for thermal performance of the buildings are becoming more numerous and restrictive. Meanwhile, demographic growth is increasing demand for housing which will have to use less energy.
Resource optimization, high-performance concretes, thermal insulation systems, etc. - Lafarge already offers a wide range of solutions which adapt to local needs and is stepping up research to further improve their properties. The Group also works in partnership with architects and engineers from the design stage of buildings in order to incorporate construction systems which contribute to improving their energy performance. |
Positive energy buildings?"A world in which buildings consume zero net energy" - that is the vision of the EEB (Energy Efficiency in Buildings) initiative co-chaired by Lafarge and United Technologies Corp. Launched in 2006 under the aegis of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), many multinationals have since signed up to this international project. Lafarge glossaryLCA, sustainable construction, fly ash, slag, clinker, industrial ecology, CO2, additives, granular stacking, etc. See the glossary for all definitions of technical terms. |
Partnerships from the design stage of buildings |
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In order to enhance its product range and its contribution to constructions' efficiency, Lafarge develops relationships with all those involved in the sector, from fundamental research to actual construction. |
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Research partnerships: optimized formulation for concretes
Nicolas Roussel, researcher at the Ponts et Chaussées central laboratory (LCPC): "Scientific modeling is clearing the way for the sustainable and optimized formulation of future concretes. These must be even more effective while also reducing energy costs. Lafarge and LCPC are pooling their expertise and equipment to achieve this." |
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Customized solutions
David Lord, Vice President, Scott Construction Group: "Lafarge has helped us by providing specific ratio solutions and a radically different approach to the design of concrete structures as a result of cutting-edge products such as Agilia®, Chronolia® and Extensia®. We value Lafarge's willingness to think beyond the specifications and provide forward thinking solutions." |
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From the design stage: collaboration on a positive energy building
Essilor hired the Arte-Charpentier architecture firm for the construction of its European Research Center, a 16,000m² positive energy building which aims to obtain BREEAM and NF-HQE certification. This resulted in a completely new three-way collaboration, enabling architects to benefit from the Lafarge teams' expertise in concrete, particularly high-performance concrete, while allowing Lafarge to explore new concrete-based construction solutions with players from every stage of the construction process. |
Our solutions promoting energy efficiency |
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Research programs, innovation, efficient products and systems - Lafarge offers solutions and is already working on developing those of tomorrow. |
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Testimonial 1 : Thermedia® 0.6 B: a concrete combating heat loss
The formulation of Thermedia® 0.6 B concrete is completely innovative. It is made using very lightweight aggregates, 40% less dense than traditional aggregates.
This composition cuts its thermal conductivity by "two-thirds" compared with standard concrete, while having the same mechanical strength than traditional concrete. Thermedia® 0.6 B leads to less thermal losses through the building's envelope.
Testimonial 2 : Duraclime™: an asphalt coming from the cold
Designed and developed in North
America, Duraclime™ is economical in energy. Its special
composition (specific additives and bonding agents) means it can be produced at
lower temperatures than traditional asphalt. Less energy is consumed to heat
the product. Less greenhouse gases are released and there are no unpleasant
fumes.
Another advantage is that the particular viscosity of Duraclime™ allows a higher proportion
of recycled aggregates to be added and makes the roads and sidewalks produced
using it exceptionally hard-wearing.
Testimonial 3 : Ductal® thermal breaker: complete thermal insulation
Launched in 2007, the Ductal® thermal breaker is a thermal bridge breaker developed using Ductal® ultra-high performance concrete and insulation. Providing perfect insulation and a mechanical link between the concrete slab and the external wall, this breaker reduces thermal bridges by up to 70%.
Testimonial 4 : Prégymax® 29.5: an economic and effective plasterboard
Prégymax® 29.5 plasterboard is 100% recyclable and consumes very little energy to manufacture. Made from plasterboard lined with gray expanded polystyrene, Prégymax® 29.5 boasts exceptional thermal and acoustic performance. It does not cause any thermal bridge since it has no metal frame. For an equal thickness, Prégymax® 29.5 provides far higher thermal insulation than materials such as glass wool.
This low thermal conductivity, the lowest of all thermal-acoustic insulation available on the market, makes it the clear leader.
Testimonial 5 : Unimat® floor insulation: a special high-density structural floor unit
Unimat® floor insulation is a rigid expanded polystyrene panel, with a rounded surface and arched back for greater mechanical resistance. Its properties make it a useful ally in improving a building's thermal insulation. It is especially well suited to the light framework of girder floors of individual houses.
Light to transport, simple to use and easy to cut, it halves fitting time compared with concrete floor blocks.
Testimonial 6 : La Dura® plasterboard: a new generation of plasterboard
Plasterboard now meets the most diverse technical and aesthetic requirements. Whether painted or tiled, interior or exterior - their characteristics mean they comply with the requirements of sustainable construction:
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La Dura® demonstrates great solidity and excellent mechanical resistance.
