Lafarge develops and offers solutions to save energy at every stage in a construction’s lifecycle, from the manufacturing of materials to the structure’s demolition, notably at the occupancy phase which accounts for the largest proportion of buildings’ energy consumptions.
Reducing the energy consumption of constructions |
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Buildings
represent nearly 40% of global energy consumed among which 80% during
the occupancy phase.
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. |
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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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 : a concrete combating heat loss
The formulation of Thermedia® 0.6 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 retaining identical structural properties to traditional concrete. Thermedia® 0.6 encourages a reduction in thermal losses through the building's envelope and it contributes to improving construction methods using external thermal insulation.
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%.
