Buildings represent nearly 40% of global energy demand. Around 80% of this energy is consumed during their phase of use. Solutions exist to help buildings save energy.
Challenge #4: less energy-hungry buildings |
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A building's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) quantifies its environmental impact according to several criteria:
LCA is now a part of the Group's research methods. A
truly scientific approach, this objective analysis uses a standardized
methodology (ISO 14040) and questions many concepts taken for granted in
construction. |
Energy-producing buildings?The ambition of the EEB (Energy Efficiency in Buildings) project set up by Lafarge and United Technologies Corp. is to construct buildings which are self-sufficient in energy by 2050. 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. Its most recent study, published in 2009, shows how energy consumption of buildings can be reduced by 60% by 2050. Inexpensive green buildingsAs part of the EEB (Energy Efficiency of Buildings) project, the WBCSD conducted a survey of construction industry professionals' perception of the additional costs of "green" buildings.
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Last update on 10/29/2009
Customized solutions |
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David Lord, Vice President, Scott Construction Group:
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A building’s environmental impact |
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Jean-Daniel Kuhn, Arte Charpentier, architect:
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Our solutions to this challenge |
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Testimonial 1 : Thermedia 6.0 B: a concrete combating heat loss
The formulation of Thermedia 6.0 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 retaining identical structural properties to traditional concrete. Thermedia 6.0 B encourages a reduction in thermal losses through the building's envelope and it contributes to improving construction methods using external thermal insulation.
Testimonial 2 : Ductal® thermal breaker: complete thermal insulation
Introduced at the Pollutec exhibition in 2007, this Ductal® thermal breaker is a major innovation in terms of sustainable construction. This 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 3 : Prégymax® 29.5: an economic and effective plasterboard
Light and flexible, the brand new Prégymax® 29.5
plasterboard is 100% recyclable and
consumes very little energy to manufacture.
Made from plasterboard lined with 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 4 : 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.
