Nature in technology

Toegevoegd op May 31, 2013

New generation of products from Schüco with future-orientated ecological materials

The construction and utilisation of buildings are the main causes of greenhouse gas emissions and governments are responding to this with tougher regulations. Architects and clients are therefore demanding new, ecologically viable products which have maximum potential for reducing CO2 and conserving natural resources. With its "Green" generation of products, Schüco is addressing the issue of finding potential alternative materials for plastic once the crude oil age is over. The FW 50+.SI Green façade system and the AWS 90.SI+ Green aluminium window system integrate components such as insulating bars, gaskets and pressure plates with a proportion of renewable materials. This means that fossil fuels are substituted in part, reducing the energy requirement for the production of raw materials. For an innovative market leader, which has been consistently committed to developing and creating energy-efficient, sustainable building envelopes, this is a logical step.

This development is possible in part due to the modest plant species Ricinus communis, also known as the castor oil plant. At the end of the value chain, sebacic acid is derived from the seeds of the plant. This is used to manufacture polyamide. Polyamide created in this way forms the basis for the pressure plates of the FW 50+.SI Green façade system and for the "green" insulating bars which are integrated into the Schüco AWS 90.SI+ Green window system. The oil from the seeds is even used for the foam of these insulating bars without the need for chemical processing. Schüco is also making a marketing contribution for the transfer of biotechnology for gaskets in both of these profile systems, by using EPDM (synthetic rubber) made from sugar cane or bio-ethanol. The same standards apply to all these materials: an initial and then annual inspection by an independent certification process (DIN CERTCO) guarantees that the proportion of renewable raw materials strived for is also achieved. With the Schüco AWS 90.SI+ Green and Schüco FW 50+.SI Green system enhancements, the company is combining the approved use of renewable raw materials with thermal insulation to passive house level and above. The FW 50+.SI Green façade system meets the strict passive house certification criteria set by the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt and has been certified as passive house standard since BAU 2013.

Combination of sustainability and energy efficiency
Thermal insulation is the primary decisive factor in the energy revolution. Many local authorities have already pledged to implement thermal insulation to passive house level as standard when constructing new public buildings. The Schüco AWS 90.SI+ Green window system and the FW 50+.SI Green façade system fulfil precisely these requirements. Both constructions combine the advantages of durable aluminium with thermal insulation to passive house standard, thereby conserving natural resources and reducing CO2 emissions. Equipped with plastics containing a significant proportion of renewable raw materials, these windows and façades now make a double contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases, since they have a lower potential for global warming. This means that using renewable raw materials releases fewer greenhouse gases into the atmosphere during manufacturing and it also conserves natural resources.

By integrating renewable raw materials into aluminium windows and façades with thermal insulation to passive house standard, Schüco is demonstrating its approach towards energy-efficient and sustainable construction.