Sustainability of materials

Several products from the Group (or systems based on these products) are used to improve buildings in order to save energy, avoid emissions or lead to a better sustainability.

Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems

Solesia is the new umbrella brand covering the building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems for slate, concrete and clay roof tiles as well as corrugated sheets. Covering the entire traditional roofing range, Solesia therefore fits into several market segments: residential housing or farm buildings, new constructions or renovations.

A major advantage of the Solesia module is that it blends in perfectly, and very aesthetically, into all the types of roofing product offered by our companies in Europe. In environmental terms, it represents a profitable, environmentally friendly and sustainable solution.

External cladding for a ventilated facade

As well as addressing solutions for new buildings, one of the key issues is how to address the inefficiencies of existing buildings. 50% of Europe’s housing was built before 1975. 

More than 40% of CO2 emissions is coming from the heating of buildings. By insulating the roofs and walls of buildings - by adding cladding and insulation - you can reduce the heat loss of a building up to 30% and substantially reduce C02 emissions.

Etex Group products are solving this with an outer façade product that can be applied in thin light weight outer sheets. It is estimated that they will cut energy consumption by at least 50%.

Combined with thermal insulation materials fibre cement boards and sidings are ideal to clad the exterior of existing dwellings in order to improve the insulation value of the building. This cladding system is an easy, cheap, light weight solution that is universally applicable.

EcoLogic concrete roof tiles

Etex Group produces concrete roof tiles with a coating that absorbs asthma-causing pollutants from the air. This coating, EcoLogic, contains a catalyst that is activated by the sun’s rays and removes nitrogen oxides (NOx) which contribute to asthmatic and bronchial problems from the air, along with other atmospheric pollutants responsible for smog and acid rain.

It is estimated that during its lifetime an average-sized roof with EcoLogic concrete roof tiles could remove an amount of NOx equivalent to that emitted by a modern car driving 160,000 kilometres.

The Solar Tower Power Plant

The revolutionary technology that was implemented in Solar Tower Power Plant in Jülich (Germany) is based on the use of sunlight to produce renewable energy: mirrors reflect the sunrays to the tower to heat up a receiver which will then lead to the production of water vapour that can urge a turbine. Our Group has supplied Thermal Insulation boards to provide the necessary heat protection and pipe and equipment insulation in the tower. Major partners in this project were the German Aerospace Centre, the Jülich Solar Institute and the Jülich Municipal Utilities Stadtwerke Jülich.