Optimize Quality, Process and Energy Efficiency with Solutions for Lightweight Construction
The building and construction industry has enormous influence in many matters, large and small. Its impact on the global economic and environmental situation and our daily life in residential, commercial, or public buildings offers great chances to improve living worldwide. A key driver for creating new material solutions and technologies is to open ways for more lightweight and sustainable construction and industry de-carbonization which are essential in the fight against climate change and can improve the well-being inside of buildings alike. But there are more good reasons that speak for a successful shift towards lightweight construction.
A Closer Look at Lightweight Construction Benefits
Reducing the carbon footprint through more sustainable solutions can be seen as the most important driver for lightweight construction. As the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain® plays a key role in reaching carbon neutrality. Lightweight construction materials include timber or lightweight steel framing, structural insulated panels, and prefabricated products which generally have a lower embodied energy rating than heavyweight materials, resulting in lower overall life cycle energy use. Lightweight construction not only consumes less energy and resources than concrete, steel or brick by brick construction, it can also lead to highly energy efficient buildings with minimal CO2 footprint over lifetime. The use of special bonding tapes for connecting and fixing vapor barriers and membranes help to create tight hulls of lightweight buildings which are essential to achieving high energy efficiency goals. In addition, tapes are used in modern buildings to guarantee air- and watertight sealing and protection against environmental impacts.
Positive Impact on Quality of Life Inside Buildings
Lightweight construction can also increase well-being and productivity through creating healthier and more comfortable environments inside. Special materials offer good energy and temperature control, can respond rapidly to temperature changes and cool rapidly overnight in warmer climates. Materials with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), for example in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions, can increase thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Due to their tight construction, air exchange is minimal in modern buildings and materials like Norseal® Polyurethane (PUR) Foams are used in HVAC solutions to supply the inside with fresh air and minimal impact on air quality. Also, Norseal bio-based PUR foam is used as interface material between construction elements, offering superior sealing performance when compressed while providing good air quality. Our phthalate-free Norseal PVC products set the benchmark in combining excellent sealing performance and protection of people and environment.
Modern Materials and Technologies Break Design Barriers
Innovative building materials and lightweight technologies open new perspectives in combining reliable performance with unmatched freedom of design. Modern façade solutions for industrial, commercial, and residential buildings allow new shapes and throughout 40 years of industry-leading performance, our spacer tapes set the standard in structural glazing applications for unmatched views, ambience, and sun-drenched interiors. Numerous types and countless designs of façade claddings open new horizons in lightweight construction and Norbond® Bonding Tapes are the unseen heroes in bonding stiffener bars to claddings to create additional stiffness, secure attachment and ease of assembly for lightweight façade constructions. Norbond Bonding Tapes are also used for panel tack with superior holding power that keeps panels in place to ensure optimal curing during the cladding assembly process.
The Sustainable Alternative That Offers a Win-Win Scenario
After all, lightweight construction can also result in good affordability and cost savings through more pre-manufacturing, fast and streamlined application, increased efficiency, reduced labor costs and less transport costs. Less materials used, less weight and less waste enable manufacturers to use more high-quality materials that are specifically designed for their needs. Our expertise, regional and global capabilities and willingness to customize make us the perfect ally to create custom solutions for today and a greener tomorrow.
Building a Sustainable Future
Small parts can lead to big changes and the journey to a more sustainable future in building and construction has only just begun. As a global player with reliable connections, our experts are constantly improving our portfolio of tape solutions to address current and future demands. Protecting people and the environment are becoming more important in many industries and our materials, expertise and capabilities are designed to help get us there. Get in touch today and find out how we can make the world a better home.
