DOORS , WINDOWS & FITTINGS
ALUPROF COMMITS TO A LONG-TERM ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY WITH NEW CORPORATE BRANDING
by Wojciech Brozyna - MD of Aluprof UK
It seems wherever we are today we are reminded that we are a generation that has to curb our carbon emissions in order to save the Planet for future generations . The fact that we have already increased the average temperature on Earth by approximately 1 º C above pre-industrial levels and that it is on course to increase more rapidly and reach a total of 1.5 º C to 2.0 º C by 2050 .
Buildings and construction account for more than 35 % of global final energy use and nearly 40 % of energy-related CO2 emissions .
Clearly , with facts like these the Construction Industry is a prime target for carbon reduction , but the full picture is a little more complex . First , we often have the building deconstruction phase , using energy , whilst hopefully recycling as much material as possible . We then start the ‘ build phase ’ where all materials supplied to a project site carry some form of embodied carbon , followed by the construction phase which adds even more carbon into the materials used . Once in use , we have a building that may use further carbon fuels during its lifetime , unless it is designed to be carbon neutral in use .
Whilst the build phase uses energy , which contributes to its carbon impact , this can pale into insignificance when we consider the building ‘ use ’ phase , as if the insulation is poor , vast amounts of energy can be wasted . It is therefore crucial to design with the very best , modern products , that help conserve energy . Clearly , buildings must be designed in future to last a very long time which further reduces the construction carbon impact , likewise , products that offer very high levels of insulation and sustainability , help keep the interior environment at a comfortable level and offer a lifetime of use .
Aluminium fenestration has long been associated with extensive life expectancy and can offer reduced maintenance whilst maintaining operational efficiency with high thermal efficiency . Perhaps the ‘ golden egg ’ would be to construct a building to be carbon positive in use , where it can actually save more carbon in its lifetime as it ‘ costs ’ in
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