ATISOL C2C – “Ecodesign of a "Vapour and air barrier membrane – insulator" system following a cradle-to-cradle approach, for new buildings and renovation by the inside of existing buildings“ (GREENWIN)

B

uildings account for 40% of the total energy consumption of the European Union. This sector is growing, as its energy demands. The construction sector is also one of the most important contributors of waste generated at the EU level (up to one third).

The European directive on the energy efficiency of buildings requires the members to put on the market solutions for insulation of buildings that are simple, effective and lasting, but also respectful of the environment and of the users.

A low energy consumption house requires to be thermally insulated and to have an effective ventilation. To reduce energy losses and to guarantee the durability of the thermal insulation, it is necessary to have a vapor and air barrier on the warm side of the building, situated between the thermal insulation and the inside. Hence the passage of moisture in the building is reduced, preventing condensation problems in the insulating material. Currently, the implementation of an insulation system combined with a vapor barrier presents three major problems: an important time for placing, a random durability in time (durability of tapes of junction, adherence to the existing walls, punching resistance), and finally a low disassembly and re-use level.

As part of the improvement of energy performance of buildings, the ATISOL C2C project aims to develop a complete solution (insulation + vapor barrier + coating), with the lowest environmental impact on its whole life cycle. The solution combines a renewable vapor/air barrier combined with ecological insulation. The solution can be used both in new construction in timber or during renovation. The constructive system will be validated in both existing building and new construction.

Compared to the state of the art, the solution that is developed is unique and innovative by its simplicity in terms of materials by integration of a vegetal self-adhesive binder to the spunbond reinforcement of the membrane, itself obtained from renewable resources. The material is appropriate for application on the different wall coverings existing in a building. Due to the self-adhesive characteristics, the implementation is made easier in both common surfaces (walls, roofs and ceilings) and to the level of detail such as corners and junctions. In addition, the application of a natural top coating on the membrane completes the offer.

The manufacturing of this membrane that is thinner than the current standard in the tightness of roof is a major challenge for the industry both from the technical point of view than of economic profitability.

The complementary interest of the vegetal binder is its self-healing quality which guarantees the airtightness even in case of piercing into the membrane. In addition, the nature of this binder with a softening point that is easily activated by heat (hot air) ensures the implementation and performance of air tightness. It is then self-adhesive AND weldable.

The constructive system can be dismantled at the end-of-life of the building and the various elements are recovered and valued in a cradle-to-cradle perspective.

A life cycle assessment supports the whole project to quantify the environmental impacts of both raw materials and processes (manufacturing, installation and dismantling). The aim is to ensure that the selected solution is the most sustainable and that it is environmentally better than existing products on the market.

At the level of the consortium, the development and commercialization of the ATISOL solution is achieved through the close partnership between Derbigum and Sioen Felt & Filtration, and with the scientific and technical support of the University of Liège-Chemical Engineering-PEPs, Centexbel and the Belgian Building Research Institute (BBRI).

 

 

Share this page