What is the Project About?
Decarbonizing the thermal envelope of buildings is the name of the game here. The focus is on boosting energy efficiency, acoustic comfort, and sustainability—all powered by biopolyurethane. Buildings and houses, believe it or not, are responsible for a hefty 28% of global fossil CO2 emissions. Most of that comes from heating and cooling, which gobbles up over 70% of their energy use. So, cutting down energy demand in homes isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a must, especially with the EU Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals aiming for big changes by 2030.
Enter INDRESMAT, a chemical start-up that’s shaking things up by developing new solutions to improve the thermal performance of building envelopes. Their secret weapon? Biobased polyurethane, or bioPUR, which stands out as the most sustainable and energy-efficient material on the construction market today.
Main Benefits of the Project
Let’s break down the key benefits that make this project a game-changer:
- Energy Efficiency: Significant reduction of CO2 emissions thanks to superior insulation properties.
- Sustainability: Lower carbon footprint by using renewable raw materials.
- Recyclability: Circular use at the end-of-life through mechanical and chemical recycling processes.
- Durability: Extended lifespan due to excellent thermal, mechanical, and chemical resistance.
- Acoustic Comfort: Outstanding sound insulation, making buildings quieter and more comfortable.
Why Biopolyurethane?
Polyurethane (PUR) has long been known as the best thermal and acoustic insulating material out there. It’s a powerhouse when it comes to energy savings and durability. But here’s the kicker—bioPUR takes it a step further. It’s made from renewable raw materials, making it a champion of resource efficiency. Plus, it’s fully recyclable, which means it fits perfectly into the circular economy model. This versatility means bioPUR can be used in a wide range of applications, making it a truly promising material for sustainable construction.
Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction
Reducing CO2 emissions is at the heart of this project. Buildings consume a massive chunk of energy just to keep us comfortable—heating in winter, cooling in summer. By improving the thermal envelope with bioPUR, energy demand drops, which directly translates into fewer emissions. It’s a win-win: lower energy bills and a healthier planet. This aligns perfectly with global efforts to combat climate change and meet ambitious carbon reduction targets.
Sustainability and Circularity
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here. The project emphasizes reducing the carbon footprint by using biobased materials instead of fossil-based ones. BioPUR’s recyclability means that at the end of a building’s life, the insulation materials don’t just become waste—they can be mechanically or chemically recycled and reused. This circular approach minimizes environmental impact and supports long-term resource efficiency, making the construction sector greener and more responsible.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by reducing energy consumption in buildings.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through the development of innovative bio-based materials.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by enhancing building performance and comfort.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – via circular use and recyclability of materials.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by cutting down CO2 emissions linked to building energy use.
Collaborations and Industry Connections
INDRESMAT isn’t working in isolation. The company is a proud member of the World Alliance, the Biobased Industries Consortium, and the Catalonian cluster of energy-efficiency. These memberships highlight a strong commitment to collaboration and innovation within the energy-efficient and sustainable construction sectors. It’s all about joining forces to push the boundaries of what’s possible with bio-based materials and to accelerate the transition towards greener buildings worldwide.
