GREEN BUILDING

Making historical buildings greener with flexible thermal insulation

World Green Building Week

Healthy and resilient built environments for everyone, everywhere

Discover how making historical buildings more energy-efficient can contribute to creating a sustainable and non-discriminatory future

Historical buildings are an important part of our cultural heritage which contributes to the social and economic growth of our communities1. These buildings will continue to be essential in the future: two-thirds of today’s global buildings will remain standing in 20404. Nowadays, despite their value, they face difficulties to become resource-efficient and environmentally responsible throughout their lifecycle.

The built environment produces nearly 50% of annual global CO2 emissions²

75% of the EU's building stock is not energy efficient³

Building solutions that increase energy efficiency (such as thermal insulation) are key to making historical buildings greener. Investment in thermal insulated walls has a direct impact on the decarbonisation of spaces, by reducing the energy consumption that buildings need. 

Benefits of thermal insulated walls

Renovating historical buildings to consume less energy will help...

Our Planet

Using less energy also means a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which play a role in preserving our environment and achieving the UN's Sustainable Development goals.

Our Communities

By adapting historical buildings, we also extend their lifetime. This ensures they continue to have a purpose in our communities, reducing the need to build new spaces.

Our Economies

Rising energy prices are making it increasingly difficult for affordable housing. With better-insulated walls, less energy is needed, lowering energy bills for all.

Why do we need a flexible thermal insulation system for historical buildings?

The most commonly used system for thermal insulation is called External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), and it is applied tothe building façades.

 

However, ETICS can be challenging to use in historical buildings, whose façades are usually protected by preservation laws aimed at safeguarding the cultural heritage of the communities where they are located.

 

Finding a flexible thermal insulation system, optimised for renovation works, can be key in preserving the environment and helping to extend the lifetime of historical buildings even further.

Renovating for the future

Be inspired to formulate for historical greener buildings

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The future is here, don't miss it!
We tell you what drives thermal insulation for buildings today and tomorrow.

 Download to discover our solution. 

''We decided to develop a formulation that uses aerogel to formulate a render and a skim coat. As result we get the same thermal insulation value as ETICS with EPS (expanded Poly Styrene), which is the most common insulation panel.''

 

Roberta Pecchini

Global Laboratory Coordinator for Construction
IMCD Coatings & Construction

Would you like to know more about how it can work for your application?

References

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
Architecture 2030

European Commission & European Parliament
IEECB Focus 2010