Reduce, ReUse, Recycle: new paths towards a genuine transformation in construction
The SAINT-GOBAIN Roadshow 2024 in 5 German metropolises
What is it about?
Sustainable construction is becoming increasingly important to us – and rightly so. If we are to meet the climate targets set by the federal government, we urgently need new ways of building. To achieve this, we need suitable construction systems and user-friendly planning tools to facilitate these approaches. Saint-Gobain has set itself the goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050, continuously offering its customers and partners new system solutions for resource-efficient, CO₂ -free construction along the way.
On our shared path, we see three stages for resource conservation:
- Reduce: This means reducing the effort required to manufacture products in order to save energy and raw materials. Examples of this can already be found in our ranges, such as production facilities with reduced energy requirements, CO2-reduced products, and products with particularly low waste.
- ReUse: Construction systems that allow for straightforward dismantling and reuse in a new context. These are particularly useful for building types that require restructuring and remodelling at short intervals due to changes in use or users. Saint-Gobain has already developed initial system solutions for this purpose, which will be presented to our customers and partners as part of the 2024 Roadshow.
- Recycle: If the reuse of installed building materials is not possible, or if material residues cannot be avoided during on-site processing, these materials must be repurposed. This requires the material to be collected separately and prepared for further use. Ideally, the recycled raw material is then used to produce the original building product again. This reduces the amount of raw material originally needed for production, or even replaces it entirely. This creates a closed material cycle. The minimum goal of recycling is to use materials for other products, creating an open material cycle. In any case, the aim is to ensure that products do not become waste, but instead become raw materials for production.
Is sustainable construction expensive?
People often ask whether sustainable construction is affordable, or if construction costs simply increase due to higher demands for energy efficiency and suitable building materials. Manuel Ehlers, Head of Sustainable Property at Triodos Bank — a bank that describes itself as sustainable — will speak on this topic in his keynote lecture. Triodos Bank exclusively finances sustainable companies and projects, thereby shaping a social and ecological economy. An absolute financial insider in the real estate sector, Manuel Ehlers is well-versed in the positive impacts of building sustainability values on financing potential, as well as the associated challenges. He will present these as part of the Saint-Gobain Roadshow.
Are the right building products already available today?
Suitable building materials are especially needed for the planning and construction of sustainable buildings. In recent years, there has been a radical shift in thinking within the building materials industry. Saint-Gobain and its brands have already developed pioneering system solutions for sustainable innovations in their areas of application.
Some examples:
- The first pure dismantling thermal insulation composite system weber.therm circle
- The pure dismantling drywall wall system RigiMove by Rigips
- The pure dismantling and reusable ceiling insulation boards by Ecophon
- The first low-carbon glass ORAÉ by Saint-Gobain Glass
Where are recycled raw materials already being used today?
ISOVER glass wool has been produced largely from recycled glass for many years. Today, up to 80% of the raw material mix is made up of recycled glass. Saint-Gobain Glass production also uses recycled glass. At the Rigips plasterboard plant in Scholven, up to 40% recycled gypsum has been used for years.
How can the planning process be effectively supported?
Good data transparency and easy accessibility are important for planners. Saint-Gobain collaborates with relevant database operators in Germany to ensure the widespread availability of product eco-data. Comparability of life cycles is crucial when selecting the most sustainable product for each application. The Saint-Gobain Digital & Sustainable Construction team is working intensively and continuously to develop new planning tools and services that make handling complex data in building planning processes as user-friendly as possible. As team leader, Benedikt Lösch will present the current state of development using a live project as part of the Roadshow.
What experiences from architectural practice already exist?
Renowned German architects, including Martin Haas (haascookzemrich STUDIO2050, Stuttgart), Gerhard Greiner (HHS Planer + Architekten AG, Frankfurt am Main) and Jan Löhrs (SPINE Architects, Hamburg), will discuss their approach to planning and highlight the opportunities and challenges of combining high sustainability and resource conservation standards with sophisticated architecture.
Further information about the Saint-Gobain Roadshow 2024 can be found at www.saint-gobain-events.de.
Registration is possible until shortly before each event, but places are limited. Therefore, it is advisable to register as soon as possible to secure valuable continuing professional development points from the chambers of architects! The Roadshow is an event and training session designed for anyone working in architecture or planning.
With the SAINT-GOBAIN Roadshow 2024, we will be travelling to selected and unique locations, specifically on...
- 10 April 2024, at the Empire Riverside in Hamburg – one of the most architecturally interesting hotels in the Hanseatic city.
- 25 April 2024, at Rheinblick 741 in Düsseldorf, an innovative swimming pool with a spectacular view of the Rhine.
- 8 May 2024, at the DFB Campus in Frankfurt/Main, the headquarters of the German Football Association in the year of the home European Championship.
- 16 May 2024, at Look21 in Stuttgart, with a view of Germany's most well-known current traffic construction site.
- 22 May 2024, at the AEDES Architecture Forum in Berlin, the creative campus in Berlin's trendy Prenzlauer Berg district.
In addition to the expert speakers, a different speaker from an architectural practice will report on regional projects and experiences at each of the five event locations.
For one day, everything will revolve around the exciting and challenging topic of the Circular Economy in Building Construction. Be part of it and learn valuable insights about the construction transition, new planning aids, and system solutions for sustainable construction.
As a bonus, you will receive 5 continuing education points, as the Roadshow is recognised as a training event by the chambers of architects in Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Saarland, Schleswig-Holstein, and NRW. Recognition has been applied for with other chambers1.
Tickets are limited to 100 per location, so secure yours quickly to benefit from concentrated expertise from five strong brands, lectures by nine speakers, networking and an information fair.
Secure your ticket now!
All information, the detailed program, and access to online registration can be found here.
Your team from RIGIPS & ISOVER
1Applied for recognition with the chambers of architects in Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate.