Efficiently and holistically reduce emissions in the construction industry

At the touch of a button, one can see the CO₂-impact of a product

Construction is an energy- and material-intensive sector and is therefore largely responsible for the global CO₂-emissions. Therefore, one of the major challenges for this sector is to achieve climate neutrality. As described in the Green Deal, CO₂-emissions can also be reduced to zero during construction, operation and demolition of buildings. With Carbon Control, Schüco now offers a modular range consisting of different products and services over the entire building life cycle - design, construction, use, recycle - with which the decarbonization of windows, doors and facades can be controlled on a project-by-project basis.

"Fortunately, it is now clear that just about everyone in construction is trying in every way possible to minimize their impact on the environment. At Schüco, we have been committed to this for years. For example, we have been developing and producing highly insulating systems based on the Cradle-2-Cradle principle for many years," states Joep Römgens, head of service, marketing & product management Benelux at Schüco International KG. "With Schüco Carbon Control, we go one step further and offer all parties involved in the construction process a toolbox, with which the implementation of the climate-friendly building envelope can be easily realized. In addition to the products and services from Schüco's portfolio, a team of experts provides support to architects and processors in each project to help them achieve CO₂-footprint actively. In the past, building partners often ignored this aspect because the matter was too complex. But with our 'menu' we make everything so simple that it can be applied by everyone without any problems."

Decarbonization at every stage

Schüco Carbon Control is divided into 4 blocks, each focusing on one stage in the construction process: design (Design to Decarb), construction (Build to Decarb), use (Operate to Decarb) and demolition with recycling (Recycle to Decarb). The earlier in the process, the greater the impact. This is why there is an important role for Schüco's consultants who visit architects in the design phase and discuss the design and complexity of the building envelope. They discuss the construction method, choice, saving and recycling of materials. For some projects, even existing profiles are further developed to optimize material use and performance (statics). Increasingly, people are seeking certifications, proving that the building meets sustainability criteria. During construction, processors can reduce CO₂-footprint of all elements. Unique is the in-house 3D calculation software SchüCal. It provides the right tool for material selection with display of composition and price, but equally with continuous calculation and visualization of the CO₂-footprint, and that with the click of a button.

"Schüco Carbon Control also includes smart products and services for highly efficient and CO₂-poor building operation with a view to optimizing the energy balance: from intelligent building control and highly thermally insulated building envelopes to energy generation via integrated photovoltaic cells (Schüco BIPV). Thanks to Schüco IoF ID (Internet of Façades), a smart tag on window, door or façade element, all information about the product is digitally accessible and maintenance and product upgrades can be efficiently planned and carried out. This guarantees long-term sustainable operation of the building and also extends the life of the systems," concludes Römgens. 

"Finally, there is recycling. The Cradle to Cradle concept stipulates that all materials used in the system can be returned to the cycle as new materials at the end of their useful life. In this way they meet the requirements of the circular economy, which is central to achieving climate neutrality within the European Green Deal. With more than 60 certified aluminum systems, Schüco is a pioneer in the application of the Cradle to Cradle principle in the construction industry, contributing to CO₂-savings and long-term resource conservation. In short: Schüco Carbon Control enables investors, architects and processors to reduce CO₂-value actively and on a project-by-project basis, thus actively moving toward climate neutrality in the construction industry."