Commitment to a sustainable future: in words and deeds

Sustainability is in the DNA of this window and door specialist. In the production process, they optimize energy efficiency, reduce CO₂-emissions and the use of natural resources is avoided as much as possible. The products can be easily recycled, upgraded and even repurposed. To strengthen their commitment, Schüco joined the Green Deal Circular Building. They were also already involved in several projects where circularity plays a major role, such as their own headquarters in Bielefeld (D) and the headquarters and Food Experience Center of food producer Vandemoortele Group in Ghent (BE).

Green Deal Circular Building

Schüco's window, door and facade solutions in aluminum and plastic meet the highest requirements in terms of design, comfort and security. In addition, the leading provider of window, door and façade systems thinks a lot about energy efficiency and CO₂-print in the production process. Sustainability and circularity are part of the DNA of this German manufacturer. Almost 3 years ago, Schüco and many other companies and institutions were at the forefront of the Green Deal Circular Building, which reinforced the commitment to do something about the climate. 

"Until 2023, we will set up experiments together, test the circular principles in practice and expose bottlenecks. For years we have been actively developing products based on the philosophy that they are easily recycled, upgraded and even repurposed. First and foremost, we stand for quality products that remain at peak performance for as long as possible. In terms of recyclability, we look not only at the aluminum, but also the hardware, rubber, glass, .... We are also far ahead when it comes to the intensive development, testing and certification of unique cradle-to-cradle products," says Joep Römgens, head of engineering Belgium & Luxembourg at Schüco. 

"However, one of the most valuable concepts within circularity is very simple maintenance. We have since developed a wide range of products that can send fully automated notifications as soon as maintenance is required. This extends the service life and achieves circularity with the greatest possible value retention."

Circularity in practice

Schüco has already been involved in several construction projects where circularity plays a major role. A textbook example is the new headquarters with Food Experience Center of the Belgian food producer Vandemoortele Group in Ghent. 

"This building is based on a steel skeleton, which is completely demountable and modular. It is held together by bolted connections and is thus maximally dismountable and reusable. The concrete and stair cores are prefabricated and dismantleable. This steel structure was encased with a curtain wall system that is itself demountable and modular. When facade builder Vorsselmans, the leading specialist in aluminum windows and facades, was contacted by the main contractor Group Van Roey, Schüco also became involved in the project," explains Joep Römgens. 

"This circular project was right up our alley. A fully de- and remountable modular curtain wall was integrated, constructed with Schüco FWS 50 with a post depth of 150 mm. Additional challenges included fire safety and the high requirements for acoustic insulation. Where the façade adjoins the stairwells, it is fire-resistant, and acoustic glass was installed along the busy Ottergemsesteenweg road. The façade is equipped with rectangular Schüco ALB shading slats 400 mm wide, which were mounted with a striking staggered pattern at a distance of 160 mm from the glass."    

Visit us at Polyclose - booth 1310.