Sustainability of Aluminium in BuildingsAluminium is utilised for a host of applications in building and construction and is the material of choice for curtain walling, window frames and other glazed structures. It is extensively used for rolling blinds, doors, exterior cladding and roofing, suspended ceilings, wall panels and partitions, heating and ventilation equipment, solar shading devices, light reflectors and complete prefabricated buildings. The reasons for this sustainable success, including aluminium cradle to cradle lifecycle and its contribution to energy efficiency of buildings, are explained in the new brochure “Sustainability of Aluminium in Buildings”. To download the brochure in you preferred language, click hereafter:
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Energy Performance of Buildings: Renovation Case Studies – NEW
 | To illustrate how the energy performance of existing buildings can be upgraded with aluminium-based solutions, the European Aluminium Association compiles renovation case studies and performs simplified life-cycle-assessments focusing on greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings examined so far are located in Denkendorf (D), Thessaloniki (GR) and Zeist (NL). The three analyses concluded CO2 payback periods in the range of one to five years. An independent expert has been involved in order to secure the scientific validity and technical quality of the results. To access detailed presentations, click hereafter:
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CPR Guideline for Aluminium Doors, Windows and Curtain Walls – NEW
The Construction Products Regulation – CPR (EU 305/2011) will enter into complete force from the 1st of July 2013 and will replace the Construction Products Directive – CPD (106/89 EEC). As obligations for manufacturers are changing, the European Aluminium Association (EAA), in cooperation with the Federation of European Window and Curtain Walling Manufacturers (FAECF), developed a short guideline to assist this transition. |  |
Metals for Buildings, Essential & fully Recyclable
 | The METALS FOR BUILDINGS alliance was launched to promote the unique strengths of metal products for sustainable and recyclable buildings. The alliance’s leaflet explains the benefits of using metals in buildings and how to best measure their recyclability. The brochure particularly stresses the higher relevance of the “end-of-life recycling rate” indicator rather than the “recycled content” indicator to reflect the recycling performances of metal building products.
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Collection of Aluminium from Buildings in Europe
The high intrinsic value of aluminium is a major economic incentive for its recycling. Indeed, aluminium scrap can be repeatedly recycled without any loss of value or properties. Furthermore, the energy required is a mere fraction of that needed for primary production, often as little as 5%, yielding obvious ecological benefits. A study by Delft University of Technology revealed aluminium’s considerable recycling potential in the building sector. Aluminium collection rates from a cross-section of commercial and residential buildings in 6 European countries were found to be in excess of 92%, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to sustainable development.
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