Increased energy efficiency
At Saint-Gobain, we promote a "fabric-first" approach, meaning that the building should first be energy efficient through its highly performing envelope: needs for heating, cooling and lighting should be limited to the unavoidable minimum.
FAQ
Primary energy, final energy, energy need... What is the difference?
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Energy need: the actual energy you need for a provided service, before the systems and equipment energy losses
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Final energy: the energy distributed and the bill that will be paid. It incorporates the losses due to the performance of the systems
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Primary energy: the raw energy bought at country or state level. It incorporates the energy losses due to energy transformation, production and transportation
What does energy-efficiency mean?
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Using less energy to provide the same services (in buildings: heating, cooling, dehumidification and lighting)
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Energy-efficient buildings have reduced energy need independently of the energy and the equipment that will be chosen.
How to make a building energy-efficient?
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Promote a fabric-fist approach: ensure the building envelope is highly performing
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Limit needs for heating, cooling and lighting to the unavoidable minimum
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Use renewable and decarbonized sources to supply the needed energy
How to measure it?
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Key indicator: Demand for heating and/or cooling and/or dehumidification (kWh/m².yr according to local context and regulation)
How do we act?
Our solutions contributing to increased energy efficiency:
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Providing glazing to let the sun in or block it out
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Insulation to reduce heat loss and summer heat gains
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Insulation for water pipes and ventilation ducts
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Smart membranes to improve air tightness and moisture management
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Render to insulate and provide weather defense