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Project Overview

The Client, a leading industrial manufacturing company, aimed to reduce the environmental impact of its new factory construction and retrofitting of existing facilities. A feasibility study was carried out to evaluate the use of green building materials and advanced insulation technologies to enhance energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and meet sustainability targets.​

 

Governing Factors

The project was designed to meet several key objectives:

• Sustainability Standards: Aligning with global green building standards such as LEED and BREEAM to obtain certification and showcase commitment to sustainability.

• Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption and operational costs through superior insulation and the use of energy-efficient materials.

• Carbon Emissions Reduction: Minimizing the carbon footprint of the building’s construction and ongoing operations.

 

Baseline Analysis

An assessment of the Client’s current infrastructure and planned upgrades was conducted:

• Current Material Use: Evaluated the carbon footprint of existing building materials used in construction and retrofitting projects.

• Energy Consumption: Analyzed heating, cooling, and lighting energy demands, identifying inefficiencies related to insulation and air leakage.

• Lifecycle Costs: Assessed the long-term financial impact of traditional materials versus green alternatives, including both initial investment and ongoing maintenance savings.

 

Key Findings

• Carbon Footprint Reduction: By using sustainable materials such as recycled steel, low-carbon concrete, and natural insulation products, the building’s total embodied carbon could be reduced by 30%.

• Energy Savings: Advanced insulation (e.g., spray foam, high-performance windows) could reduce heating and cooling energy consumption by 40%, resulting in savings of €150,000 annually.

• Operational Efficiency: The improved insulation and air-tightness led to more stable indoor temperatures, reducing the strain on HVAC systems and lowering maintenance costs.

• Return on Investment: Although green building materials have a higher upfront cost, the long-term energy savings and increased durability resulted in a payback period of 6 years.

 

Recommendations and Implementation

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• Material Selection: Use a combination of recycled, locally sourced, and low-impact materials such as recycled steel, bamboo flooring, and eco-friendly concrete.

• Insulation Upgrade: Install high-performance insulation (e.g., closed-cell spray foam) in the walls, roof, and foundation to maximize thermal efficiency.

• Energy-Efficient Windows: Replace traditional glass with triple-glazed, low-emissivity windows to further reduce energy loss.

• Sustainable Building Certification: Pursue LEED and BREEAM certification to validate the sustainable practices and enhance the Client’s reputation as an environmentally conscious company.

 

Results

• Energy Efficiency: Reduced energy consumption by 40%, resulting in annual energy cost savings of €150,000.

• Carbon Reduction: Achieved a 30% reduction in embodied carbon through the use of sustainable materials.

• Operational Cost Reduction: Lower maintenance costs due to more durable materials and reduced wear on HVAC systems.

• Green Building Certification: Successfully obtained LEED Silver and BREEAM Excellent ratings, enhancing the Client’s environmental credentials.