CHALLENGES
THE CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
The rising world population and its increasing concentration in high-density urban areas is stepping up the depletion of the Earth’s natural resources and accelerating the pace of climate change. The building industry is being called on to rise up to this challenge by reducing energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Current standards and regulations for new buildings were designed with the noble intention of achieving optimum energy efficiency and reducing buildings’ environmental footprints. However, while playing an essential role, they overlook the importance of occupants’ health and well-being.
GROUP COMMITMENTS
Arkema, a signatory of the International Council of Chemical Associations’ Responsible Care® Global Charter, applies a policy of responsible product management that goes above and beyond regulatory obligations. Arkema takes all the necessary measures to ensure that its products do not have a negative impact on people’s health or safety or on the environment.
The Group is also committed to developing innovative technologies and services that raise standards and sustainability levels in the building industry while adapting it to people’s ever-changing needs.
Bostik has capitalized on the expertise and know-how of the Arkema Group and its strong ties with building industry stakeholders to build the Smart House, the only pilot laboratory of its kind in the world. The Smart House will unlock concrete solutions for partner customers and address the challenges facing the buildings of tomorrow.
OUR APPROACH
Our comprehensive approach to research and development focuses on future innovations in four research focus areas: environment, energy efficiency, comfort and health.
ENVIRONMENT
Help reduce the environmental footprint of building materials in terms of greenhouse gasses and recyclable raw materials
Research Areas
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Develop solutions and systems that reduce GHG emissions |
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Use recyclable and/or renewable raw materials |
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Reduce the use of fossil fuels and improve insulation by managing renewable energies, insulation and air tightness.
RESEARCH AREAS
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Solar power production |
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Renewable energy storage and delivery |
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Improved insulation and airtightness |
COMFORT
Improve occupants’ sensorial comfort by focusing on acoustic and thermal aspects.
RESEARCH AREAS
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Acoustic improvements |
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Olfactory comfort |
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Thermal insulation |
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HEALTH
Make the home a healthier place by better understanding its ecosystem and increasingly airtight indoor living areas.
RESEARCH AREAS
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Evaluate the impacts of different materials and components |
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Facilitate the development of products, solutions and systems with healthier, very low VOC emissions components |
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Gain a better understanding of how materials and components interact among themselves and within the overall structure |
DID YOU KNOW?
- The building industry is responsible for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions.
- The building industry consumes 40% of the world’s energy.
- People spend 80% of their time indoors.