Sustainable Cladding: Eco-friendly solutions for new buildings and remediation works

With the construction industry on a mission to cut down on CO2 emissions and create more sustainable buildings, choosing the right materials is key to lowering a projects carbon footprint. Building and renovating in an eco-friendly way is the way forward, and selecting the right materials can make a big difference in reducing the overall impact on the environment.

Using recycled materials in construction can help reduce the demand for virgin resources, which can help preserve natural habitats and ecosystems. These materials also often have lower embodied energy, meaning they require less energy to produce, further reducing their environmental impact. Incorporating recycled materials into construction projects can also help divert waste from landfills, contributing to a more circular economy. Overall, the use of recycled materials in construction not only benefits the environment but also helps create healthier and more resilient buildings that can withstand the test of time.

Additionally, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide valuable information on the carbon footprint of a product /material and help to compare the impact of different materials to select the most sustainable solution for a project.

EPDs are standardised documents that provide transparent information on the environmental impact of a product or material throughout its life cycle. They typically include data on energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and other environmental indicators. EPDs are based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, which considers the environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction to disposal.

EPDs are increasingly being used by architects, designers, and construction professionals to make informed decisions about the materials they use in their projects. By comparing the EPDs of different products, they can choose materials that have a lower environmental impact and contribute to sustainable building practices.

In addition to helping professionals select environmentally friendly materials, EPDs also play a role in meeting green building certification requirements, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). By providing objective and verified data on the environmental performance of products, EPDs support the goal of creating more sustainable and eco-friendly buildings.

As a manufacturer and distributors of goods, Valcan recognise the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and being conscious of our impact on the planet. Our mission is to drive a culture change within the industry, inspiring others to adopt more sustainable practices.

Recycling Program for Aluminium Panels:

We believe in the power of recycling and have implemented a recycling program for our aluminium panels. Customers can return old or damaged panels to us, and we will recycle the materials, ensuring that resources are utilised efficiently where waste is minimised. Contact details

Repurposing Aluminium Panels into VitraFix Subframe Components:

In our pursuit of sustainability, we have developed an innovative process to repurpose our VitraDual aluminium off-cuts into parts for our VitraFix range, this is possible by VitraDual being made using structural grade aluminium. By giving new life to these materials, we reduce waste and promote a circular economy.

Building a sustainable future by providing complete cladding systems:

By offering a comprehensive range of cladding components, we streamline the supply process, reducing deliveries and administrative tasks. This efficient approach significantly lowers our carbon footprint and supports our commitment to a greener future. With all the essential elements included in our system, we minimise waste and promote resource efficiency.

Partnership with Ecologi:

Valcan has joined forces with Ecologi, a forward-thinking organisation that plants tree’s and supports community initiatives worldwide. Through this partnership, we are offsetting our carbon emissions, contributing to reforestation efforts, and investing in global sustainability projects. In just one year, Valcan has made a significant impact through our partnership with Ecologi, funding the planting of over 890 trees, preventing 75.30 tCO2e emissions, and contributing to 20 vital projects. Together, we are making a tangible difference for the environment and communities worldwide.

At Valcan, our goal is to become a greener and more sustainable company by constantly evaluating and improving our operations. We aim to lead the charge in our industry by:

• Continually researching and implementing innovative, eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
• Providing EPD’s on products in accordance with ISO 14025:2006 and EN 15804:2012+A2:2019
• Promoting responsible sourcing of raw materials and engaging with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability.
• Encouraging our employees to adopt sustainable practices, both at work and in their daily lives.
• Collaborating with industry partners to advocate for better environmental policies and standards.

By taking these steps, we hope to create a positive impact on the environment and inspire others within our industry to follow suit. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for generations to come.

We believe that transparency is essential for our customers to trust us and our commitment to environmental responsibility.