As green as glass mineral wool
Some manufactured solutions which are very good for the environment remain relatively unknown, for example, glass mineral wool insulation materials.
Every day, the news focuses more and more on so-called eco trends and phrases, such as “organic”, “good for the planet”, “green”, “sustainability” or “good for your health”, etc.
The preservation of our environment, the care of our planet, and of our health are obvious in a widespread ’wake-up call’ for our awareness and our actions. New generations are deciding their careers and professional futures according to the environmental commitments of the companies they work for.
However, sometimes preconceived ideas get in the way when we classify some products and solutions as good or not for the environment, as green, or as sustainable? Very often, we forget that most of these products, even those labeled “organic” need to be transported, transformed, or treated, and emit CO2 during their life cycle…
On the other hand, some manufactured solutions which are very good for the environment remain relatively unknown, for example, glass mineral wool insulation materials.
Did you know that glass mineral wool - which is often produced not far from where it is installed in buildings – is made up of around 95% natural products, that is to say, recycled glass and silica sand.
The European Union states, including France, have deliberately included the energy renovation of buildings as a key pillar of its green recovery plans. And it is right to do so.
The initial investment of insulating a building can be recouped in less than four years and see a sevenfold return within 30 years for every € 1 invested in glass mineral wool insulation products. (Source Eurima).
Furthermore, insulation products made of glass mineral wool have a net positive impact, building sustainability through their life cycle. In fact, the energy savings made by glass mineral wool insulation outweigh the energy needed for its production, transport, and installation by anywhere between 200 an 600 times.
In addition, glass mineral wool materials can be recycled at the end of their use by reintegrating them into production processes or using in secondary applications to give them further life.
At @URSA, and more globally across the entire XELLA Group, ESG goals (environment, social & governance) are at the core of our strategy and its implementation as we want to actively contribute to the sustainable development of our society, and of the economy.
On the environment, our main 2030 targets are to reduce our own CO2 emissions by 30% (against 2019 levels) and to increase the use of recycled materials in our glass wool production to 80% (compared to the current 50%).
More globally, conserving resources through the circular economy is key and requires that everyone, from the producer to the end consumer, properly understands the respective life cycles and impacts of their actions.
This article was originally published on LinkedIn in May 2021.
