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As the world grapples with escalating environmental concerns, adopting sustainable practices in all facets of our lives is more crucial than ever. This imperative rings extremely true within the construction industry and in the Middle East. To this end, sustainable building practices and low-carbon solutions have emerged as important methods for addressing the ecological impact of buildings and infrastructure. In a bid to mitigate the impacts of commercial and industrial activity as much as possible, the incorporation of sustainable development tools such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certification has become an integral feature sought out by consumers and businesses looking to improve their green impact. In the Middle East, a region that has experienced rapid construction and urbanization, sustainable building practices and developments are increasingly essential as cities continue to grow and modernize.
At Technal, we understand the importance of designing and constructing buildings in the region with minimal environmental impact and achieve this with our recycled aluminum architectural solutions. Seventy per cent of the world’s population lives in built, urban areas, and as this population figure rises, so does the demand in the building and construction sector and the amount of energy consumption and carbon emissions. As we face the impacts of a changing climate, these demands must be met with sustainable solutions both regionally and around the world.
As part of Hydro Group, Technal utilizes Hydro CIRCAL or Hyrdo REDUXA as a virgin aluminium for our range of doors, windows, facades, curtain walls and various building items. Aluminum is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials available today, and Hydro provides recycled aluminum with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. However, Technal’s sustainability practices do not end with our aluminum source. When it comes to developing truly green products, the level of transparency and authenticity in the sustainability of the full content of that product matters, too. That’s why Technal’s green aluminum architectural solutions also proudly bear Cradle to Cradle (C2C) and customized Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) certifications.
EPDs as a blueprint for transparency
In the pursuit of sustainability, transparency takes center stage. EPD is a vital instrument facilitating informed decision-making for architects, builders, and consumers looking for low-carbon solutions. An EPD is a comprehensive and verified document that discloses the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. This encompasses its raw material extraction, production processes, transportation, and eventual disposal.
The significance of EPDs lies in their ability to convey quantifiable information. They provide a standardized platform for comparing the environmental performance of various products within the same category, enabling stakeholders to choose the most environmentally friendly options. By shedding light on factors such as carbon emissions, water usage, and resource depletion, throughout the full life cycle of the product, EPDs empower developers to make choices that align with their sustainability objectives.
Why EPDs are important for development in the Middle East
For Technal’s green aluminum, our EPD begins with the life cycle assessment. Every stage of a product’s life will create an environmental impact. Through Technal’s sustainability processes, we strive to understand our energy consumption, emissions, resource utilization, and other environmental factors by delving into every stage, from the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing processes to distribution, use, and eventual disposal. In collaboration with third-party assessors, Technal is able to produce rigorous EPDs that help architects and developers in the Middle East select the perfect products for sustainable construction.
Designing for regeneration with C2C certifications
C2C takes sustainability a step further by minimizing harm and also actively promoting regeneration. By creating products and processes that mimic nature's cycles, the C2C framework focuses on two key cycles: biological and technical.
In the biological cycle, products are designed to be biodegradable. The technical cycle involves creating products that can be disassembled and their components reused in new products, thereby minimizing waste. A C2C certification assesses products across categories such as material health, reuse, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness.
Why C2C certification is important for development in the Middle East
Through creating a C2C-certified product, Technal upholds its commitment to a circular economy, reducing waste, conserving resources, and fostering sustainable innovation with minimal impact on the environment. Our Hydro CIRCAL recycled aluminum aligns perfectly with the aims of the C2C certification. Hydro CIRCAL aluminum is developed with a minimum of 75% post-consumer scrap. Beyond this, we ensure that localized supply chains are utilized, making the transportation of our product carbon-emission friendly as well.
Transparency is the backbone of sustainable construction and manufacturing
Transparent practices are at the heart of sustainable construction and manufacturing. As we grapple with climate change, the demand for ethical and sustainable products has prompted a shift to emphasize full, open disclosure from businesses across sectors. EPDs and C2C certifications play an indispensable role in meeting this demand by offering transparency that cultivates trust and accountability. For the Middle East, these certifications are necessary. The region is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures and water scarcity. EPDs and C2C certifications are designed to promote responsible resource management, reducing the environmental footprint of construction projects.
Technal’s EPDs allow you to understand the sustainable impact of your construction decisions. Our EPDs enable developers to select construction materials with lower emissions, optimize transportation routes, and make well-informed purchasing decisions. Similarly, our C2C certification promotes trust by demonstrating a commitment to environmental and social values. Technal contributes to a more sustainable future with every product by promoting practices that prioritize sustainability and longevity.
Click here to learn more about our commitment to sustainability and understand the development and design of Technal’s green aluminum solutions, and reach out to us today at technal-hbsme@hydro.com for a no-obligation quote with a quick turnaround time.
