In a recent survey, SABIC Functional Forms has identified five major trends and challenges that are expected to play an instrumental role in the building & construction (B&C) market throughout 2024 and beyond: 1) Sustainability, 2) Efficiency, 3) Comfort & Well-Being, 4) Adaptation to Climate Change, and 5) Outdoor Living Spaces. In a small series of blogs, we are taking a closer look at each of these issues and at the innovative potential provided by our LEXAN™ sheet products for solving them, beginning with:
by Alda Shabanaj - Senior Product Manager at SABIC Functional Forms | Europe | 09-03-2024
Concerns about the negative effects of traditional materials and methods on the environment and climate are driving the adoption of sustainable design solutions in residential and commercial B&C. Sustainability is at the core of our mission, and our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our products and solutions, which are designed to meet the needs of our customers while minimizing their impact on the environment.
Sustainable design in B&C is all about creating healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition. SABIC’s Functional Forms business offers architects, owners and contractors a broad portfolio of polycarbonate (PC) based LEXAN solid sheet and LEXAN THERMOCLEAR™ multiwall sheet products for glazing, roofing and cladding installations that can make a significant contribution to sustainable B&C, from energy conservation and improved working or living environments to circularity.
One focus of architects in 2024 will be on advancing the implementation of net-zero energy buildings that generate as much energy as they consume, thus lessening their carbon footprint and impact on climate change. Next to the use of renewable energy from solar panels and geothermal systems, this sustainable ‘passive house architecture’ will also see a growing number of innovative LEXAN sheet installations thanks to the material’s excellent thermal insulation capacity, which can significantly increase the overall energy efficiency of heating systems.
In addition, our sustainable portfolio and services provide a range of sheet solutions with high contents (currently up to >60%) of mechanically recycled feedstock from post-consumer sources, as well as certified renewable sheet products using bio-based second-generation feedstock that is not in competition with the food chain. The growing use of these sustainable materials in B&C will help close the loop on used plastics, minimize waste, prevent fossil depletion and mitigate climate change.
LEXAN™ sheet has a long history of durable and long-lasting B&C applications, from stadium roofsand façade panels to sound walls, greenhouses and bus shelters. It far surpasses double- and triple-pane glass windows in thermal insulation performance, and its light weight saves energy in transportation and installation. Notably also, the superior impact strength of polycarbonate makes it virtually unbreakable, and the polymer’s high optical clarity (up to 99% visible transparency) ensures long-term resistance to discoloration, yellowing and loss of light transmission – backed by 10 to 20 year written warranties which also cover long-term durability against loss of mechanical strength due to weathering.
Furthermore, SABIC Functional Forms provides third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EDPs), complete with in-depth life cycle, potential environmental impact and resource use assessments of LEXAN solid and LEXAN THERMOCLEAR multiwall sheet products. By incorporating LEXAN sheet into your B&C designs, you can make any building more sustainable.
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