Energy & carbon
2 minutes min

Increased energy efficiency

""

 

At Saint-Gobain, we promote a "fabric-first" approach, meaning that the building should first be energy efficient through its highly performing envelope: needs for heating, cooling and lighting should be limited to the unavoidable minimum.

Did you know?

33%

Share of the construction sector in worldwide energy consumption

70%

Contribution of energy efficiency in the effects that decreased the world's energy demand in 2019

FAQ

Primary energy, final energy, energy need... What is the difference?

  • Energy need: the actual energy you need for a provided service, before the systems and equipment energy losses

  • Final energy: the energy distributed and the bill that will be paid. It incorporates the losses due to the performance of the systems

  • Primary energy: the raw energy bought at country or state level. It incorporates the energy losses due to energy transformation, production and transportation

The different types of energy

What does energy-efficiency mean? 

  • Using less energy to provide the same services (in buildings: heating, cooling, dehumidification and lighting)

  • Energy-efficient buildings have reduced energy need independently of the energy and the equipment that will be chosen.

How to make a building energy-efficient?

  • Promote a fabric-fist approach: ensure the building envelope is highly performing

  • Limit needs for heating, cooling and lighting to the unavoidable minimum

  • Use renewable and decarbonized sources to supply the needed energy

How to measure it?

  • Key indicator: Demand for heating and/or cooling and/or dehumidification (kWh/m².yr according to local context and regulation)

How do we act?

Our solutions contributing to increased energy efficiency:

  • Providing glazing to let the sun in or block it out

  • Insulation to reduce heat loss and summer heat gains

  • Insulation for water pipes and ventilation ducts

  • Smart membranes to improve air tightness and moisture management

  • Render to insulate and provide weather defense