Adopting a circular economy is not just a choice, it is a necessity

Net zero in the built environment has emerged as a pivotal goal in recent years. Adopting a circular economy is not just a choice, it is a necessity.

Net zero in the built environment has emerged as a pivotal goal in recent years. Adopting a circular economy is not just a choice, it is a necessity. At Soprema, we are committed to championing this transformative shift by moving wasteful practices to resourceful product specifications – and here is how:

Product Selection: Thinking differently about products during specification and working collaboratively with the supply chain can pay dividends. Working closely with an experienced and accredited manufacturer from the outset is paramount. At Soprema, we have been making great strides in sustainability for some time.

Responsible Sourcing: Soprema’s SOPRA XPS recyclable insulation, for example, is produced from recycled polystyrene with climate-friendly CO2 technology and boasts a Bronze Cradle-to-Cradle certificate. We also offer natural insulation materials – such as Pavatex – made from wood residues from sawmills, which reduces environmental impact and offers a more sustainable insulation alternative.

Green Credentials: Looking for Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) solutions is easy with Soprema. Our DuO bituminous membrane solution is comprised of a double bitumen coating with fire-retardant additives and a composite polyester reinforcement. This solution is BBA (British Board of Agrément) certified, and meets fire classification (t4), according to British Standard EN 13501 part 5. The DuO Membrane DuO HT 4 AGR/F C180 FC, has been awarded a bronze certificate by the Cradle-to-Cradle Products Innovation Institute, that recognises products worldwide as the preferred standard for responsible purchasing.

Other Considerations: During the design stage, architects should also consider the product circularity: is it reusable and can it be part of a closed chain? Product manufacturers should provide information on how much CO2 their products emit through the production process, as well as their commitment to clean air policies. Water consumption during product manufacture is also key.

For more information and to discuss sustainable specification, contact us on 0330 058 0668 or contact our technical team today.