Credible environmental information

Last year, according to the German Institute of Construction and the Environment (IBU), the environmental product declarations of the biggest association of manufacturers in the building materials industry, numbering around 3,500 in total, were accessed a record number of times. EPDs deliver a consistent factual basis for evaluation of product sustainability. Brüninghoff also provides EPDs for various components as the basis for evaluation, and makes these available to other project participants. The individual product or component data on the other hand flows into the ecobalance of the building as a whole. 

Internationally recognised declaration 

Environmental product declarations offer a basis independently verified by a third party for assessing and communicating the environmental impact of a product in the context of an ecobalance. The resources used, such as materials, water and energy, are factored into the calculation. Transport routes and accumulation of waste are also taken into consideration. It therefore follows that to evaluate buildings, information on the construction materials or components used is required. The individual phases of the lifecycle are analysed in the ecobalance at product level – as part of an EPD – and also at building level: manufacturing of the materials used, construction phase, operational phase and maintenance and removal and disposal at the end of the lifecycle. The result is a comprehensive evaluation, reviewed by independent verifiers. The internationally recognised EPDs are an important basis for building certifications according to DGNB, BNB, BREEAM and LEED. In the construction industry in particular these are increasingly becoming a prerequisite for participation in public tendering processes. To simplify planning and construction with sustainability in mind, EPDs are directly available from Brüninghoff for several prefabricated components manufactured at its own facility.  

Components with climate-friendly concept 

Brüninghoff is implementing a pioneering manufacturing process at the precasting plant in Heiden – with the aim of reducing the emissions emanating from series production. Timber-concrete composite slab panels among other products are manufactured here with a high degree of prefabrication. The company utilises the synergic effects of the two materials timber and concrete. Timber sourced from certified sustainable forestry is used for the TCC slab panels – with PEFC chain of custody certification. Using timber saves roughly two thirds of the concrete compared to a solid concrete slab with the same characteristics. Additionally, as solid precast components are manufactured at the factory, materials can be used to optimum effect. This is also evident in the case of the precast concrete units where Brüninghoff also utilises a concrete mix design which is gentler on the climate. Some of the cement clinker in the CEM III cement used which is harmful to the environment is replaced by slag sand. This reduces CO₂ emissions which has a positive effect on the ecobalance. Recycled aggregates are also used at the factory to preserve the primary resources sand and gravel. 

EPDs for components from a single source 

Brüninghoff currently offers EPDs for timber-concrete composite flat and ribbed slab panels and for prefabricated columns and walls. Brüninghoff provides EPDs for the relevant components of other users. These can be used in the planning process and for ecobalancing. EPDs allow various options to be compared at the design stage which means that an ideal combination of construction products or components can be selected for the building. This verifies to clients and investors the environmental characteristics of a component and credible statements can therefore be made on its environmental performance – also in terms of external communication of the construction project.