Insulation materials for buildings, black pigments for reducing surface heat and concrete admixtures helping to lower CO2 emissions - these are just a few examples of the solutions that BASF will be exhibiting at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates from January 18 to 21. With its cost-efficient concepts for sustainable building, BASF is showing that CO2 emissions can be substantially reduced in the construction and use of buildings and that the living comfort is improved as well.
Work on Dubai’s metro line is carried out at night too. Workmen join a total of 11,400 precast concrete elements using Concresive 1441. This special adhesive was custom developed by BASF for the construction of the Dubai metro line. It is capable of withstanding Dubai’s sometimes extreme climatic conditions as well as the impact and heavy vibrations caused by the trains. Photo: BASF - The Chemical Company, 2010
The organizer of the fair is the project company for the future Masdar City, the world's first CO2-neutral and zero-waste city that is to be built by 2016 in the desert of the Abu Dhabi Emirate some 30 kilometers outside the city of the same name. Since August 2009, BASF has been the strategic partner for the construction of Masdar City and preferred supplier of building materials and system solutions. For example, the use of special BASF concrete admixtures in Masdar enables CO2 emissions to be reduced by up to 60 percent .
At the World Future Energy Summit, BASF will have its own stand under the theme "Building sustainability. Your partner for sustainable construction solutions". BASF adapts its globally available extensive range of products and system solutions to the requirements of the local construction industry and takes into account architectural traditions and climatic conditions.
"The construction and use of buildings play a crucial role in climate protection. With its products and system solutions for sustainable construction, BASF is significantly contributing", says Dr. Tilman Krauch, head of BASF's Construction Chemicals division. "We provide our customers in the construction industry with highly efficient concepts, economically and ecologically." BASF is demonstrating the following solutions at the World Future Energy Summit.
Reduction of CO2 emissions during concrete manufacture
BASF provides the high-performance plasticizers sold under the brand name Glenium Sky for the manufacture of concrete. They ensure that the quality of the concrete is preserved during transport, the concrete can be processed more easily at the building site on account of its fluidity and the finished concrete structures have a high strength and a long life. Furthermore, Glenium Sky lowers CO2 emissions during the production of the concrete.
Further energy savings are possible with the concrete admixtures of the Rheomatrix brand. The additives give the concrete self-compacting properties so that mechanical and thus energy-intensive compacting can be dispensed with. You will find further information here: www.construction-chemicals.basf.com
Accelerated concrete hardening
BASF has developed a new Crystal Speed Hardening concept for contractors and precast producers. The core product of the concept is X-SEED 100, a unique hardening accelerator. It helps to speed up concrete hardening significantly at early ages (6-12 hours), supporting at least double strength at low, ambient and heat curing temperatures.
It helps to save time and has a positive impact on energy efficiency by eliminating or reducing heat curing of concrete. Furthermore, it offers an attractive overall cost saving potential.