Dow Corning Si-based specialty chemicals are proven to play an important role in building materials by enabling technologies to improve building sustainability, energy efficiency and durability.
Today, energy consumption in buildings account for approximately 40% of global carbon emission, and against the backdrop of tightening regulations and greater public awareness, the development of near-zero carbon emission buildings is expected to become an industry norm.
“Today, our solutions and expertise are applied to a number of global landmarks as well as retrofitted historic buildings with architectural and space constraints,” said Steve Zhou, Dow Corning Building Envelope Application & Development Specialist. “We recently renovated the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom by applying our Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant and Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) systems that met various challenges presented by the building’s new façade and helped increase thermal insulation, manage physical space constraints and enable higher vision share.”
Zhou’s comments came ahead of the biggest event in the China green building industry, the Ninth International Conference on Green and Energy-Efficient Building & New Technologies and Products Expo (IGEBC), where he will deliver a keynote speech on the contribution of silicone technology to energy efficient retrofits. Dow Corning is also a sponsor of this event that is scheduled to take place at the Beijing International Convention Center from April 1 to 3.
Over the past few years, the performance of curtain walling has been progressing. However, a step change in insulation performance may offer further opportunities in a world that demands high performance buildings. Dow Corning VIP features five to ten times lower thermal conductivity than conventional insulation materials. With a life expectancy in excess of 25 years, this technology provides new design possibilities for zero-energy buildings and high thermal performance in “slim wall” construction.
At Dow Corning, its innovation and leadership in the field of silicon science has been globally recognized since it developed the world’s first four-sided structural glazing systems in the 1960’s. Furthermore, the company’s exclusive Quality Bond™ program as well as expert team play a crucial role in ensuring the construction of high-performance buildings by applying best practices and uplifting quality assurance. The Quality Bond™ also includes a know-how transfer concept that reflects as a unique platform to link the key players of the value chain from design to construction, from construction to completion, and from completion to warranty.
Customers can visit Dow Corning website for more information: www.dowcorning.com.cn.