Slim concrete facade elements deliver 40 % better environmental performance

Heidelberg Materials Precast Abetong, a subsidiary of Heidelberg Northern Europe, is taking a major step forward in sustainable construction with its new e3 (Environment - Efficiency - Economy) facade element. The product reduces the use of reinforcement and concrete, reducing the CO2 footprint by 40%, while at the same time reducing weight and thickness by 30% and costs by 20%.

- For a long time, concrete facade elements have looked the same. They are very robust and strong walls with all the advantages of concrete, but they are also a product that is overkill for many types of projects," says Magnus Fridvall, Head of Product and Market Development at Heidelberg Materials Precast Abetong, and continues:
- With E3, we fill a gap and are the first on the Swedish market with a slimmer concrete facade element that offers great advantages in many types of residential projects.

Perfect for residential projects

The e3 wall is suitable for residential projects with simpler architecture and up to 8 storeys.
The reduction in wall thickness results in an increase in living area, which in turn increases revenue and improves the economics of the project.

A lighter wall also allows the customer to save money by using a smaller crane on site, and the price is lower due to reduced production and transportation costs.

All the benefits of concrete

- Our designers have been working on the E3 wall for a whole year, so it feels really good to finally be able to launch it. The carbon footprint per square metre of wall is 40% lower than a standard concrete cladding element, and we have brought it down to the level of, for example, timber stud and rendered curtain walls. There is a lot of interest from developers," says Magnus Fridvall, concluding:

- With the e3 facade wall, they get all the benefits of concrete, such as long life, better fire safety and minimal maintenance without moisture problems. In addition, most construction projects today are subject to high quality requirements and tight time schedules, and with precast concrete facade elements, developers can significantly reduce production times and quickly achieve a tight house with moisture-proof walls.

The facts: The E3 facade wall is a load-bearing facade element with a column beam frame integrated into the wall, a thin inner and outer panel of fibre concrete and high quality insulation, giving the wall a U-value of 0.12 W/(m²-C).

For further information, please contact:
Magnus Fridvall, Product and Market Development Manager, Heidelberg Materials Precast Abetong, magnus.fridvall@heidelbergmaterials.com, + 46 706 48 38 35