Green Innovation for Carbon Footprint Reduction in Construction Industry

Abstract

The cement-based mixture market or dry mix for the ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite System) is a highly competitive market and it is becoming increasingly difficult to comply with European sustainability specifications such as the development of products with a lower carbon footprint, lighter and less energy-intensive materials, lower environmental impacts, the option of recycling, etc. This market plays a highly important role in the construction sector, not only for the technical solutions and green innovation it offers but also for the aesthetic aspects. Since 2005, this market has been growing by more than 20% per year, which makes it increasingly attractive with better opportunities. However, this increase has been reduced not only by the crisis of 2007–2008 but also by the pandemic of recent years. The use of cement type CEM II, 42.5R, B-LL, together with a modified RDP ratio, has visibly improved the properties of the thermal insulation system through the adhesion of the EPS boards, the modulus of elasticity, wear resistance, flexibility, and impact resistance. Our research results as green innovation products are above the minimum values agreed by the ETICS standards; in addition, this product has in its formulation a 30% lower carbon footprint compared to any other adhesive in the construction market applied for ETICS systems; therefore, we are talking about a sustainable and clean product, suitable for rehabilitations and ecological constructions adjusted to the European policies of carbon footprint reduction.