It´s time for a new generation of façades
Meet Isabelle Fabbro, Vice President R & D and Product Management at Hydro and discover what sustainability at WICONA means. We learn what action WICONA is taking to operate in a more circular way and how this is reflected in these new products being developed.
What does sustainability mean to you?
We set standards for tomorrow and fight for greater sustainability across all areas of the business. It’s not just about Product Development. It’s about running the whole company in a sustainable way from paperless facilities to encouraging green thinking at every opportunity. Recruiting people with a sustainable mindset and supporting community projects that contribute to making society more mindful and greener in general – we’re always striving to do better.
How are you making WICONA products more sustainable?
Right now, we’re creating a new generation of WICONA products. Every product in our range is being reviewed and updated with circularity and whole life carbon in mind. From the raw materials we use, our production process (and those of our suppliers and installers) to how our products can contribute to reducing carbon emissions at the use phase, end of life and beyond.
Future-proofing for tomorrow’s building and sustainability standards, NEW GENERATION (NG) aluminium systems from WICONA are not only sustainable but also provide the people using the buildings with a comfortable, safe and secure environment.
What green building certification schemes are you working to meet?
Building owners, investors and tenants are looking at sustainability credentials more and more at both a European and international level. And we’re working to ensure WICONA products meet the requirements of certification schemes including the DGNB seal of quality for Germany, Passive House, the Minergie standard for Switzerland and LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design operated by USGBC.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of the NEW GENERATION products?
The New Generation products benefit from some great features such as their recyclability and dismantlability. Their ability to be bent, shaped and punched provides architects, designers and engineers with endless opportunity to create exactly what they envision.
Are there any challenges involved with adapting to NEW GENERATION products?
Our products are not only made from aluminum, 15% of each product comprises non-aluminum components such as polyamide and glue, amongst others. This means that sustainability is the biggest challenge, as we have a commitment to ensure that all components used are sourced sustainably. Finding the right supply chain partner to make the components sustainable is key.
What are the next steps and when will all WICONA products be adapted to the NEW GENERATION format?
The goal is to complete within two to three years, depending on the country. Products are being adapted continuously - facades, windows and doors – and we hope to have everything done by 2024. The goal is to lower the CO2 for the entire product range and the company as a whole, producing using renewable energy. It’s an exciting time.