Reynaers Act
Frequently Asked Questions
Reynaers sustainability strategy focuses on the four areas where we can make a real difference - in the buildings our products are used in, the products we develop, in our own company and through our people. Our FAQ explains this in greater depth as well as how we aim to help cut carbon emissions through the strategy laid out in Reynaers Act. Also outlined is how the carbon footprint of the built environment can be reduced by thermally efficient products, and manufacturing innovations that help architects and contractors design and create more sustainable buildings in the UK.
Sustainable Building Design
Through product innovation and quality, Reynaers supports the design of buildings that have a lower carbon footprint. In creating products that actively cut energy emissions we have taken a #Daring science-led approach that clearly defines targets, benefits and product specifications to allow partners to be absolutely clear of the benefits and to embed practices that ensure sustainability is second nature.
Thermal efficiency
To cut energy emissions, buildings in the UK need to be better insulated. Thermal efficiency is the way to achieve this. By building smarter through innovation, buildings can become more sustainable as higher quality insulation traps in more heat to cut energy consumption. The thermal efficiency of windows, doors and curtain walls needs to improve to support the UK’s pledge to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will mean a continued reduction in U-values. A roadmap put in place by the Government seeks to gradually reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent in 2022, 75 per cent in 2025, reaching net zero in 2050. To support this reduction, changes to Part L of the Building Regulations came into force in the UK in June 2022, stipulating window and door frames must have a U-value of 1.4 W/(m2k) in existing dwellings, or 1.6 W/ (m2k) in new dwellings and commercial properties. Reynaers aluminium systems already meet, and often exceed, the requirements of Part L, with some products having a U-value as low as 0.8 W/(m2k). Reynaers Act details how we will focus on manufacturing thermally optimised product solutions that trap in heat, maximise solar gains and allow for natural ventilation.
Sustainable Certification
The built environment is responsible for 25 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions – the key to reducing that is through a #United effort to find sustainable building solutions. Circular products reduce waste and emissions from manufacturing materials such aluminium.
Reynaers already produces nine Cradle to Cradle certified circular aluminium systems and will extend this to account for 60 per cent of aluminium product turnover by 2024. By creating more Cradle to Cradle certified products we will support architects in the UK to design buildings with a low carbon footprint.
Using sustainable, thermally efficient products will allow architects and contractors to secure certification that recognises low energy solutions that offer comfort and value, such as Passive House and Minergie. Reynaers will increase the use of recycled materials and choose components that allow for easy disassembly and re-use. We have already secured an initial supply of low-carbon aluminium to allow us to offer more low-carbon products and will continue to investigate and secure other strategic solutions to support this.
Digital passports for sustainable building design
Reynaers is #Passionate about innovation and digital passports will be created for all Reynaers products detailing the materials used, sustainable features, maintenance and disassembly instructions to ensure the materials can be used again. Used within Building Information Modelling, up-to-date digital passports will enable efficient, fact-based sustainable building design. This will support partners in earning sustainable building certification recognised in the UK, including BREEAM, Minergie, and Passive House.
Sustainability Best Practice
Reynaers Act includes making changes to our own business in the UK to ensure we meet high standards in sustainability and in #Caring for our people, community and partnerships. Reynaers will make its own operations energy efficient by using renewable energy, choosing greener vehicles for our UK fleet, and reviewing our operations and buildings. By making ecologically conscious decisions in the operation of our UK business, prioritising sustainability will be second nature for our people.
Explore the four pillars that make up Reynaers Act
