Saint-Gobain Weber publishes UK’s first EPD for monocouche render

Photo accreditation: Dylan Morris, Wakemans Divisional Director (Caernarfon).

Saint-Gobain Weber is the first manufacturer in the UK and Ireland to release an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for monocouche render, helping specifiers make informed, sustainable choices when selecting finishes.

EPDs are a third-party certified document and are created based on data obtained through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The LCA uses different points during manufacture to assess potential environmental impacts with the aim to improve the overall environmental profile of the product. While not currently mandatory in the UK, EPDs are valid worldwide and are accepted in several rating schemes such as BREEAM.

The third-party certified document details the environmental performance lifecycle of the product and describes how they impact the environment at different stages of the manufacturing process. It also highlights how production waste is reduced and reused, the use of renewable energy sources and tracks if waste is sent to landfill.

Each different variation of Weber’s monocouche render – weberpral M (colours and chalk) and weberpral D – has its own EPD. In addition, an EPD is also available for Weber’s lightweight, brick-effect finish weberwall brick.

James Mead, R&D and Quality Director at Saint-Gobain Weber said:

“We want to help the construction industry to create better buildings for people and the planet, and providing a transparent view of our products is just one way that we can do this. The information within the EPD documents provides credible data for architects and specifiers to help them to responsibly source construction products.

“The Future Homes Standard comes into full force in 2025, which isn’t that far away now. This requires carbon emissions produced by new homes to be 75-80% lower than those built to current standards and EPDs will help support this goal by helping specifiers to be more knowledgeable of the environmental credentials of their chosen product.”

An EPD for weberwall brick is also now available. The fast-fix alternative to brick slips can be used for both refurbishment and new build projects, as well as internally. This product has been used on the eHome2 project at Salford University which saw Saint-Gobain partner with Barratt Developments to construct a test house, designed to meet future performance and regulation requirements. Just one pallet of weberwall brick was transported to the site compared to over 20 pallets if traditional brick was used therefore helping to reduce CO2 emissions during transport.

The EPDs are part of Weber’s ongoing work to help lessen its impact on the environment. Over the past year, Weber has implemented a range of measures including: the use of renewable energy sources during production; reducing and reusing waste; and investment in a gravity-fed silo system at their plants, saving time and energy compared with a traditional conveyor-based pneumatic delivery.

Weber has three manufacturing plants in the UK, helping to reduce fuel and emissions when transporting products to site. It has also entered a new relationship with logistics partner Menzies Distribution which operates a 100% Euro 6 compliant fleet. In addition, 84% of raw materials are sourced from within the UK.

The monocouche render and weberwall brick EPD’s are available from Environdec

and can also be downloaded from Weber’s website

CLICK HERE for more information about EPD’s