Energy Efficiency

Saint-Gobain is constantly researching and developing new ways of harnessing, conserving and generating energy – benefiting both the environment and tight budgets. Innovation is key at Saint-Gobain and we derive around 30% of our sales from products and solutions that save energy and protect the environment.

Non-existent or inefficient insulation is the main cause of excessive energy use in buildings.  Saint-Gobain is the world leader in insulation, through its Isover brand, offering glass wool solutions for roofs, walls, partitions, floors, piping and ventilation ducts. Isover has launched the ‘Multicomfort House’ concept. Thanks to carefully selected high-efficiency components such as optimal thermal insulation, super-insulating windows and heat recovery systems, Saint-Gobain’s Multi-Comfort House can almost do without any form of active heating. The house’s main heat sources are two renewable natural energies – the sun and heat recovered from recycled air.

Saint-Gobain is also the world’s leading supplier of special glass designed for photovoltaic applications. Installed on rooftops or facades, the photovoltaic panels are able to supply a considerable proportion of a building’s energy needs, whether residential, commercial or industrial.

The SGG PLANITHERM family of products are specifically designed to keep interiors more comfortable in winter months and improve the energy efficiency of your home. Glass of this type is commonly known as low emissivity glass, or low-E glass.  SGG PLANITHERM products have a transparent metallic coating that reflects heat, from radiators or fires, back into the room, rather than allowing it to escape through the windows. At the same time it allows free heat and light from the sun (known as passive solar heat gain) to pass through the glass, warming your home and further contributing to the energy efficiency of your windows.

The new generation of external wall insulation systems from Weber and Isover provide efficient thermal insulation for refurbishment and new build projects.  The EWI systems eliminate interstitial condensation and create a ‘warm wall’ construction. Available in a comprehensive range of colours and textures enables the creation of striking visual effects.