Fact: in the construction industry in the Netherlands, sustainability is central. However, in 2024 it is far from sufficient to simply talk about sustainability and not really know where exactly one wants to go. Or what (concrete) goals one would like to achieve. Transparency about the facts and data is therefore essential. Trespa in Weert has embraced this need and is setting a new standard: a focus on factual and verifiable data, both in terms of sustainability and fire safety. Marco Beelen, Regional Sales Manager for the Netherlands, emphasizes that with this, Trespa wants to profile itself as a leader in this field.
"For us, it is now increasingly about making visible our transparent practices and commitment to the continuous improvement of both products and processes," says Marco. "By recognizing our industry's impact on the environment, we can make better choices. It's really that simple."
The construction industry accounts for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions. Trespa aims to reduce this footprint by promoting more sustainable practices and providing architects with the tools to make informed decisions in the design process. "Sustainability is no longer a buzzword," says Beelen. "It is a responsible choice that must be based on facts."
Fire safety is a crucial issue for construction, especially for architects who are responsible for choosing (or: recommending!) materials in a building. Trespa is therefore introducing new standards that support architects in choosing materials that are both durable and safe. Beelen explains that all data presented by Trespa has been verified by external parties, including Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Product Health Declarations (HPDs), and bio-based content declarations. These ensure that architects can actually trust the quality and safety of the products.
"We must get rid of the habit of settling for fancy marketing promises. The consequences of poor material choices can be life-threatening, as we have seen recently in several disasters in apartment complexes and condominiums," Beelen said. "We want to shake up the market by introducing a bold standard where there is no room for speculation: only facts and proven results count."
Another important part of Trespa's mission is to extend the life of its own products. The "Second Life" program focuses on the reuse of materials, such as facade panels. Beelen says that once disassembled, these panels can be given a second life in less critical applications, such as bus shelters, bicycle racks, or even pieces of furniture. This extends the life of the material and keeps carbon stored longer.
For architects, this program provides an opportunity to put circular building concepts into practice. "Every slab deserves a second life," says Beelen. "Reusing sustainable materials is not only about feeling responsible for the environment, but also about innovation in design and application."
The goals for the coming years are therefore clear: Trespa wants to provide architects and the construction industry with the right data and standards to build more sustainably and safely. By also presenting their own products with facts and transparency, they enable architects to make better and wiser choices that increase the safety and sustainability of buildings. The new Trespa standard is therefore more than a promise; it is an actual commitment to a better future.
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