A new generation of sustainable insulation materials for the construction industry

This project, co-funded by COMPETE 2030, focuses on innovative materials to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and support the sector’s climate transition.

The construction sector faces a crucial challenge. It needs to build better, consume less energy and reduce its environmental footprint. It is against this backdrop that the EcoSys2Build project, co-funded by COMPETE 2030, has emerged, with a clear ambition: to develop more sustainable, efficient and safe insulation systems.

Insulation as a driver of the energy transition

Insulation materials are essential for reducing energy losses in buildings. Furthermore, they contribute directly to meeting European climate targets. However, many current materials rely on fossil resources. Others have significant technical limitations.

Against this backdrop, EcoSys2Build proposes an alternative. The project focuses on bio-based raw materials, recycled materials and industrial waste. The aim is to create solutions with high thermal performance and a lower environmental impact.

Innovation focused on performance and safety

The project pays particular attention to fire resistance. Fire safety is a critical requirement in modern construction. For this reason, the new insulation systems are developed to meet stringent technical requirements.

At the same time, thermal performance remains a priority. The solutions aim to achieve results equivalent to those of conventional systems. The maximum expected difference is less than 20 per cent.

Eco-design and the circular economy at the heart of the project

From the initial phase, EcoSys2Build has incorporated eco-design tools. These enable the assessment of environmental impacts throughout the life cycle. This makes it possible to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Furthermore, the project promotes recyclability after use. According to Filipe Santos, head of Prudêncio, “we felt there was a persistent challenge that could not be ignored: the lack of high-performance thermal insulation alternatives with a lower environmental impact”.

A strong consortium and a shared vision

EcoSys2Build brings together a multidisciplinary consortium. It comprises companies and scientific organisations from the North and Centre regions. This collaboration enables the pooling of knowledge, technology and industrial expertise.

“The common goal is clear: to create a new generation of high-performance, sustainable thermal insulation materials that are aligned with European climate targets,” says Filipe Santos.

Crucial support for reaching the market

Funding from COMPETE 2030 has been decisive. It has enabled research to be accelerated and solutions to be validated in an industrial context. Furthermore, it has created the conditions for future commercialisation.

“COMPETE 2030 not only drives innovation but is also an essential facilitator,” emphasises Filipe Santos. EcoSys2Build is thus taking a firm step towards more sustainable and competitive construction.

Website Prudêncio