40% of the Interreg region’s total
energy consumption, and associated CO2 emissions, are generated by the
construction sector. This is partly due to the low energy efficiency of
installed windows, which often falls short of current standards. Current renovation
processes are energy- and material-intensive and still do not provide optimal
use of solar heat. To accelerate the renovation process and reduce the
resulting environmental impact, new circular window products must be developed
that enable fast, cost-effective, and energy-efficient renovations.
Within the framework of the
WINNOVATE project, innovative solutions for circular window renovation are
being developed for widespread application in the program area.
A process for manufacturing 100%
circular windows is being developed by reusing and recoating old glass panes.
GSF and TNO, with the support of Steinfort, are innovating their existing
process, which currently yields 50% circular windows, by developing new
coatings that restore a clean and scratch-free glass surface and bring the
insulation performance up to the latest standards.
Furthermore, smart window films are
being developed for retrofitting existing windows with modern sun protection.
TNO’s patented SunSmart technology is being further developed for application
on market-leading window films from Haverkamp and Koska. TNO’s technology
enables optimal use of solar heat by allowing it into the house in winter and
blocking it in summer.
Baukreisel supports these
developments with life cycle assessments, aiming to recycle used raw materials
and thus achieve a complete circular economy.
The new
products will be installed, tested, and evaluated in buildings by De Alliantie
and Stadtwerke Münster, representative end users in the region. Regional
production and application create a double benefit for the region.
