With the support of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) two Slovenian chemical companies have developed an innovative “Active Façade System”, boasting improved performance and more sustainable characteristics than existing paints and coatings.
- 23 September 2013
Paints and coatings are vital elements in the architectural, metal work, wood work and automotive industries. Not only do they need to fulfil the functional task for which they were intended but they must also satisfy sustainable development requirements such as the need to reduce energy consumption for example. Thanks to the “Active Façade System” project and the strong cooperation between the two companies involved – Mitol d.d. and TRC JUB d.o.o – a new product has been developed and a Technological Research Centre (TRC) established.
Active Façade System
The aim of the project was to develop the System as an innovative product able to provide greater energy efficiency in buildings as well as increased comfort. The System is based on a number of layers with varying properties, designed to perform different tasks; from a fire retardant layer to a reflective coating which controls the absorption of heat energy.
Crucially, the increased durability of the product – thanks to improved characteristics such as water absorption, as well as weather and UV resistance – equates to lifetime twice as long as comparable products on the market and ensures that the negative environmental impact is minimised.
Technological Research Centre JUB (TRC JUB)
The Technological Research Centre JUB (TRC JUB) was founded in order to provide a facility at which the new products could be effectively tested. Covering almost 3 000 m², the facility comprises a training centre and a core research centre. The central part of the TRC is occupied by modern chemical research laboratories specialising in exterior base coats (primers) used in building and construction.
The building itself is ecologically sustainable and energy-saving. A geothermal heat pump supplies the energy needed to heat/cool the interior whilst solar panels located on the roof take care of all other energy needs. In addition, the Centre produces its own demineralised water and has its own meteorological station.
The TRC JUB employs 49 specialists including technicians, engineers and scientists, and through the project an additional 14 jobs have been created.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Active Façade System (Yubizol Active)” was EUR 4 715 797, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 1 569 177 through the “Competitiveness and research excellence” priority of the Operational Programme for Strengthening Regional Development Potential” for the 2007-2013 programming period.