In the wake of the revised French environmental regulation RE 2020, which came into effect on January 1, 2021, the construction industry has witnessed a significant shift towards greater transparency and accountability regarding the environmental and health impacts of building materials.
Manufacturers are now mandated to provide detailed information through the FDES (Fiche de Déclaration Environnementale et Sanitaire), shedding light on the entire life cycle of their products, from raw material extraction to disposal.
One of the pioneering companies at the forefront of this movement is Swisspacer, a renowned manufacturer of warm edge spacer bars. Swisspacer has taken proactive steps to comply with the new regulations by publishing FDES for its Swisspacer Advance, Ultimate, and Georgian bars. In addition to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), the FDES goes a step further by encompassing data on health and user comfort aspects, such as indoor air quality and overall building performance.
What sets Swisspacer apart is not only its commitment to environmental stewardship but also its dedication to continuous improvement. By extending its EPDs to the EN15804+A2 “Cradle to Grave” standard, Swisspacer sets a new benchmark for industry best practices. Björn Kluth, Head of Sales and Marketing France at Swisspacer, emphasizes the company’s dual focus on energy efficiency and sustainability: “Our spacer bars demonstrably help to save energy – and therefore CO2 – in buildings. We will also continuously reduce our footprint in production and have it reliably documented by EPDs and FDES.”
The rigorous process of preparing FDES involves independent verification and third-party auditing, ensuring the credibility and accuracy of the disclosed information. The validity of FDES extends up to five years, providing stakeholders with up-to-date and reliable data to make informed decisions.
Swisspacer’s proactive approach not only aligns with regulatory requirements but also underscores its commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation. By setting a precedent in transparency and sustainability, Swisspacer paves the way for a greener and more sustainable future in the construction industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for manufacturers to embrace initiatives like FDES to promote transparency, accountability, and ultimately, a healthier built environment for all. In doing so, companies like Swisspacer are not only meeting regulatory mandates but also driving positive change towards a more sustainable future.
For more information on Swisspacer’s FDES compliance and sustainability initiatives, visit their official website or contact their sales and marketing team for further details.
Source:Swisspacer with additional information added by GlassBalkan
