First EPD for the Hungarian-made duct published

Another warning for humanity and the people of Europe. The EU-run Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reports that 2024 was the warmest year on record for global temperatures going back to 1850. In Europe, last year was also the warmest year on record, with an average temperature of 10.69 degrees Celsius, 1.47 degrees above the average for the 1991-2020 reference period and 0.28 degrees warmer than the previous record set in 2020. Human-induced climate change remains the primary driver of rising air and sea surface temperatures. We have a similar role to play in slowing it down.

Where are domestic players in the construction industry on the road to carbon neutrality?

"Small steps, big goals: Together for a zero carbon future", Magyar Környezettudatos Építés Egyesülete (Hungary Green Building Council, HuGBC) held its flagship annual event at Construma this year. One of the key messages of the Green Future 2025 conference is that building industry players, from decision-makers, designers and building material manufacturers to contractors, should work together, step by step, to achieve carbon neutrality. This is supported by the HuGBC Zero Carbon Roadmap 2050.

Acting on an overall strategy rather than short-term interests

In a panel discussion at the Green Future 2025 conference, Gábor Tunkli, Head of Quality and Environmental Management at Lindab, said that climate change and the signs of it that we all see are a serious issue that needs to be thought and acted upon in the long term and according to comprehensive strategies, not short-term interests. The responsibility of the construction industry is paramount in this process: the sector and buildings in operation account for a significant 30-40% of global carbon emissions.

Reducing installed and operational carbon is also an objective

"Reducing carbon emissions from buildings, both installed and operational, is a key task for the construction industry," said Gábor Tunkli, who was chosen as the ambassador of the Zero Carbon Roadmap by Magyar Környezettudatos Építés Egyesülete (HuGBC) on behalf of Lindab.

Operational carbon - from heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and other systems - can best be reduced through appropriate energy-efficient systems that are well thought through at the design stage. Ventilation is a major 'energy consumer' in a building.

With the Lindab demand controlled ventilation system, energy savings of up to 70% can be realized.

The installed carbon is the sum of the carbon footprint from all activities related to the construction of the building. The expert added that knowledge of the latter is necessary for the business planning of a building investment as well as for the technical design.

EPD - Manufacturer's guidance on carbon value

Lindab is a leader in the domestic ventilation technology market in that it regularly expands the range of products to which it attaches an EPD, or environmental product declaration. The latter is already available for SR and SRSS products manufactured in Biatorbágy, Lindab Safe circular duct system SR and SRSS products manufactured in Biatorbágy. The Lindab Safe system is also certified to Eurovent, provides excellent (Class D) airtightness, and is characterised by easy and quick assembly, thus providing an environmentally friendly and commercially efficient solution for projects.

The EPD provides information and support to lower the installed carbon value already at the design stage. The EPD follows the entire life cycle of the building material from raw material, through installation, to demolition and waste management and recycling.

The main raw material used in Lindab products is steel, which at the end of its long life cycle can be easily and extensively recycled, minimising waste and contributing to the circular economy.

Air duct made of recycled steel in Biatorbágy

The Swedish ventilation technology company is not only a leader in this field; from March onwards, its standard range will include the air ducts made from 75% recycled steel will be available in the standard range from March. These products are manufactured by the company in Biatorbágy, making them easily accessible for Hungarian construction projects.

The use of these can reduce carbon emissions by up to 62 percent, which is a step up in obtaining value-added building certifications.

In addition to the financial balance sheet, investors are also looking at ESG indicators

The role of ESG indicators, i.e. the impact of a company on the environment and society, is becoming more and more relevant for investors' decisions every year. A growing number of studies show that buildings that are designed and constructed in an environmentally responsible way - and which can thus obtain building certification - are becoming more sought after and thus more marketable in the domestic market.