Buildings account for 25 % of CO₂ emissions and 40 % of energy consumption. However, simple thermal insulation measures can already generate energy savings of 50 %. Exterior insulation using EPS is therefore important for the energy transition in the construction sector. The French government plans to renovate 500,000 flats annually, thus reducing energy consumption by 60 %, by 2050. To achieve this goal, coordination between government and industry is essential. That is why BASF invited the entire value chain – from EPS manufacturers to building contractors – to discuss with politicians the challenges associated with exterior insulation with EPS. President of BASF France, Thierry Herning, explained: “BASF is an important player in the construction industry worldwide and especially in France. Our broad portfolio of solutions for construction, renovation, and thermal insulation is based on a global concept aimed at simplifying work on the building site and improving the quality of life of our fellow citizens.”

In addition to a general exchange of experiences, BASF presented the progress of its research as well as its solutions in the field of energy-efficient renovation, where the insulation material Neopor^® also plays a part.

The grey Neopor® is an advanced version of the classic white insulation material Styropor^®. By adding graphite, which gives the material its grey colour, the insulation performance of the boards is increased by up to 20 %. The use of raw material drops by up to 40% compared with the white material. This enables the processor to produce insulation boards with a lower mass but better insulation performance. The finished insulation products made of Neopor^® can be used in a range of applications, particularly for insulating exterior and interior walls and flat roofs.