Saint-Gobain UAE Showcases sustainability at world EXPO 2020

UAE-based Saint-Gobain activities, including Gyproc, Weber, KIMMCO-ISOVER, Ecophon, Saint-Gobain Glass, Sage Glass, Solar Gard, Vetrotech, Saint-Gobain Films and Fabrics, Norton and Saint-Gobain PAM, have worked together to provide an integrated package of solutions. Together they have been used in 61 pavilions. The high-performance package includes wall and ceiling linings and acoustic partitions; specialist plasters, mortars and waterproofing; energy saving insulation products; fire-resistant glass solutions; vast areas of solar control and auto-tint glazing and protective window films, as well as cast iron drainage pipes, special performance membranes and cutting and grinding equipment.

“Our focus on Sustainability and creating high Performance Buildings through solutions that perform at every stage, from design, construction, deconstruction and re-use. With over 350 years of knowledge and experience, this is our DNA and at the core of Saint-Gobain’s Purpose MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”, said Paul Button, CEO of Saint-Gobain UAE.

 “As a global company, we have built a unique knowledge and expertise that will not only be demonstrated to EXPO visitors but will prove the benefits of our work in practice for many years to come.”

Saint-Gobain’s sustainability credentials and unique ability to provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPD’s) for its portfolio of products meant they were specified across the EXPO site. Among these:

• A key focus for visitors is expected to be the Sustainability Pavilion, an eye-catching 130-meter-wide structure that not only demonstrates the latest in low energy and sustainable design techniques but has been designed to produce more energy than it uses. With their eyes on the ultimate LEED Platinum environmental rating, designers, Grimshaw architects, specified high performance products with low environmental impact throughout and were keen to understand how each contributed to their goal.

• Greeting visitors and providing striking centerpiece to magnificent EXPO, Al Wasl Dome is the largest of its type in the world. 130 metres in diameter, this stunning permanent structure is enveloped by a custom SHEERFILL® SGM-30 Tan architectural mesh developed by Saint-Gobain Films and Fabrics providing a unique projection screen, allowing in natural light and air flow, while reflecting heat to maintain a cool and comfortable temperature in the space below.
   
• Other notable buildings include the stunning new EXPO Conference Centre and Exhibition Hall, which features Gyproc’s high-performance partitions and ceilings throughout, as well as specialist Weber plasters and Bloc mortar, and partition acoustic insulation from KIMMCO-ISOVER; and the Expo village, features huge volumes of Cool-Lite KNT from Saint-Gobain Glass to provide solar, thermal, and light input control for the 3000-plus EXPO residents.

• Elsewhere, Vetrotech fire-resistant doors, partitions and curtain walling will ensure enhanced visitor safety in lobbies, corridors and main entrances and advanced Solar Gard window films cut energy usage and ensure a comfortable environment for visitors to the Expo parks and other specialist buildings.