In Brasov was inaugurated the first PIR thermal insulating panels factory in Romania, through the partnership between Topanel and ICCO. In an interview for Energynomics, Lucian Bularcă, General Manager Thermotop, explains why this investment is essential for the energy efficiency of buildings and for the green transition in construction.
How does Topanel and ICCO’s investment in the local production of PIR insulation boards align with the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the building sector’s carbon reduction targets?
The investment in the THERMOTOP factory, where we will produce PIR thermal insulation boards locally, is a direct response to the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. THERMOTOP PIR boards have one of the lowest thermal conductivity coefficients – only 0.022 W/mK – which means almost double the insulation capacity of traditional materials. The thermo-mechanical stability guarantees that the thermal performance parameters are maintained in the long term, so that after 25 years the building will have the same thermal resistance. These characteristics make PIR panels a real alternative for achieving nZEB, Passive House standards and international certifications such as LEED or BREEAM. In practical terms, the use of THERMOTOP tiles reduces monthly heating and cooling costs by up to 30%, directly supporting the European Union’s energy efficiency targets.
At the same time, the THERMOTOP factory has been designed with modern technologies that reduce environmental impact. We are in the process of obtaining an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which, based on life cycle analysis, will demonstrate the sustainability of the production process – from raw material extraction to waste management. We do not use non-renewable natural resources in our production, and the selection of suppliers is based on criteria to limit environmental impact. The electricity used in manufacturing also comes from renewable sources. By relocating production in Romania, transport-related emissions are also reduced, contributing significantly to the decarbonization of the construction sector.
To what extent can the PIR support the transition towards deep renovation of buildings in Romania, given the current challenges regarding costs, access to finance and the low level of implementation of NZEB standards?
With the opening of the Ghimbav production unit, the renovation of buildings with PIR thermal insulating panels becomes a reliable and affordable solution for the Romanian construction market. The production capacity of 6 million square meters per year allows large-scale refurbishment of buildings to nZEB standards, with optimized costs at least on the thermal insulation side.
In terms of cost, THERMOTOP boards are an alternative to traditional materials, both in terms of price and the advantages they bring in terms of energy efficiency in buildings. Of course, the low level of implementation of nZEB standards remains a challenge, but we see that the market is increasingly moving towards sustainable and durable solutions. This gives us confidence that, in the coming years, PIR panels will become one of the main options for reducing long-term maintenance costs.
How PIR compares with other insulating materials (mineral wool, polystyrene, hybrid solutions) in terms of energy efficiency, durability and low-carbon life-cycle?
One of the most important advantages of PIR is its almost double thermal insulation capacity compared to mineral wool or polystyrene. For example, a 100 mm THERMOTOP board offers the same thermal resistance as a 160 mm polystyrene board or a 180 mm mineral wool board. In addition, the thermal conductivity coefficient of PIR remains stable over time – after 25 years, the variation is only 1-3% – unlike polystyrene and mineral wool, where it can increase by up to 50%. This means that energy efficiency and thermal comfort are maintained over the long term at no extra cost.
In terms of lifecycle, THERMOTOP not only improves the thermal performance of the building, but also increases its lifetime. As a product that does not absorb water and is not consumed by rodents, it increases the lifetime of the building.
What are the prospects for large-scale adoption of innovative energy efficiency solutions in Romania, looking at the mix of public policies (PNRR, Renovation Wave, local programs) and the industry’s capacity to deliver large volumes?
The constant efforts made in recent years by both Romanian and European authorities to impose modern energy-saving standards and to support their implementation, entitle us to believe that – we hope – in the not too distant future, more and more people will become aware that the solutions considered in the design, execution and use of all types of buildings must contribute to reducing energy consumption. For our part, in anticipation of this stage, we have configured the automatic production line so that its production capacity is scalable and thus we can meet the growing demand to deliver high-efficiency thermal insulation materials (Thermotop panels made of PIR foam), with the possibility of reaching quantities of up to 6 million square meters per year.