Context and Objectives
The construction sector accounts for around 27% of global CO₂ emissions (2023 report from the United Nations Environment Programme), highlighting the urgency of adopting more sustainable solutions.
In the field of construction materials, thermal insulation helps reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, a large share still incorporates raw materials of fossil origin.
The EcoSys2Build project aims to develop innovative and sustainable thermal insulation systems using bio-based raw materials, recycled materials, or industrial waste and by-products, applicable to roofs and façades.
The goal is to create a new line of eco-sustainable products with a lower carbon footprint, through collaboration between scientific institutions and companies, in a multidisciplinary consortium that includes three non-business entities from the national research and innovation system — CeNTI, Itecons, and CIETI-LabRISE — and two Portuguese companies — Prudêncio Impermeabilizações (lead promoter) and Painel 2000.
Project Activities
The project will last 36 months, with activities structured as follows:
A1 – Technical Project Management
This activity focuses on monitoring project progress and includes coordination, planning, and management of the project’s activities at several levels: financial, technical-scientific, and organizational.
A2 – Specifications, Preliminary Studies and Technology Watch
This activity aims to define the technical specifications of materials and processes in line with current regulatory systems, systematize preliminary studies, and ensure continuous technology watch in key areas of the sectors targeted by the project.
A3 – R&D in Insulation Materials and Systems
This activity focuses on R&D in raw materials, formulations, and production processes, as well as the development and validation of insulation systems. Proofs of concept are expected at the level of foams and/or insulation materials, as well as their integration into insulation systems, which will then be matured in the following activity.
A4 – Implementation and Validation of Insulation Systems
This activity aspires to implement the solutions obtained in the previous activity into the production cycles of the business entities involved. It will result in solutions/prototypes, which will be tested and validated against defined specifications. These prototypes will also be assessed in terms of environmental and economic impact.
A5 – Dissemination and Valorization of Results
This activity aims to disseminate the project’s results with the objectives of (1) identifying new collaboration opportunities, (2) presenting the new products to industry stakeholders and civil society, and (3) evaluating the degree of innovation and the potential for intellectual and industrial property exploitation.
Expected Results
Prototype of an insulation system using eco-foam featuring:
- A lower carbon footprint compared to current solutions, with improved insulation properties
- Production technologies and eco-design strategies.
Additional Information
Start Date: 01-04-2025
End Date: 31/03/2028
Lead Promoter: Prudêncio Impermeabilizações
Co-promoters/Partners: CeNTI, Itecons, CIETI-LabRISE e Painel 2000
Region of Implementation: Norte, Centro
Total Eligible Cost: 1.450.859,00€
Financial Support: 1.099.215,00 €
