Sustainable performance
Environmental profiles measure the impacts of a construction material, product or building system throughout its life, not only during its manufacture, but also its use in a building over a 100 year period.
Low energy used in the manufacturing process
VMZINC rolled zinc products are used in the construction industry throughout the world for their sustainability, distinctive appearance, and low maintenance requirements. Manufacturing processes for our standing seam and rainwater systems present a low environmental impact, particularly with regard to energy expenditure. As the comparative energy expenditure diagram below shows, less energy is required to extract zinc from the ground than the other principal metals, and is even more favourable for recycled zinc. Such minimal use of energy in the production of zinc clearly indicates its contribution to sustainable development.
Recycled material
98% of old rolled zinc recovered every year in Western Europe, currently estimated at 100,000 tonnes, is reused. This represents savings in mining resources of between 1 and 2 million tonnes.
Low corrosion, long life
The VMZINC standing seam system benefits from zinc’s self-protecting patina which develops as a result of exposure to water and carbon dioxide. Over the last 50 years the quantity of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere has been greatly reduced. SO2 being the key agent of corrosion means that corrosion rates are now 1μm per year but can vary depending on the project location. With an initial thickness of 0.7mm, the estimated life span of rolled zinc is over a hundred years.
A natural material
VMZINC undertakes Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) tests on its products and publishes Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), such as BRE Environmental Profiles, available from our website www.vmzinc.co.uk and www.greenbooklive.com. These provide users with comprehensive, reliable and transparent information on relevant environmental characteristics. The information is also used by VMZINC as the basis for its eco-design approach.
Comparative energy expenditure in manufacture
Compared with other metals, very little energy is needed to manufacture zinc metal from ore – less than half the consumption of copper and stainless steel and less than a quarter of that used for aluminium. CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions are also, therefore, proportionally less.
Environmental Product Declaration
Environmental profiles measure the impacts of a construction material, product or building system throughout its life, not only during its manufacture, but also its use in a building over a 100 year period. This includes its extraction, processing, use and maintenance and its eventual disposal.
Certifications
- VMZINC has an Australian 'Declare Label' which is part of the International Living Future Institute. Declare is one of the most stringent Green Labels in Australia, and VMZINC are on the Red Free List, which is among the highest environmental certifications and means our material contains no chemicals that have been designated as harmful to living creatures and in humans and the environment.
- VMZINC is a member of BRE Global`s certification scheme and carries Environmental Product Declarations in accordance with EN 15804 for Natural Zinc, QUARTZ-ZINC, ANTHRA-ZINC, the PIGMENTO range as well as VMZINC PLUS.
- All of VMZINC production plants are conform to ISO 14001 creating a high level of quality control with regards to the environment.
- Quality management certification ISO 9001 also applies to not only all production plants but also to all services and products.
- VMZINC and BREEAM: The BREEAM® method – British Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method – is the sustainable building benchmark developed in the United Kingdom and widely used on an international scale.
Environmental profiles measure the impacts of a construction material, product or building system throughout its life, not only during its manufacture, but also its use in a building over a 100 year period. This includes its extraction, processing, use and maintenance and its eventual disposal.
VMZINC is a member of BRE Global`s certification scheme and carries Environmental Product Declarations in accordance with EN 15804 for Natural Zinc, QUARTZ-ZINC, ANTHRA-ZINC, the PIGMENTO range as well as VMZINC PLUS.
-02_Declare_web.png)
- VMZINC has an Australian 'Declare Label' which is part of the International Living Future Institute. Declare is one of the most stringent Green Labels in Australia, and VMZINC are on the Red Free List, which is among the highest environmental certifications and means our material contains no chemicals that have been designated as harmful to living creatures and in humans and the environment.
All of VMZINC production plants are conform to ISO 14001 creating a high level of quality control with regards to the environment.
Quality management certification ISO 9001 also applies to not only all production plants but also to all services and products.
Benefits of VMZINC
All VMZINC systems can be used for new build and refurbishment alike and in combination with many other building materials. As with all VMZINC products exceptional durability, very limited maintenance and a wide range of beautiful finishes are offered.
Characteristics of zinc
Zinc is among the most sustainable metals used in construction today and has been used on the roofs of Paris for almost 200 years. Zinc is an essential element for life.
Life Cycle
A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a standardised tool used to assess the environmental characteristics of building products.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)
An Environmental Product Declaration is an internationally recognised document containing environmental information on a building product.
Certification
VMZINC solutions provide many advantages to meet the requirements of sustainable building references (HQE, LEED, GreenBookLive, ...).
Frequently Asked Questions
The durability and flexibility of this resolutely modern material have been well proven. There are many reasons for choosing VMZINC for your roofing and facade projects.