For thousands of years, the sun shines all over the world. Sunlight has always been the primary source of energy to the surface of Earth.
Today, a less friendly sun shines on a rapidly changing world climate. Unfettered development and unregulated urban expansion represent major risks. Climate change and environmental degradation are the first manifestations of this alarming trend.
What must be created is a sustainable built environment. Sustainable buildings emit less "greenhouse" gases and their materials can be infinitely recycled. Aluminium can justifiably be described as the "green metal": it is non-toxic and recyclable, easily formed yet strong, durable yet modern. Large savings in energy usage can be achieved using Aluminium façades, which act as solar reflector and thermal buffer. An Aluminium façade can be integrated into the diversity of the architectural tradition.
Sustainability in architecture means buildings which combine comfort for the user with respect for the environment and minimum energy usage. Entries to the competition should address the issues of energy performance, user comfort, building functionality and cost over the lifetime of the building. Although no specific tools or calculation methods for energy performance are specified, the entries must provide evidence to satisfy the judges that the above issues have been considered in sufficient depth.
Awareness must be raised on environmental issues, the facts on Aluminium and its contribution to sustainability must be disseminated and new ideas for low-energy buildings using Aluminium facades must be promoted in order to stimulate the exchange of best-practice on the use of Aluminium as a building material.
ETEM S.A. is world-class producer of flat rolled and extruded Aluminium products. Recognizing the contribution of the building shell to the energy performance of buildings, the company has decided to stimulate new architectural ideas for the design of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings within the context of environmental sustainability.
In addition to the above issues, the aesthetic effect is an important aspect. An aspect, which ETEM S.A. with Etalbond and its big colour and applications range, would never overlook.
