SIMAlab

In June 2018, BREEAM ES and SIMA presented a reproduction of a sustainable home for the first time in an activity called SIMAlab at the SIMA real estate event in Madrid.

People spend 90% of their time indoors, a fact that has an impact on their comfort, health and wellbeing. SIMAlab demonstrates how a building can respect the environment and save energy and water, whilst at the same time being enjoyable and healthy for its occupants.

Three leading manufacturers of sustainable materials helped with the experiments: Grupo Presto Ibérica, Saint-Gobain and Siber.

Grupo Presto Ibérica, a Spanish manufacturer specialising in taps and water-saving technology, displayed two experiments specially designed for SIMAlab. The first showed the difference in water consumption between a water-efficient tap and a standard tap. The second focussed on the significant energy savings that can be achieved by the use of systems designed to save sanitary hot water, allowing its use only when water reaches the desired temperature.

The construction materials’ manufacturer and distributor, Saint-Gobain, simulated a house interior. Visitors were able to feel the thermal, acoustic and visual comfort achieved by Saint-Gobain’s Building Glass, Isover, Placo and Weber solutions, which are able to deliver both a comfortable temperature and low energy consumption.

As specialists in smart ventilation, Siber focused on indoor air quality. They presented an experiment to show the medium and long-term impact on people’s health of stale or polluted air coming from the outside, especially in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. It also showed the impact of polluted air coming from chemicals in paints, varnishes, glues, adhesives and some insulation used in the home. Visitors were able to understand the significance of appropriate ventilation systems for the house.

Each experiment showed visitors how big an impact the construction of a home can have on health and the environment, and the potential sustainable construction has to improve both.

This article was originally published here on 11 June 2018 by BRE Buzz.

--BRE Buzz