Growing Demand for Energy-Efficient Buildings
Significant factor driving the growth of the breathable membrane market is the focus on increasing energy efficiency in buildings. Modern building methods are highly focused on reducing energy use and improving thermal performance, resulting in an increasing number of complex advanced building envelope solutions. Breathable membranes are critical components of these advanced building systems, permitting moisture vapour drainage from inside the building envelope while preventing the entry of external moisture; thus, maintaining the insulation performance level and the structural integrity of the building envelope.
In energy-efficient buildings, maintaining a proper balance between the air-tightness and ventilation of the building envelope is crucial. Breathable membranes allow this by preventing the formation of condensation in the walls and/or roof of the building; if there is a build-up of excess moisture in the building envelope, it will affect the insulation and decrease its thermal resistance, and may also promote the growth of mould, which has a negative impact on the quality of indoor air. Therefore, the use of breathable membranes also promotes the health, safetyand welfare of the occupants of a building by helping to achieve a healthier and more durable living environment.
Governments around the world, particularly in developed countries, are establishing building codes and regulations that require the use of energy-efficient materials in building construction and renovation. Growing demand for energy-efficient materials has encouraged building owners and managers to use breathable membranes to achieve building codes and standards such as green building certifications and energy performance-related directives. These codes and standards are of utmost importance to building owners and contractors in all regions, but especially important in developed countries where there is a heavy emphasis on sustainability. In addition, as more and more people become aware of the long-term benefits of using energy-efficient products, they are also making choices about the products and services they purchase based on their sustainability.
Expansion of Sustainable Construction Practices
Breathable membranes are well positioned to benefit from the global movement toward sustainability in construction. There are two main drivers behind the increased adoption of sustainable construction; environmental concern and regulatory pressure. Governments around the world are working to pass legislation that will reduce the environmental impact of buildings through the use of alternative building materials, including breathable membranes. In addition, utilizing breathable membranes strengthens the overall performance of a building while supporting the principles of sustainable design.
As well as contributing to the use of renewable materials for construction, breathable membranes are also an important component of improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions through construction practices. By effectively insulating buildings, breathable membranes prevent heat from escaping or becoming trapped inside, allowing buildings to reduce costs associated with unnecessary heating and cooling and therefore decrease energy consumption and carbon production.
Manufacturers have begun to place a higher priority on developing more environmentally friendly breathable membranes made from materials that can be recycled or that have less of an impact on the environment than traditional breathable membranes. Recent advances in polymer technology have enabled the production of breathable membranes that have lower environmental impacts while still providing high-quality performance; these advances will continue to attract the interest of builders and developers.
The growing demand for green building certifications has also contributed to the use of breathable membranes. Many green building certification programs include criteria that require the use of materials that improve the energy efficiency, indoor air quality and sustainability of the overall building; breathable membranes help meet these criteria.
