Metals

Aluminium.

Aluminium has the highest CO₂ footprint of all common building materials — but recycled aluminium is 90% better. ALWAYS require documentation for recycled content.

Key Figures

Carbon Footprint (GWP): 8.24 kg CO₂-eq/kg
Density: 2700 kg/m³
Expected Lifespan: 50–100 år

What is aluminium?

Aluminium is light, corrosion-resistant, and formable. Used for window frames, facade cassettes, gutters, and many other building components. Primary aluminium production is extremely energy-intensive and gives the highest carbon footprint of all common building materials. However, recycled aluminium has 95% lower footprint.

Carbon Footprint Compared

Recycled aluminium ← this material 0.55 kg CO₂/kg

Zinc 3.1 kg CO₂/kg

Stainless steel 5.5 kg CO₂/kg

Primary aluminium 8.24 kg CO₂/kg

Negative carbon footprint (green) indicates carbon storage. Data based on EPD averages from ECO Platform and estimates per EN 15804.

Typical Applications

check_circle Window frames
check_circle Facade cassettes and panels
check_circle Gutters and downpipes
check_circle Solar panel frames
check_circle Roof structures

In Renovation

Aluminium is used in renovation for replacing gutters, windows, and facade cladding. Always specify recycled aluminium — it reduces the carbon footprint by over 90%.

Questions about aluminium

What is the difference between primary and recycled aluminium?

Primary aluminium (from bauxite) has GWP of 8.24 kg CO₂/kg. Recycled aluminium (from scrap) has only approximately 0.40–0.70 kg CO₂/kg — over 90% lower. Always specify recycled content in climate calculations.

Are aluminium window frames better than timber?

Aluminium is maintenance-free and lasts 50+ years. Timber requires painting every 3–7 years but has much lower CO₂. Timber/aluminium composite (timber inside, aluminium outside) combines the best of both.

Can aluminium be recycled?

Aluminium is recycled almost 100% and indefinitely without quality loss. Over 70% of all aluminium ever produced is still in circulation. It is one of the world's most recycled materials.

Are aluminium solar panel frames a problem?

Solar panel frames are typically made from primary aluminium. This is one of the major climate line items in solar panel installation. Specifying recycled aluminium reduces this footprint significantly.

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