Successful International Conference on Application of EPS Insulation in Flat Roo

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On September 21st and 22nd 2015, users, planners and architects from 10 differen
t European countries participated in the international conference about applicat
ion of EPS insulation in flat roofs. In the meeting, organised by EUMEPS, the la
test developments about the use of EPS insulation on flat roofs were discussed.
Prague, Czech Repubic, October 15, 2015 -- In a two day program, top European ex
perts provided a thorough briefing on all relevant actual topics related to this
application such as: market and product developments, technology, processing, f
ire protection, cost optimality, architecture, ecology and recycling. Some of th
e highlights were:
-"Energy saving design" by Ben Westenburger, from the Dutch architect agency Rot
huizen, specialised in re-use and renovation of historical buildings. He explain
ed how to cope with the challenges of combining sustainability and energy effici
ency while respecting the value of our cultural heritage.
-Edith Antonatus, Fire Safety specialist from BASF, with her contribution "Fire
safety of large industrial buildings"
dived deep into the details of fire safe design of large industrial buildings ac
cording to German regulation.
-A lively dialogue developed around the presentation of Ron de Bruyn, regarding
the insurance perspective. One conclusion was that there is a negative perceptio
n with insurers, often based upon incorrect information. However, insurer genera
l preference for incombustible materials does not translate into a reduction of
insurance premiums that allows pay back of the additional investments. Certainly
in case of renovation there is sufficient space for a dialogue including other
perspectives and possibilities to incorporate EPS as the light weight, technical
ly preferred option a in a cost effective fire safety concept.
Part of the conference was a visit to the Civil Engineering Centre, a testing an
d certification laboratory for most products and technologies used in constructi
on. Participants witnessed a real life fire test demonstrating the excellent per
formance of EPS.
EUMEPS Secretary General Edmar Meuwissen was pleased with the success of the eve
nt in Prague and looks positively forward to the future of EPS and design of fla
t roofs using EPS. All presentations are available for download (for private use
while respecting copyright) at the EUMEPS website.
EUMEPS is the European association of the EPS industry. EUMEPS membership repres
ents over 90% of the European manufacturing industry. The common interest betwee
n members is a belief that EPS is the most cost effective packaging and insulati
on material. EPS packaging is the best protective packaging for valuable and fre
sh goods combining sustainability and competitiveness in a single packaging solu
tion. For thermal insulation in construction, EPS offers long-term properties su
ch as high insulation value, high compressive strength and moisture resistance.
EPS is lightweight, versatile, easy and completely safe to work with, making it
the ideal material in a wide range of applications. EPS has a key role in ensuri
ng safe, comfortable and energy efficient buildings, whilst also contributing st
rongly to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emission. EPS comprises about 35 % of
the total thermal insulation market in Europe, with over 55,000 people employed
in the European EPS industry. The role of EUMEPS is to ensure that the advantag
es of EPS are brought to a larger audience. This is achieved by information shar
ing to enable an informed dialogue with stakeholders on a national and European
level.

Contact:
E. Meuwissen
EUMEPS
Weertersteenweg 158
B-3680, Maaseik, Belgium
+32 89 756131
info@eumeps.org
http://www.eumeps.org