Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP) is part of the EcoSys2Build project, a research initiative focused on developing innovative thermal insulation solutions with high performance and reduced environmental impact.
The project is based on the creation of a new generation of foams and insulation systems for façades and roofing, offering superior performance compared to conventional solutions, while promoting the use of renewable raw materials and the valorisation of waste and by-products.
Reducing the carbon footprint is one of the main goals of the initiative, with ecodesign strategies and production processes being developed to ensure the viability of these solutions at an industrial scale.
At ISEP, the work is being developed by Center for Innovation in Engineering and Industrial Technology (CIETI) and focuses on the research and development of bio-based raw materials for application in thermal insulation foams. These materials are being assessed in terms of thermal, mechanical, and environmental performance, with a view to their integration into more efficient and sustainable systems.
The construction sector accounts for a significant share of global carbon dioxide emissions, reinforcing the need to develop alternatives to fossil-based materials and contribute to the carbon neutrality targets set by the European Union.
The project also stands out for exploring natural compounds with the potential to replace conventional materials, promoting both energy efficiency in buildings and the sustainability of the developed solutions.
EcoSys2Build aims to demonstrate the feasibility of these solutions in an industrial context, contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions, improved energy efficiency, and the promotion of a circular economy.
To implement the project, a multidisciplinary consortium has been established, led by Prudêncio Impermeabilizações in partnership with the company Painel 2000, and three leading scientific and technological institutions: ISEP, CeNTI - Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, and Itecons - Institute for Research and Technological Development in Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability.