“Greentexx launched its green façade systems to market in 2019”, Benny Pycke, global product manager at Sioen, explains. “We use high-tech acoustic and thermal insulating cloths to create vertical gardens that enhance the aesthetics of buildings, contribute to a healthier living environment, and promote biodiversity. They effectively mitigate heat stress in city centres with cool rainwater, reducing temperatures by up to five degrees at the hottest time of the day. They usually are also cooler than regular façades because of the plants’ natural insulation, improving the building’s energy efficiency. Finally, they contribute to CO2 absorption and improve air quality. Preliminary calculations indicate that the production of our cloths will be carbon-neutral in 10 years, resulting in carbon-negative façades. A clear illustration of our efforts to find innovative and effective ways to integrate sustainability into our buildings.” Something Baltisse Real Estate was quick to pick up on. The green façade accentuates the building’s main entrance, but they also added roof terraces and a courtyard patio in addition to redeveloping the building’s surroundings.
Greentexx by Sioen is well-known for its technological innovations in green wall systems. “We use advanced materials for optimal plant growth, striving for minimal ecological impact, both during production and installation,” Benny explains. “We integrated our latest product for curtain walls, developed in collaboration with green façade specialist Ecoworks, in the Baltisse Real Estate project in Bruges. The result? A hundred square metres of cost-efficient and fire-safe green façade over three floors, mounted with a span concept. Adding such green façades in unusual places has a unique and positive environmental impact. They serve as eye-catchers and inspire social transition, something we are really proud of. These days, there are many other solutions for improving the urban ecosystem, such as more trees in cities and green roofs and climate roofs, which are widely supported by the Flemish government. The construction industry is currently undergoing a major transformation, and vertical gardens, like the Greentexx ones, are an innovative way forward.”
Given the growing interest in sustainable construction, the Greentexx team is resolutely optimistic about the construction industry’s future. “We expect green façades and greening in general to become an integral part of many future construction and renovation projects. Green transformation is obviously here to stay as part of the transition to an ecologically responsible future. Sustainability and aesthetics will be combined in the process to transform urban environments and create sustainable heritage.”
