Innovative cast stones at GaLaBau 2024 in Nuremberg
Figure: M. Egner + Sohn
Figure: Godelmann
Figure: Rinn Beton- und Naturstein GmbH & Co. KG
Figure: Dyckerhoff
With their quite unique strategy and innovative solutions regarding the topic of sustainability and environment, members of the German Information Association for Cast Stone (Informationsgemeinschaft Betonwerkstein e.V.) – Info-b for short – presented themselves at the GaLaBau trade fair in Nuremberg. As the below-mentioned examples show, they all have a common goal: to make the sector fit for the required transformation into a carbon dioxide optimized future.
Diephaus Betonwerk GmbH located in Vechta regards, in particular, more slender concrete components as one of the greatest levers for saving carbon emissions. “Fewer material input, just according to the requirement” is the motto. Hence, for the first time in Nuremberg, they showcased reinforced L-shaped blocks with a weight reduced by more than 50 % – ideal for fair-faced concrete surfaces in the garden. At the Neumarkt-based M. Enger + Sohn GmbH, among others, an innovative solution was on display with “Cascade Verde” for vertical façade greening. Due to the integration of moss that stores water and has it evaporate slowly, this kind of greening acts like a natural air conditioning system. It does not only contribute to a pleasant urban climate, but also absorbs carbon dioxide. Ehl AG based in Kruft showcased the innovative “CEVO block”, where carbon emissions are reduced by up to 40 % due to the purposeful reduction of the cement content. With another innovation – the L-shaped concrete block “light” –, Ehl also contributes to more sustainable, because more slender, and thus weight saving construction. At the booth of the Godelmann company located in Fensterbach, the focus was on the “GDM.climate block”. Thanks to its three-layer structure, the “GDM.climate block” achieves a much higher evaporation rate than conventional pavements. In this way, the block proactively helps to improve the urban climate and prevents the ingress of harmful substances into the ground water. Due to a special mix design, the face concrete is also able to reflect heat irradiation, to reduce noise emissions and to neutralize air pollutants. Möller Chemie Steinpflege presented three EC1 certified, and thus extremely low-emission stone care products, with “Stain Protection aqua”, “Stain Protection water-based” and “Stain Protection premium color”. A highlight at the booth of Rinn Beton- und Naturstein based in Heuchelheim was the Rinn climate block. Carbon emissions are reduced by 65 % owing to a lower cement content in the core concrete. Moreover, the climate block consists of 25 % high-quality recycled granulate and is 100 % recyclable. Another approach of Rinn is the innovative Color Protect surface protection to maximize the durability of concrete blocks. At Woehe & Heydemann located in Kummerfeld, attractive patio slabs were displayed with the newly developed “ZeroLine”, having a more than 75 % lower cement content. In this way, a carbon dioxide reduction of more than 50 % is achieved, without compromising quality.
10 arguments in favor of cast stones:
1. a mineral building material
2. not flammable
3. having a long service life and being durable
4. “Made in Germany” with regional primary materials
5. natural primary materials
6. reusable / recycled material
7. resource-preserving production
8. heat storage capacity
9. absorption of carbon dioxide
10. low service and maintenance expenditure.
