Cool and Green!: How to Enhance Thermal Performance of Concrete Featuring Holcim Academy

Sustainable construction isn’t just a trend—it’s the future. As cities grow and the demand for energy-efficient buildings increases, the materials used in construction play a crucial role. One key factor in building sustainability is thermal performance, which determines how well materials regulate temperature.

Concrete, the backbone of modern structures, has a major impact on a building’s energy efficiency. If it retains too much heat or loses warmth too quickly, it can drive up energy costs and make indoor spaces less comfortable. Holcim Academy is assisting industry professionals in staying up-to-date with the latest innovations in concrete technology.

What is ‘Thermal Performance’ in Concrete?

Thermal performance refers to concrete’s ability to absorb, store, and release heat. It’s an important factor in maintaining indoor comfort and reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. When concrete has excellent thermal performance, it helps keep buildings cooler during hot weather and retains warmth in colder temperatures.

On the flip side, poor thermal performance leads to higher energy consumption. Buildings with inefficient concrete require more air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter, increasing utility bills and carbon footprints. Therefore, enhancing thermal performance significantly contributes to sustainable construction.

Holcim’s Eco-Friendly Concrete Innovations

Holcim is at the forefront of sustainable building solutions, developing advanced concrete formulas that enhance thermal regulation while being environmentally friendly. Their eco-friendly additives help reduce heat absorption and improve insulation, leading to more energy-efficient buildings.

Some of Holcim’s innovations include:

• Low-Carbon Concrete Mixes: The ECOPact product line reduces embodied carbon in buildings by at least 30% without offsets, maintaining full performance.
• Advanced Thermal-Resistant Additives: Thermedia concrete combines structural strength with improved thermal insulation, reducing heat loss by up to 35%.
• Lightweight Concrete Solutions: Holcim’s ready-mix concrete portfolio includes products that enhance energy efficiency and reduce structural loads, contributing to sustainable construction.

These technologies aren’t just theoretical—they’re already being used in real-world projects to create cooler, greener structures.

The Energy Efficiency Advantage

Increasing the thermal performance of concrete benefits homeowners, businesses, and the environment alike. Here’s how:

• Lower Energy Costs – Better thermal regulation means less reliance on heating and cooling systems, leading to significant savings on electricity bills.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint – When buildings use less energy, they contribute fewer emissions, making cities more sustainable.
• Increased Comfort – Properly insulated concrete helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning or heating.

By choosing innovative concrete solutions, builders and developers can make a huge impact on sustainability without sacrificing durability or cost-effectiveness.

Learn with Holcim Academy: Thermal Performance of Concrete Buildings Course

Professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in sustainable construction can explore Holcim Academy’s Thermal Performance of Concrete Buildings course. This program dives deep into how concrete’s inherent properties contribute to energy efficiency and carbon reduction in buildings.

What You’ll Learn:

• The science behind thermal performance in concrete

• How eco-friendly materials improve building efficiency

• Applying thermal mass and passive design principles

• Comparing insulation types and selecting the right one for a project

• The role of efficient thermal design in decarbonization

The course takes approximately 1.5 hours, followed by an evaluation. A passing score of 80% is required to earn CPD points, supporting engineers, architects, and builders in staying updated with sustainable construction advancements. If needed, participants can arrange a retake for the evaluation.

This is a great opportunity to gain practical insights into optimizing thermal efficiency while working toward a greener built environment.

Building a Greener Tomorrow

Enhancing the thermal performance of concrete is a critical step toward creating sustainable, energy-efficient cities. Adopting innovative materials and construction methods is important in an industry that strives to reduce environmental impact while improving building performance.

Holcim Academy provides the knowledge and tools needed to make this shift. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in construction, exploring these innovations can help you build better, smarter, and greener.

Ready to take the next step in your career, ka-Builder? Join Holcim Academy today and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable future!