Bayer for uniform measuring of carbon footprint in construction industry

Bayer MaterialScience, a division of Bayer AG and a prominent provider of materials used in the global construction industry, has given its support to a proposal by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for a globally consistent Common Carbon Metric for Buildings which will provide a common language for measuring greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency of buildings.

A report released by UNEP SBCI (Sustainable Building and Climate Initiative), 'Buildings and Climate Change - Summary for Decision Makers', says energy-efficient buildings could significantly contribute to reducing the risks of climate change. It calls for buildings to be included in any declaration on emissions reductions arising from this month's COP15 meeting in Copenhagen.

Patrick Thomas, CEO of Bayer MaterialScience, says that as a member of the UNEP SBCI, Bayer Material Science fully supports proposals in the report. "Having one common tool – a common language – in place will provide an internationally coherent and consistent method for measuring the climate footprint of buildings for the first time," says Thomas.

"Bayer MaterialScience has been involved in inventing and producing energy efficient processes and products for the last 60 years. We fully agree with the directions being taken by UNEP SBCI and are delighted that it has included our EcoCommercial Building program in its deliberations."

The EcoCommercial Building initiative was launched by Bayer MaterialScience in 2007 as part of the Bayer Climate Program. A key element is the partnership network that the company has built up with suppliers, construction companies, architects and property developers. Bayer contributes its expertise and high-tech products and arranges for the involvement of suitable partners to facilitate tailored solutions for the construction of energy-optimized commercial and public buildings that range from low-energy and passive constructions to zero-emission buildings.

With 2008 sales of euro 9.7 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world's largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and sports and leisure industries.