MaIsoVi project Vacuum insulation materials, innovative approach for windows in construction and renovation

The building sector is responsible for almost 36% of CO2 emissions in Europe and 40% of energy consumption. This underlines the need to develop new solutions to support the strategy of reducing the energy needs of housing.
The objective of the MaIsoVi project (GreenWin n°8653) is to offer the construction and renovation market for the residential and commercial (tertiary) segment:
- A vacuum glazing (tempered FINEO) demonstrating the same or better energy efficiency than triple glazing but with the same weight as double glazing and the thickness of single glazing.
- A wooden window equipped with this FINEO and using a minimum of materials while guaranteeing the best performance over a maximum extended life span.
The implementation processes and the design of these products will be optimized to obtain a lower environmental footprint than the state of the art (triple glazed wooden window). The life cycle assessment (LCA) of the products and their processing is conducted during all the steps of the project to ensure the completion of this objective.
The tempered FINEO glazing is produced in the Walloon region at AGC site in Lodelinsart. The wooden frame is manufactured at Menuiserie Riche in Mariembourg, and the FINEO window will be marketed in Belgium, a large part of France and neighbouring countries. Two research centers, Materia Nova and Cenaero, support the development and characterization of the new products, and Liège University is in charge of the LCA.
The first step of the LCA is the specific modelling of the woods based on both primary and background data, and from this, the evaluation of the footprint of the wood window especially (eco)designed for the FINEO glazing, with different wood combinations and innovative solutions for an easy repair/replacement/refurbishing. The FINEO life cycle assessment, on its side, is based on primary data. The resulting product is to be compared to the usual commercial equivalent windows with triple glazing.
This project is supported by the GreenWin Competition Clusters and subsidized by the Walloon Region (BE).