Fabemi launches Vertitherm

French company Fabemi has launched Vertitherm, an insulating concrete block for use in the supporting walls of individual houses or small apartment buildings. According to the company, Vertitherm includes cell insulation to achieve RT 2012 energy performances for low-energy use buildings and “is easy to install.”

France-based concrete producer Fabemi has officially opened its new ready mixed concrete plant in La Roquette-sur-Siagne. The new 60,000m3 per year facility – the company’s fifth plant - will serve a 30km radius, including building sites in Grasse, Cannes, Mandelieu and Antibes.

LafargeHolcim’s global R&D centre near Lyon, France, has developed and patented Airium, a mineral insulating foam that improves energy efficiency for buildings, from floor to ceiling.

It is said to address the energy efficiency challenges facing society today as well as the needs of construction professionals and home-owners.

Between 30-40% of global energy consumption is used for heating and cooling buildings, and LafargeHolcim targets the thermal insulation market with this new solution. This can be

Cemex has provided 3,500m³ of concrete for the construction of 74 social housing units in the Parisian suburb of Bagnolet.

Of this amount, the company supplied 550m³ of Insularis concrete for the buildings' façade panels and balconies, with this product having 4.5 times as much heat insulation capacity as traditional concrete.

Insularis also acts as a noise barrier and is RT 2012-compliant, allowing a reduction in the buildings' energy consumption for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting