Trespa sets the standard: 'Don't settle for a marketing document'

Of course, any company can say that "the pursuit of sustainability" is in its genes. But the question is whether that company is thereby achieving deeper goals. At Trespa in Weert they are now taking a different tack: they want to strive for more transparency about the data surrounding sustainability. Marco Beelen, Regional Sales Manager for the Netherlands, says Trespa is presenting a "bold and unambiguous statement": "I'm talking about the Trespa Standard which I hope the industry will follow us in."

"With this we position ourselves as a leader of fact-based communication in the field of product sustainability," says Marco. "That we always strive for sustainability, the market knows that but as far as we are concerned, it is now also about showing our transparent working methods as well as the commitment we have to the continuous improvement of our products as well as our production location."

"After all, we know the impact our industry has on the environment," he continued. "By acknowledging this fact, we can make more responsible choices. In other words, we can change the way 'things get done.' For example, our industry's significant carbon footprint is due to the use of energy-intensive materials and processes. Buildings account for 39% (!) of global energy-related carbon emissions. Of course, our goal remains to reduce them. We want to help the industry transform to more sustainable practices now. Therefore, we are setting new standards to make informed - read: better! - decisions based on indisputable data."

Scaling up fire safety

According to Marco, all the data Trespa comes up with are based on facts. "It's not something we 'just figured out' ourselves. We have had all our data verified by third parties. Think environmental product declarations per product (EPD), third-party verified bio-based content per product, third-party verified Product Health Declarations (HPD), third-party verified VOC emissions and third-party verified green building certification statements. So all the content we publish has been extensively tested. They are not blanks. What we tell you is true. This standard will continue to be rolled out this year. As far as we are concerned, parties in the market should no longer be satisfied with some manufacturer's marketing document containing nice words and big promises. After all, human lives may be at stake. Consider, for example, the promotion of the fire safety of facades. In recent years - everyone knows what I am talking about - major accidents have occurred. At a time like that, in the preliminary stage, you shouldn't be focused on marketing your product alone. It's about real impact in people's lives! So the choice of materials for facade construction can be much more focused and effective. With better (safer!) end results. That's why proven and verified data are of incredible social importance."

Second Life

Much more can also be done to reuse (Second Life) panels, for example, which are given a second use, even in non-critical building applications. For example, if a panel is removed, it could be used as the basis for a bus shelter. Or in the construction of a bicycle shed. Or table tennis table. So the end goal is to extend the life of the panels, storing carbon even longer. But then you have to know on the basis of what data you make the choice."

Marco concludes, "For us, sustainability is no longer a buzzword. It's about sharing our impact on the environment. We want to improve and we can only do that if we know how to do it. And it is precisely the how that matters: that is why we are setting a new standard. Call it an unprecedented commitment to data transparency. The industry will be happy with the end result: everyone can make better informed decisions regarding sustainability."