MERCOR for the construction of the future

Bernard Adkonis, director of research and development from the Smoke Extraction and Roof Lighting Department of MERCOR S.A., presents how MERCOR's advanced technological solutions, confirmed by the EPD declaration, support the development of ecological and energy-saving modern construction investments.

A responsible approach to construction means not only attention to environmental aspects, but also the quality of functioning of people in the building and an optimal approach to energy management. MERCOR products combine safety with care for the environment, which makes them an ideal choice for sustainable construction. The use of passive fire protection products that are also compliant with global environmental responsibility standards is a responsible investment in the future.

Why is it so important to introduce low-emission construction products to the market today?

Bernard Adkonis: In the face of increasing climate challenges, the construction industry plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Low-emission construction products contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the entire building, which is in line with global sustainable development goals. Certifications such as BREEAM, LEED or WELL set high requirements in terms of environmental impact, and the use of products compliant with environmental standards allows investors to meet these standards.

How to know whether a given product is suitable for a building that is supposed to be built in a sustainable manner and ultimately certified in the BREEAM, LEED or WELL system?

Bernard Adkonis: A key tool in the assessment of construction products are environmental product declarations (EPDs). These documents, developed in accordance with the PN-EN 15804 standard, provide detailed information about the product life cycle, including the carbon footprint and resource consumption. Products with the EPD declaration allow designers and investors to make sure that they meet the requirements of certification systems such as BREEAM, LEED or WELL.

In the process of preparing data for the EPD declaration for MERCOR products, the Building Research Institute (ITB) played a key role, acting as an independent third party. ITB verified the accuracy of the data provided and the life cycle analyzes (LCA) performed to ensure their compliance with international standards. Such cooperation confirms the credibility of the declaration and enables designers and investors to make informed decisions based on reliable and verified information. Thanks to the support of ITB, construction products, such as those offered by MERCOR, gain independent confirmation of their quality and sustainability.

How does MERCOR, as a manufacturer, ensure that products are produced in a sustainable and responsible manner in terms of environmental impact?

Bernard Adkonis: MERCOR places great emphasis on sustainable development. Products such as smoke vents, rooflights and light strips are manufactured at the plant in Poland, Cieplewo, from locally sourced materials, which minimizes transport-related emissions. Additionally, we constantly optimize production processes in terms of energy consumption and waste reduction, and their environmental impact is monitored in accordance with the principles of life cycle analysis (LCA).

How to check the carbon footprint of the production of a given product, e.g. a vent or a skylight/rooflight?

Bernard Adkonis: The carbon footprint of MERCOR products such as smoke vents, rooflights or light strips, also known as Global Warming Potential (GPW), can be assessed thanks to the data included in the product's environmental declaration (EPD No. ITB 259/2021). This document contains data on greenhouse gas emissions throughout the product life cycle - from raw material acquisition, through production and transport, to disposal. The life cycle analysis (LCA) carried out allows us to precisely determine the impact of each of our products on the environment.

For MERCOR products, the global warming potential (GWP, expressed in kg CO₂ eq.) is variable, and its range of values ​​varies depending on the mass of the product and the materials used in its production. For larger and more advanced products, such as rooflights, this indicator is higher, which is due to the greater amount of raw materials used, such as steel, aluminum or polycarbonate. Detailed values ​​are provided in the tables of the EPD 259/2021 declaration, separately for each of the life cycle stages A1-A5, and the production of products itself is covered by stages A1-A3.

By analyzing these values ​​in our EPD, designers can precisely assess the environmental impact of products and adapt them to the requirements of sustainable buildings, minimizing the overall carbon footprint of the investment.

Are mcr PROLIGHT and mcr ULTRA THERM smoke exhaust vents and rooflight products that can be used in sustainable construction? What features make this happen?

Bernard Adkonis: Products from the mcr PROLIGHT and mcr ULTRA THERM series perfectly fit the idea of ​​sustainable construction. mcr ULTRA THERM smoke exhaust flaps and rooflights are characterized by high thermal insulation due to the use of multi-chamber PVC profiles, which ensures the absence of thermal bridges.

mcr PROLIGHT products, made of metals such as steel and aluminum, combine durability with energy efficiency, while offering high resistance to external factors. Importantly, the products described are primarily construction products compliant with relevant harmonized standards, such as EN 12101-2 for smoke extraction systems or EN 1873 for roof skylights. Each product has a declaration of performance (DoP) and a CPR certificate of conformity, if required by a harmonized standard (e.g. for smoke vents).

Such documents confirm that MERCOR products meet not only stringent legal requirements, but also quality and safety standards, which makes them suitable for projects certified in the BREEAM, LEED or WELL systems. These features, combined with a low carbon footprint and durability, make MERCOR hatches and skylights an ideal solution for sustainable construction.

Are MERCOR products (mcr PROLIGHT hatches and rooflights and mcr PROLIGHT hatches and mcr ULTRA THERM hatches and skylights) energy-saving and how to check the degree of energy efficiency?

Bernard Adkonis: MERCOR products are designed to minimize energy losses. PROLIGHT skylights and light strips ensure maximum daylight illumination, which reduces the need for artificial lighting. The insulating properties of ULTRA THERM flaps reduce heat losses, which translates into lower energy consumption in buildings. Information about energy efficiency, and more precisely about the product's heat transfer coefficient, light transmittance and total solar radiation transmittance, is provided to recipients in the design and offer process.

How does the EPD declaration for a MERCOR product protect the designer and influence the subsequent implementation of building certification?

Bernard Adkonis: EPD declarations for MERCOR products make it easier for designers and investors to implement projects that comply with certification requirements. Thanks to detailed environmental data, these documents provide a solid basis for verifying the environmental impact of products. This allows not only to meet formal requirements, but also to optimize the project in terms of sustainable development.


Thank you very much for the interview.

Interview by: Izabela Adamska, Marketing Project Coordinator at MERCOR S.A.