Sustainable Aluminium Systems

Evangelos Efthymiou, Öget N. Cöcen and Sergio R. Ermolli
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Evangelos Efthymiou: Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Metal Structures, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, GR 54124, Greece
Öget N. Cöcen: Faculty of Architecture and Engineering, Yasar University, Yasar University Selcuk Campus 35-37, Bornova, Izmir, PK 35100, Turkey
Sergio R. Ermolli: Department of Urban Design and Planning, Faculty of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Via Toledo 402, Naples, 80134, Italy

Sustainability, 2010, vol. 2, issue 9, 1-10

Abstract: In the present paper, an analytical presentation of some popular aluminium systems that contribute to sustainability of structures is presented. Special emphasis has been given to the properties of aluminium, while the influence of these systems in the overall performance of the structure regarding environment and economy is described. In particular, characteristics of aluminium elements such as high reflectivity and recyclability and their role in life cycle analysis (LCA) are analyzed. The connections between energy efficiency and conservation of buildings and aluminium application are also discussed. Building applications such as curtain walls, window frames and facade sheets are presented and thoroughly investigated, considering their environmental and economic aspects. Furthermore, many innovative techniques that use aluminium elements in collaboration with other systems in order to produce renewable energy, such as solar panels and photovoltaics, are introduced. Finally, environmental innovations such as optimized ventilation mechanisms and light and shade management systems based on aluminium members are presented.

Keywords: sustainability; structural aluminium; sustainable constructions; aluminium building systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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