The proposed solution enables the creation of a gypsum board with termal energy storage capacity. Thanks to the addition of phase change materials, this new constructive element can storage, in 1,5cm of thickness, 5 times the thermal energy that can be stored in a regular board with the same thickness.

The PCMs are materials which store or release termal energy as latent heat, achiving the same effect as a thick and heavy wall with a great thermal inertia. The integration of PCMs made of gypsum oriented to construction is not new, but this solution has 45% of these materials compared to the 26% for currently commercial products.

“This patented solution is able to maintain the premises temperature in the confort range (20ºC-30ºC) without air conditioning”

• According to current projections, 70% of the world population will live in cities by 2050.

• According to forecast, up to 2020, global energy demand will grow 2.2% annually, most of it in the developed world. Investment in building energy efficiency would release this scarce resource for other purposes.

• The need for energy savings in buildings. According to the European Union 20/20/20 objective, it is estimated that 40% of European energy consumption is concentrated in buildings .

•  Lack of material and energy resources and need for consumption optimization in the construction sector.

• Energy consumption in buildings is responsible for about 30% of CO2 emissions.

• China will concentrate 50% of new construction between 2008 and 2015, being a key factor in its commitment of greenhouse gases emissions [McKinsey]

• Although they have proven to be less costly for governments and investors strategies, current efficiency policies in construction often receive less attention than renewable energy projects.

 “Spain leads the gypsum manufacturing and exportation industry, which is the material base of this solution”

• Buildings desing, construction and renovation will be a strong economic engine either in GDP and employment terms. Construction will involve 16.5% of GDP in emerging markets in 2020 [Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics].

• For every additional dollar spent on buildings energy efficiency it is estimated a $2 savings in energy supplies [World Green Building Council].

• Spanish gypsum production in 2010 was nearly 7 million metric tons, accumulating declines during the last 5 years [Geological and Mining Institute of Spain].

• Gypsum production reaches a value of 5.5 € / metric ton at the foot of the quarry [Minning Statistics].

• Gypsum world production reaches 147 million metric tons [U.S. Geological Survey, 2010]; Spain is a leading world producer and the European leader in both production and export.

• The thermal energy storage in combination with passive strategies (sunlight, natural ventilation ...) reduces building energy consumption up to 40% .

• Short amortization period of the initial investment: 1 or 2 years.

• High availability of gypsum, widespread use in construction and low cost.

• Compliance of the Spanish Physical and mechanical performance regulations.

• Results from experimental tests conducted to meet the physical, mechanical and static properties.