PRANCE metalwork is a leading manufacturer of metal ceiling and facade systems.
What curtain wall system material choices best support sustainability targets and embodied carbon reduction strategies?
Material selection in metal curtain wall systems directly affects embodied carbon and a project’s sustainability profile. Aluminum is widely used for frames and panels; choose recycled-content alloys and suppliers who document low-carbon smelting processes to reduce embodied emissions. Specify materials with high recyclability—aluminum and stainless steel can be reclaimed at end-of-life with established recycling streams. Avoid unnecessary composite layers that complicate recycling unless lifecycle benefits justify them.
Finishes matter: PVDF coatings are durable and reduce frequency of recoat cycles, lowering lifecycle environmental impact, while anodizing is a more energy-efficient surface treatment in many contexts and can be specified with long warranties. Insulation within curtain wall cavities should be non-hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based and favor materials with low global warming potential. Glass selection affects operational energy—high-performance IGUs reduce heating and cooling demands, thereby diminishing operational carbon over the building’s life.
Consider whole-building LCA and alignment with green building targets (LEED, BREEAM, or region-specific schemes). Modular metal curtain wall systems often reduce waste through factory control and enable material take-back schemes. Engage suppliers who provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and transparently report recycled content and manufacturing energy intensity. For supplier resources and metal façade material guidance, visit https://prancebuilding.com/metal-ceiling.html.