Wienerberger AG: Wienerberger and Viessmann: partnership for energy-efficient housing concept

Vienna (pta009/09.02.2011/10:50 UTC+1) The e4-concept from Wienerberger - the benchmark in the vast array of regulations covering the energy-efficiency of residential construction
- Working in conjunction with heating technology specialists Viessmann Group, allows for optimal coordination of all system components
- Energy saving construction with solid sustainability credential is possible thanks to the combination of Wienerberger's solid exterior clay block envelop and efficient heating technology from Viessmann

Vienna, February 09, 2011 - Climate change, limited resources and rising energy prices are among the greatest challenges of the 21st Century, and modern residential construction can play an important role in tackling these challenges. Wienerberger AG, the world's largest producer of bricks and number one in clay roof tiles in Europe, has for many years addressed the issue of energy-efficient construction and sustainability. In addition to research and development to optimise existing products, and the innovation of new generation, high thermal insulating blocks and efficient construction systems, the Group also focuses on developing more energy-efficient and cost-competitive housing concepts.

The e4-concept from Wienerberger for energy-efficient, cost-competitive buildings
Against this backdrop, Wienerberger has developed the e4-concept for energy-efficient buildings. The concept is based on four key factors:
- a high thermal insulating, solid exterior envelop, built from optimised clay blocks
- the use of natural building materials to create a healthy internal climate and high comfort of living
- efficient, climate-friendly and comfortable heating technology for all energy sources from partner companies
- available at an affordable construction cost with minimal maintenance and operating expenses.

System solutions with high thermal insulating brick shell and state-of-the-art heating technology
In order to accommodate the various construction methods and climatic conditions throughout Europe, and to meet the many diverse requirements and standards across the continent, the e4-concept will be marketed for specific national market - e.g. the "Wienerberger Tonhaus" in Germany. These concepts offer developers, builders, architects and planners uncomplicated, easy-to-use and individually adaptable complete solutions that are well thought-out, from the planning phase, to implementation and operation. The foundation of this is always a solid exterior envelop made of innovative high thermal insulating Wienerberger blocks, which provide optimal thermal insulation, heat capacity and heat bridge-free details while also creating a natural, healthy room climate.

Viessmann Group - the system partner for heating technology
The basic brick structure is combined with efficient and climate-friendly equipment made by the Viessmann Group, headquartered in Allendorf (Eder, Germany). This leading international producer of heating technology has been invited to join the e4 housing concept as a partner. With a complete program for all energy sources and applications, Viessmann offers individual solutions and optimally designed system components that can also incorporate renewable energy sources.

Benchmark for developers and builders: easy-to-use, tailor-made complete solutions, including product recommendations
Heimo Scheuch, CEO of Wienerberger AG, explained: "Our vision includes healthy, energy-efficient and sustainable buildings that are both attractive and affordable. Together with partners, we offer our customers building concepts from a single source that ensure perfect interaction between the high thermal insulating clay block structure and dynamic, innovative heating systems. We supply easy-to-use, flexible solutions and design studies, together with suitable product recommendations. The buildings are constructed by experts, developers, architects and planners with Wienerberger serving as an important reference point as they navigate the maze of different requirements and regulations. The next phase of this approach has seen us team up with experts from research institutions and related industries. I am particularly pleased to have found an enthusiastic partner in the Viessmann Group, with which we have already started successful projects in several countries, including Poland, Austria, Germany and Croatia. Together we have the chance to develop the future direction of construction innovation."

Building envelop and heating technology form an integrated system
Stefan Heer, CSO and member of the Administrative Board of Viessmann Werke GmbH & Co. KG, emphasized: "Buildings must meet high standards for energy efficiency and CO2 emissions. This is not only in the interest of economical operations, but also represents a legal requirement. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) defines strict standards at the European level, which are currently being implemented in the national law of the member states and will require mandatory compliance in just a few years." Heer continued, "The consequence is that every new house must be viewed and planned holistically from the very beginning as an integrated system consisting of a building structure and envelop as well as the necessary technology. Only then can the relevant legal requirements be met without immense costs for operation and maintenance after completion." For Wienerberger and Viessmann it was an obvious step to combine the strengths of both companies. "We have developed a simple building system that can illustrate the complete range of feasible technical options with a limited number of preconfigured modules. The specific equipment is not important - it could include a condensing boiler, biomass boiler or heat pump. Naturally, the concept also covers equipment such as solar plants or ventilation systems that are now the standard in many energy-efficient houses," added Heer.

e4-concept meets EU guidelines for the energy performance of buildings
Wienerberger intends to use the e4-concept to increase awareness of how investors and designers can make a demonstrable contribution to sustainable development through the design, construction and operation of a building that is both energy efficient and economically viable. Wienerberger's e4-concept provides well thought out recommendations for everything from energy source to construction method and primary energy consumption, together with an analysis of the relevant costs. With its comprehensive approach, the e4-concept meets the goals of the energy performance of buildings directive (DIRECTIVE 2010/31/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL dated May 19, 2010 on the energy performance of buildings) which requires a "nearly zero energy" standard for future buildings, defines total primary energy consumption as a key indicator for analysis, and mandates a "cost-optimal energy efficiency level".

More on Wienerberger under www.wienerberger.com.
More on the Viessmann Group under www.viessmann.com.

For additional information contact:
Karin Hofmann, Head of Public Relations Wienerberger AG
T +43 1 60192-484 | communication@wienerberger.com

Jörg Schmidt, Public Relations at Viessmann Werke GmbH & Co. KG
T +49 6452-701569 | smdj@viessmann.com

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Emitter:	Wienerberger AG Wienerbergstrasse 11 1100 Wien Austria
Contact Person:	Karin Hofmann
Phone:	+43 1 60192-484
E-Mail:	communication@wienerberger.com
Website:	www.wienerberger.com
ISIN(s):	AT0000831706 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Vienna Stock Exchange