Achilles Board First in Japan to Obtain SuMPO EPD Certification for Insulation

Achilles Corporation's Groundbreaking SuMPO EPD Certification

In a significant development for the construction industry, Achilles Corporation has announced that its rigid urethane foam insulation products, the Achilles Board GF non-fluon and Achilles Board WAL-D, have become the first expanded plastic insulation materials in Japan to acquire the SuMPO Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). This prestigious certification, managed by the Sustainable Management Promotion Organization (SuMPO), reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices in building construction.

The Push for Carbon Neutrality

The move towards sustainability in construction is timely, as Japan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of the country’s CO2 emissions, highlighting the urgent need for innovation in reducing environmental impact. The Japanese government has put great effort into facilitating discussions surrounding life cycle carbon reduction in construction through the establishment of various committees. With the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry leading initiatives to promote Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for buildings, the focus on minimizing greenhouse gas emissions throughout a building’s life—from planning and construction to operation and demolition—has significantly intensified.

Achieving LCA Compliance

The certification of Achilles Boards allows for the calculation of LCA in buildings that use these products. By securing SuMPO EPD for its materials, Achilles Corporation contributes to the research and development of eco-friendly building solutions that comply with the anticipated regulations regarding carbon neutrality and building efficiency. This proactive approach demonstrates Achilles' dedication to innovation and their intent to lead the market in sustainable building materials.

Both Achilles Board GF non-fluon (high density) and Achilles Board WAL-D have been developed specifically to excel in various construction practices. The GF non-fluon variant is optimized for waterproofing methods on reinforced concrete roofs, while the WAL-D version excels in sheet waterproofing for steel-reinforced structures.

Technical Specifications

- Achilles Board GF non-fluon (High Density):

Product Features: Ideal for rooftop waterproofing utilizing asphalt methods (thermal technique).
SuMPO EPD Registration: EPD Ecoleaf Link, Registration Number: JR-BP-25001E

- Achilles Board WAL-D:

Product Features: Best suited for sheet waterproofing applications in steel and reinforced concrete structures (mechanical fixing method).
SuMPO EPD Registration: EPD Ecoleaf Link, Registration Number: JR-BP-25002E

Moving Forward with Sustainability

Achilles Corporation's recent achievements exemplify its commitment to achieving the targets set forth for carbon neutrality by 2050. By actively engaging in LCA initiatives for building construction, the company aims to reduce CO2 emissions not just in product development, but across the entire lifecycle of buildings. This pioneering step marks a major milestone for the industry and solidifies Achilles’ position as a leader in sustainable construction materials, as they continue to expand their offerings certified by EPD.