Moving toward the energy transition with ETICS and VINNAPAS^®

Around the world, countries are striving to reach net zero emissions – a shared global commitment under the Paris Agreement. Since buildings are responsible for 40 percent of primary energy consumption worldwide and account for 33 percent of CO₂ emissions*, improving their energy efficiency is essential on the road to net zero. One widely used solution: external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) with VINNAPAS^® polymer modification.

Among the strategies available, insulating exterior walls offers the greatest potential for energy savings in buildings. External thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) are the most widely used solution for this purpose and a key technology in making buildings truly energy-efficient.

“Across the globe, ETICS play a key role in helping countries meet their climate targets. With our regional technical centers all over the world, we support our customers in tailoring ETICS solutions to local needs and conditions.”

Anita Reitinger, Senior Global Segment Manager at WACKER

In the following video, discover how ETICS perform in both hot and cold climates and get a closer look at the structure of a typical ETICS setup.

VINNAPAS^®: enabling performance where it matters most

ETICS are complex systems made up of multiple layers – all of which must work together seamlessly to deliver reliable and long-lasting results. A key factor in ensuring this performance is polymer modification, especially in adhesives and base coats. VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer binders improve adhesive strength, enhance flexibility, support moisture regulation and make the materials easier to apply – all crucial for durability and efficient installation.

Discover how polymer modification with VINNAPAS^® boosts ETICS performance in the following video.

Built to last? A closer look at ETICS durability

ETICS are proven to be energy-efficient – but are they built to last? That’s the key question behind a long-term study conducted by the renowned Fraunhofer Institute in Germany.

Since the 1970s, ETICS have been widely used across the country. Some of the earliest systems have been monitored over decades, allowing researchers to assess how these systems age and perform over time.

Watch our video to explore what the study reveals about the real-world durability of ETICS.

“The Fraunhofer study in Germany clearly demonstrates that ETICS are built to last. Over their lifecycle, they save significantly more energy and emissions than are needed for their production, maintenance and recycling.”

Renate Glowacki, WACKER’s Senior Marketing Manager for EMEA

Sustainability that adds up

ETICS don’t just insulate – they make a real difference in terms of the energy emitted by buildings and of their carbon footprint. But can these CO₂ savings compensate for the energy that is needed for construction until the system is recycled? Viewed through the lens of lifecycle emissions, ETICS pay off quickly: in a standard German case, their carbon payback period is under two years, making them an efficient and future-ready solution.

Find out more about the energy savings, emissions impact and long-term benefits in the final chapter of our video.

“In hot climates like Saudi Arabia, ETICS greatly reduce the need for cooling. That not only improves indoor comfort and our quality of life today, but also moves us closer to a more sustainable future.”

Mohammed Sanaobar, Regional Technical Director of WACKER Middle East

More than just energy savings: additional benefits of ETICS

While environmental aspects are certainly key in deciding to use ETICS, there are more benefits:

Improved indoor comfort: Constant temperatures help create a more stable and pleasant indoor climate.
Noise reduction: ETICS can reduce external noise transmission and make a noticeable difference in everyday life.
Value preservation and increase in value: ETICS help maintain – and even increase – property value without reducing usable floor space.