RENOLIT ALKORPLAN's analysis supports Stihl’s move towards a sustainable future

RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products proudly announces the successful completion of a significant project at Stihl’s logistic hub for the Iberic peninsula, situated in Torres de la Alameda, Madrid, Spain.

This initiative involved the installation of photovoltaic panels on 6,200 square meters of existing RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright membrane, leveraging the innovative RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Solar Profile.

Beyond the efficiency provided by the product itself, this project notably underscored the crucial role of comprehensive technical service prior to installation. The true value offered by RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products, in fact, extends far beyond the impressive characteristics of its membranes and fastening systems. It lies in the depth of its technical service and the rigorous approach taken prior to installation. A comprehensive service that can count on the expertise and experience of the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Technical Department.

The analysis by RENOLIT’s technical department was essential for the project’s success, given its challenges and the company's ambitious efficiency and sustainability goals.

This project, executed by the roofer Impermeabilizaciones Presa S.L., exemplifies a shared dedication to robust, high-performance solutions and sustainable energy.

Addressing Stihl's multifaceted requirements

For Stihl - a group that develops, produces, and distributes machinery for forestry, agriculture, landscaping, construction, and private garden owners, as well as digital solutions and services -, selecting a roofing solution that mirrored its own commitment to rigorous testing and meticulous preparation was paramount.

As a family-owned German group with a strong focus on excellence and sustainability, just like RENOLIT, Stihl had several critical requirements during the modernization of its facilities in Torres de la Alameda.

“This project was an opportunity to simultaneously renew the existing roof and integrate advanced energy solutions. A primary need was to significantly enhance energy efficiency, specifically by reducing air conditioning consumption”, explains Josè Antonio Ortega Bucero, Manager General Services and Maintenance at Andrea Stihl S.A.

Crucially, Stihl aimed to achieve the maximum possible yield from their newly installed photovoltaic panels, knowing that high environmental temperatures severely diminish the efficiency of PV modules. Therefore, selecting a roofing material that could mitigate this heat-induced performance loss and ensure optimal energy generation was a decisive factor.

Furthermore, there was a demand for ecological, environmentally friendly products, coupled with rigorous safety standards to ensure the stable and secure support of the PV panels, all while maintaining a lightweight solution for the existing roof structure.

Tailored solutions for optimal performance and safety

RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products responded to Stihl’s precise demands with a comprehensive and expertly engineered solution. The RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright membrane, already in place, played a crucial role by its highly reflective surface, significantly reducing heat absorption and thus lowering the building’s cooling requirements and energy consumption.

This inherent characteristic not only contributed to energy savings but also created a more favourable environment for the photovoltaic panels, mitigating the high-temperature performance degradation that Stihl sought to avoid.

To securely integrate the new PV system without compromising the roof’s integrity or adding excessive weight, the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Solar Profile was the ideal choice. As an ultralight fastening system, it eliminated the need for membrane perforation or additional ballast, aligning perfectly with Stihl’s requirement for a lightweight and secure installation.

How the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN technical department's rigorous analysis ensures project success

While the choice of solutions guaranteed improved energy efficiency and sustainability for the building, another important challenge was linked to the installation of the Solar system on an existing Bright membrane, which was already approximately five years old. According to company guidelines, the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Solar system should be installed within two years of the membrane's initial installation.

Since this timeframe had passed, the company decided to carry out a detailed analysis - including aging tests, as well as welding, tensile, and tear strength evaluations - to thoroughly evaluate the technical situation and determine the optimal solution for the customer's specific needs.

Specifically, RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products wanted to ensure the secure adhesion of the Solar system to the Bright membrane and to guarantee that the membrane's remaining lifespan would be at least as long as the photovoltaic system itself.

This comprehensive due diligence and the proactive solution to a complex technical challenge are what truly set RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products apart. The company's proactive measures to ensure optimal integration and long-term reliability were perfectly aligned with Stihl's own meticulous approach to excellence, safety and sustainability. Moreover, this dedication to thorough preparation instilled confidence and peace of mind in the client.

“When you have the possibility to offer a product like Bright that reduces temperatures and increases energy efficiency, the client embraces it wholeheartedly. In addition, from an installation perspective, our operators don't experience the sensation of working on a hot surface as they do with other membranes”, says Raul Cruz Romero, Managing Director of Impermeabilizaciones Presa S.L.

This highlights the tangible benefits not just for the building owner but also for the installation team, fostering a smoother, more efficient project execution.

Contributing to a greener future and lasting partnerships

This successful collaboration at the Stihl facilities in Madrid stands as a testament to RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products' commitment to both technical excellence and environmental stewardship.

The project notably contributes to the Cool3 Campaign, an initiative in partnership with Treedom, where one tree is planted for every 100 square meters of RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright or Smart membrane sold. Through the installation of 6,200 square meters of its advanced roofing solutions, this project alone is responsible for planting 62 new trees, which will absorb an estimated 21,390 KG of CO2, further cementing Stihl's and RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products' dedication to a greener future.