RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright membrane transforms Bordeaux's Auchan Shopping Centre: towards sustainable architecture and energy efficiency for urban centres
RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing products, a leader in roofing solutions, proudly announces the successful refurbishment of the Auchan Shopping Centre in Bordeaux with its cutting-edge passive cooling waterproofing membrane, RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright. This project marks a significant milestone in sustainable architecture and energy efficiency for urban centres.
Architectural challenges and innovative solutions: the transformation of Bordeaux's Auchan Shopping Centre roof
The Auchan Shopping Centre, a pivotal hub in Bordeaux, faced the pressing need to replace its aging bitumen roofing. Initially installed in sections dating back to 1995 and 2009, the old roof was no longer meeting modern standards of efficiency and sustainability.
“Our decision was primarily influenced by considerations of weight. Previously, we utilised a bituminous membrane, but we have now transitioned to a lighter alternative. Furthermore, we assessed the membrane's ability to reflect heat and sunlight. The new white membrane effectively minimises the absorption of heat and sunlight”, explains Romain Auffret, Technical Asset Manager Nhood, a real estate service company responsible for the management and development of properties owned by the group, including Auchan.
Furthermore, the shopping centre, bustling with daily activities, required a roofing solution that would not interfere with its ongoing operations.
RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright rose to the occasion by addressing these challenges head-on, with the support of the installer Cimalto Roofer. The membrane's lightweight nature offered an immediate solution to weight concerns, reducing structural load while providing a durable, long-lasting waterproofing solution.
Its high solar reflectance index (SRI) effectively minimised heat absorption, ensuring the building remained cooler and reducing reliance on air conditioning systems by an estimated 15-20%.
A result that the company was able to confirm even before the conclusion of the project through detections with a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera, which showed a significant reduction in temperature for the part already covered with the Bright membrane.
“We went beyond the customer’s requests”, comments Julien Pervalet, Project Manager at Cimalto Roofer.
The homogeneous, white design not only ensured aesthetic appeal but also facilitated seamless installation without disrupting daily business operations at the shopping centre.
Commitment to sustainability and community: the impact of the Cool3 campaign at Auchan shopping centre
Beyond technical excellence, the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright project exemplifies a commitment to sustainability through the Cool3 campaign. This initiative aligns with the Group's dedication to environmental stewardship, focusing on reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing urban air quality.
The 6,300 m² project at Auchan resulted in the planting of 63 trees, which will contribute to the absorption of 21 tons of CO2. The Cool3 campaign, through partnerships with Treedom, ensures transparency and accountability. Trees are planted by local communities, directly benefiting from these agroforestry activities, thus supporting socio-economic development alongside environmental goals.
“This pioneering project at the Auchan Shopping Centre sets a new benchmark in roofing solutions, showcasing RENOLIT's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. As urban centres continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, projects like these illuminate the path forward, balancing development with environmental responsibility”, says Cédric Salhi, Sales Manager at RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Southwest France.