Covestro & Carlisle Drive Scope 3 Emissions Reduction

The construction industry is a critical player in the global energy landscape, with buildings and the built environment accounting for nearly 40% of energy use in the U.S. Architects, builders and building owners increasingly recognise that energy efficiency is essential for a sustainable future.

Covestro and Carlisle Construction Materials (Carlisle) have joined forces to introduce bio-circular products to the construction sector. The partnership aims to deliver high-performance, eco-friendly solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of buildings while meeting the industry's growing sustainability goals.

Innovative materials with reduced carbon footprint

A cornerstone of this collaboration is Covestro's supply of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) to Carlisle.

The MDI is based on ISCC PLUS certified mass-balanced bio-circular raw materials, featuring a product carbon footprint up to 99% lower than traditional fossil-based MDI.

The material's CO2 reduction potential is significant, with 2.4 kilograms of CO2 reduction for every kilogram of MDI produced. By incorporating this bio-circular MDI into its production processes, Carlisle can manufacture polyiso insulation boards with substantially lower embodied carbon, contributing to greener construction practices.

A legacy of innovation and partnership

The collaboration between Covestro and Carlisle is not new; it builds on decades of joint innovation in the construction industry.

As sustainability standards for the built environment continue to rise, both companies are committed to driving the development of next-generation insulation materials that align with these evolving targets.

The ongoing partnership highlights the importance of collective action and shared innovation in achieving significant advancements in sustainable construction.

Covestro's approach to innovation is deeply rooted in its vision to become fully circular.

According to Hermann-Josef Doerholt, global head of Performance Materials at Covestro, the company's research and development efforts are strategically designed to support the Scope 3 goals of customers like Carlisle, states: 

"Covestro has some of the most aggressive sustainability and climate targets in the chemical industry." 

"As we progress in developing solutions to meet these targets, the benefits extend across the supply chain."

One of the key products involved in this collaboration is Covestro's Mondur CQ 489 MS isocyanate.

The "CQ" designation, "Circular Intelligence," highlights a broad family of Covestro's circular products, including at least 25% alternative raw materials derived from biomass or recycled plastics. This innovative approach to material science is at the heart of the sustainable transformation in the construction industry.

Carlisle's commitment to sustainable solutions

Carlisle Construction Materials, a global leader in building envelope solutions, aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It incorporates 5% bio-circular content into its rigid foam insulation products, used across its SynTec, Versico, Hunter Panels and WeatherBond brands.

The new bio-based insulation is a prime example of how Carlisle is expanding its portfolio to include more sustainable building materials, ensuring customers access state-of-the-art products that meet high environmental standards.

Steve Schwar, President of Carlisle Construction Materials, states: "At Carlisle, we've always been dedicated to developing construction products that perform at the highest level and lead the way in sustainability." 

"Our partnership with Covestro plays a critical role in delivering bio-based solutions that push the boundaries of material science and support the construction industry's shift toward a more sustainable future."

A fully circular future

Covestro's global network of ISCC PLUS-certified facilities, including its manufacturing site in Baytown, Texas, ensures a consistent supply of sustainable materials.

As part of its commitment to circularity, Covestro aims to be operationally climate-neutral (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2035 and achieve complete climate neutrality (Scope 3) by 2050.

With hundreds of circular CQ products already available and more in development, Covestro is well-positioned to continue leading the charge in sustainable material innovation.

The partnership between Covestro and Carlisle highlights how collaboration and cutting-edge material science can drive the construction industry toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.

Together, these companies are laying the foundation for the next generation of energy-efficient buildings.

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