Low-Carbon Aluminium Profiles in Alicante

In Alicante it's no longer just about color and opening type; on new builds in Benalúa and renovations in San Juan Playa a clear question is ringing out: what's the carbon footprint of your profile? Local fabricators are asking extruders for EPD and a recycled content declaration. Why? Because there are profiles with footprints of 2–8 kg CO2e/kg (recycled aluminum or made with renewable energy) versus 16–20 for standard primary aluminum. If they give you the figure in kg CO2e per kg of profile, you can compare without smoke and mirrors. In a flat renovation in Carolinas, swapping 120 kg of joinery for low-footprint profiles can cut several tonnes of embodied CO2 in the overall project tally. Practical tip: when you request a quote in Elche or San Vicente, require three things in writing: a current EPD, the post-consumer recycled content percentage (not just pre-consumer), and the exact value in kg CO2e/kg with the year and the manufacturing plant. If they only show you a brochure with green icons, it's time to insist: ask for the technical PDF and the declaration number.

“Low-footprint” doesn’t stop at the label. Most of these profiles come with thermal break in reinforced polyamide and EPDM gaskets that seal better. Translation? Less condensation in winter and a target Uw of 1.3–1.6 W/m²K if you install good glazing. In a penthouse in Playa de San Juan, switching from old sliding windows to a low-footprint perimeter casement with hidden sash cut the traffic hum and stopped the “dripping” on the north-facing frame on humid days. In premises at the Elche Business Park, the framing with recycled profiles and solar-control glass reduces the air-conditioning load at peak hours. Less embodied CO2 and fewer kWh on your bill: double impact. Near the sea? Ask for “seaside” treatment in coating or anodizing ≥20 microns; the Santa Pola sea breeze is punishing, and this extends the hardware’s service life. Tactical tip: fit new weatherstripping if you reuse sashes; a worn-out gasket undermines any improvement, no matter how green the profile is.

Let's get to what you care about: numbers and timelines. Today, a low-footprint profile typically adds +5–12% in price compared to a conventional one, and the delivery time is around 3–6 weeks depending on the finish. Is it worth it? If you improve insulation and choose appropriate glass, you recoup part through lower energy use and increase the home's value (in Alicante it shows in appraisals of recent builds). Don't finalize the order without seeing certificates: EPD, % post-consumer recycled content, and finish warranty. My quick checklist: 1) Ask for the value in kg CO2e/kg for the batch that will be installed. 2) Confirm watertightness class and wind class according to your height/exposure. 3) For coastal areas, request coating with a “seaside” specification and stainless steel anchors. 4) Clarify the recycling plan for the removed joinery (authorized waste manager and receipt). 5) Define the target Uw per opening, not just per system. And one last note: if the budget shoots up, consider keeping the frames if they're sound and renewing the sashes and glass; you reduce work, cut embodied CO2, and avoid delays.