Cotto d'Este has been awarded the Casa Clima Partner status, having demonstrated its compliance with the full range of strict criteria imposed by Casa Clima, the only independent certification body in Italy able to boast over 20 years’ experience in energy efficiency certification for buildings. Less energy wasted means lower CO2 emissions, which in turn means a reduction in air pollution and all the problems it poses for our planet (a rise in the average temperature and the consequent climate changes which are clear for all to see).
A cultural approach aimed at allowing people to live in houses that are not only more energy-efficient but are also extremely pleasant to live in, as well as environment-friendly. This is a concept that regards not only new buildings, but also the sustainable renovation of existing constructions, with the aim of making them comfortable and pleasant to live in, without damaging the environment or wasting resources.

Energy efficiency regards both new and renovated buildings, and takes account of the following three factors:

• the energy efficiency of the building envelope;
• the use of renewable energy sources;
• the reduction of the environmental impact through the use of natural materials.

The energy efficiency of the building envelope is measured and classified according to the fuel used to heat the building in a year:

• class ORO = energy required < 1 litre/m2/year;
• class A < 3 litres/m2/year;
• class B < 5 litres/m2/year;
• class C < 7 litres/m2/year.

The Casa Clima PIÙ classification (applicable to classes ORO, A and B) is awarded to buildings that use renewable sources of energy and are built exclusively using materials that are not damaging to health or to the environment.
Cotto d'Este tiles, which are made with an ISO 14001 and EMAS certified production cycle, can help buildings to achieve this target.

The following uses can contribute to obtaining Casa Clima certification:

• Floor and wall tile finishes. The use of synthetic materials such as PVC is not recommended, and Cotto d'Este’s porcelain stoneware is safer (fire resistant), more hard-wearing and longer-lasting than wood;
• Under-floor heating systems. Compared to wood, which is a poor conductor of heat, Cotto d'Este porcelain stoneware offers excellent performance, because it allows the whole system to function effectively with a lower water temperature, thus saving energy throughout the system;
• Coverings for ventilated walls. In these cases, the use of Cotto d'Este porcelain stoneware is recommended, as a result of its design and of how easy it is to install; a suitable alternative is Kerlite, because of its large size and light weight. In comparison with stone or metal materials, what makes Cotto d'Este products ideal is undoubtedly the greater resistance they offer to weather conditions, smog and chemical agents, as well as ageing, light and frost, which makes them last longer.

> Agenzia CasaClima