In a show of confidence in DuPont™ Energain®, the thermal mass panel soon to be commercialized, the European Commission has agreed a LIFE development grant as part of its financial support package for the “Effenergy” (Energy Efficient Building Systems) project, collaboration between the 2 business units Building Innovations and Packaging & Industrial Polymers.

DuPont™ Energain® is a new wall panel, composed of paraffin phase change material, encapsulated in a unique DuPont polymer and laminated with a layer of aluminium. A major innovation for the construction market, this only 5mm thick panel promises to be an effective and easy to install solution to the problems of excessive energy consumption and unpleasant temperature peaks in low-inertia buildings.

The EC award is the first success for a new internal EMEA initiative run as a 6 sigma project by Peter Bracke to assist DuPont businesses in applying for valuable grants and subsidies. With key expertise outsourced from Ernst & Young, the programme aims to relieve the administrative burden by preparing and structuring grant submissions and progress reports. Peter Bracke is keen to encourage other eligible DuPont businesses to take advantage of the opportunities, saying, "The grant for DuPont™ Energain® represents a 30% value of the total eligible project cost and will make a significant contribution to improving the financial performance of the business and freeing up budgets for increased resources. Furthermore, it is an important stamp of approval on the potential societal value of the project."

For further information please contact:
Peggy Beicht - Media Relations
DuPont Building Innovations
L2984 Luxembourg
Tel: (352) 3666 5945
Fax: (352) 3666 5021
Email: peggy.beicht@lux.dupont.com