Sustainable Performance of Derbibrite NT® Reflective Membrane
The Derbibrite NT® Reflective Membrane, developed by Derbigum, is an innovative white roofing solution designed to enhance energy efficiency, improve indoor comfort, and reduce environmental impact. It is especially effective for buildings in warm climates or with high cooling demands.
Energy Efficiency and Comfort
Derbibrite NT® offers excellent solar reflectance (81%) and thermal emissivity (81%), resulting in a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 100. This ensures that a significant portion of solar radiation is reflected rather than absorbed, which keeps the roof surface significantly cooler.
Compared to conventional dark roofing materials, which can reach surface temperatures of 80–85°C during summer, Derbibrite NT® limits roof temperatures to approximately 40–45°C. As a result, the interior temperature of buildings can be reduced by up to 5°C, leading to improved thermal comfort and less reliance on air conditioning. Depending on the building’s characteristics, this can generate annual energy savings of up to €4 per square meter of roof surface.
Environmental Benefits
Derbibrite NT® contributes significantly to sustainable building practices. Throughout its lifespan, it offsets up to 19 times the amount of CO₂ emitted during its production. The membrane is fully recyclable, and its pH-neutral surface ensures that rainwater runoff is not contaminated, making it suitable for reuse in domestic, industrial, or sanitary systems.
Enhanced Solar Panel Performance
The white, reflective surface of the membrane helps maintain lower operating temperatures for crystalline photovoltaic panels, which can improve their efficiency. Additionally, the reflected light contributes to better light distribution, potentially increasing the energy output of solar installations.
Technical Specifications
The membrane is composed of hybrid bitumen reinforced with glass and polyester, finished with a highly reflective acrylic coating. It meets the European EN 13501-5 standard with a BROOF (t1, t2, t3) fire classification, indicating high fire resistance. It also resists fungal growth, as tested under ASTM G 21, supporting long-term hygiene and durability.
Conclusion
Derbibrite NT® is a high-performance, sustainable roofing membrane that delivers measurable energy savings, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances the performance of solar energy systems. Its recyclability, fire safety, and resistance to environmental factors make it an ideal choice for modern, energy-conscious construction projects.
More information can be found at: https://derbigum.com/products
