Climaver, a non-metallic self-supporting duct system delivers thermal efficiency

Deliberating how thermal insulation impacts operational efficiency, Subramanian N E, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain India’s Insulation Business, shares his vision for the future of insulation in HVAC systems. He focuses on sustainability and the role of bio-soluble insulation materials that dissolve naturally in the body and pose minimal health risks.

What do you envision for the insulation business in the HVAC industry?
The insulation business is poised for transformative growth in the HVAC industry, driven by rising energy efficiency, sustainability, and demand for indoor environmental quality. As India advances in infrastructure and Smart building development, insulation will play a central role in reducing energy loads, lowering emissions, and enhancing occupant comfort. For Saint-Gobain India – Insulation Business, we envision insulation as a support system and a strategic enabler of green, efficient, and resilient HVAC systems.

What materials are better for thermal insulation for building HVAC systems?
Our core thermal insulation offerings include glass wool and stone wool, which are known for their high thermal resistance, acoustic properties, and excellent fire safety (non-combustibility). Our RCD division continues to focus on making insulation high-performance, more durable, and eco-friendly through automation and advanced technologies.

We developed a value-added product in India for building HVAC systems named Climaver. It is a self-supporting duct system that is entirely non-metallic. It is crafted from compressed fibreglass board and is available with aluminium or black glass cloth facings on both sides.

This construction ensures excellent acoustic performance and thermal efficiency, addressing two critical aspects of HVAC systems in one solution. The non-metallic nature of Climaver eliminates issues related to metal corrosion and reduces the need for additional support structures, further simplifying the installation process and reducing maintenance requirements. The dimensions are not limited, and they can be painted as per the requirements.

By utilising Climaver, you can reduce the weight of ducting systems by up to 50 percent. This contributes to easier handling C installation while having an aesthetic appeal, essential in y’s modern architecture.

How does thermal insulation technology influence the efficiency of HVAC equipment in different industries?
Thermal insulation directly affects operational efficiency and energy consumption in temperature-sensitive industries. Even minor temperature deviations

can compromise product integrity in pharmaceuticals and cold chain logistics. Our insulation ensures that there is a thermal gradient between outside the warehouse and inside, which lowers the heat load for the HVAC systems.

This helps in three major aspects: product storage, fire safety, and workforce productivity. Additionally, proper insulation over the duct thermal bridging ensures uniform temperatures, reducing heat load and energy bills. Hence, ensure they follow the ECBC 2017 norms and guidelines when designing them.

Saint-Gobain’s insulation solutions help companies meet stringent temperature control requirements while optimising lifecycle costs. Our materials are designed for high performance in different environments.

Please discuss the growing application of bio-soluble insulation materials.

Bio-soluble insulation materials are gaining traction due to their safety and environmental benefits. They offer high thermal and acoustic performance while safe for workers, as they dissolve naturally in the body and pose minimal health risks.

Following our acquisitions of UP Twiga and Rockwool India, we upgraded our product standards and secured EUCEB certification (European Certification Board for Mineral Wool Products), which confirms that our insulation products are bio-soluble and health-safe. This certification has opened up applications across industries like HVAC, construction, and other insulation applications, where safety and sustainability are key priorities.

How do regulations and standards drive innovation within the insulation industry?

Regulations act as powerful catalysts for innovation. As India moves towards its net-zero goals and adopts green building codes like ECBC and IGBC, the thermal performance and fire safety standards are becoming more stringent. We see this as an opportunity, not a challenge. Our RCD roadmap is aligned with global benchmarks (EN, ASTM) and local regulations. We actively participate in policy discussions to stay ahead of evolving norms.

Importantly, our insulation solutions comply with the National Building Code 2016, which mandates non-combustibility for critical building materials—ensuring enhanced fire safety. Additionally, our products are certified by leading green certification bodies such as GreenPro by IGBC, GRIHA, and SGBC, supporting sustainable construction from design to execution. Compliance is not just a checkbox for us—it’s a springboard for developing Smarter, safer, and more sustainable insulation systems.

What are the best maintenance practices for thermal insulation in building and HVAC systems?

Maintenance is crucial for sustained insulation performance. A damaged insulation section can lead to multiple issues, such as condensation damage, rising energy consumption and chances for bacterial growth.  To ensure an HVAC system’s efficient and reliable operation, it is essential to conduct regular inspections for any signs of damage, moisture intrusion, or compression.

It is equally important to verify that vapour barriers and cladding remain intact. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper installation and cleaning, and train facility managers and HVAC technicians on insulation maintenance. An annual maintenance contract (AMC) contributes to sustaining the system’s energy efficiency throughout its lifespan.

In the context of Saint-Gobain expanding its insulation business, what is your focus for the future?

Globally, we are expanding in fast-growing regions across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and South America. We are investing significantly in capacity expansion, digital solutions, and localised RCDs such as Saint-Gobain Research Institutes in India.

Today, we have eight such research institutes globally. We have also entered new geographies with our One SG approach, understanding the customers’ pain points and how we can provide a solution, adding value to the customers across India.

Our focus is threefold: sustainability, innovation, and customer-centricity. In a rapidly warming world, especially with India facing record-breaking temperatures and growing energy demands, the need for high-performance, energy-efficient insulation has never been more urgent.

As India advances toward its net-zero ambitions and navigates an energy transition, Saint-Gobain is committed to being a proactive growth partner. Our insulation business is leading the shift toward carbon-neutral buildings, offering greener, smarter solutions that reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort. It aligns with our global goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

To support this, we are leveraging the strength of Saint-Gobain Research Institutes, particularly SGRI Chennai at IIT Madras, to develop advanced materials tailored to Indian conditions—high heat loads, humidity, and diverse construction practices. These research-backed innovations ensure that our solutions meet the highest thermal efficiency, fire safety, and sustainability standards.

We are investing in digital tools for specifiers and contractors, scaling up on-ground training programs, and strengthening partnerships across sectors like construction, HVAC, and industrial insulation. By combining science, global expertise, and a strong local footprint, we are building an innovation and impact ecosystem designed for India and built for the future.