Godelmann: We produce almost a third of our electricity ourselves

Permeable paving from the ECOSAVE® range by the German company Godelmann has found its application in the Czech Republic, inspired by our western neighbor. "Unfortunately, it's not going as quickly as we would like, because obtaining a building permit is still a lengthy process," revealed Libor Mareček, the sales director of the company, during our visit to the Högling manufacturing plant in Bavaria's Fensterbach. However, ecological paving is not the only way Godelmann contributes to environmental protection.

In the nearly 29-hectare area, nestled in the midst of forests, Godelmann's products not only come to life but are also skillfully integrated into a presentation model garden accessible to visitors 24 hours a day. "By prior arrangement, you can schedule a meeting with us, and we will be happy to assist you with your selection," says Libor Mareček, who guided us through the manufacturing plant, adding: "Of course, we also have a similar display area in the Czech Republic, specifically in Úvaly near Prague, where the complete range of our brand can be seen." This includes concrete elements such as stairs, planters, benches, curbs, and palisades, as well as a diverse offer of the aforementioned pavings. These are produced in various sizes – including currently very popular large formats – colors, shapes, and with different types of surface finishes. Thanks to the custom manufacturing department, the company can also create completely individual custom projects, thus meeting the specific requirements of its customers.

Design Products with Ecological Value

The latest product, which is made up of fifty percent recycled concrete, is the hexagonal tile DEDALE. The slab, designed in collaboration with the Swiss architectural company CCHE, is inspired by Antoni Gaudí's mosaic from 1906 and is partially adorned with parallel grooves. It is manufactured in two sizes (with a side length of 25 or 50 centimeters) and due to two different thicknesses, it can be used for both reinforcing terraces or pedestrian zones as well as for driveways. However, the most interesting aspect is its structure. "These hexagonal tiles are like a puzzle that brings playfulness into the space. It's not just a simple square that we are used to. We can combine them freely and create an endless variety of patterns," clarifies Mareček. The minimalist design of DEDALE is highlighted by simple colors, standardly gray or anthracite, but even those can be adapted to the customer's vision. The grooves also create a certain plasticity and dynamism – depending on the light that strikes the paving at different angles throughout the day. For its innovative design, this product has received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award (more details at https://dedale-slab.com).

"In addition to this innovation, our presentation also includes ecological paving ECOSAVE®, including a demonstration of how it works. When we tested its permeability in front of the audience, some felt that the water was soaking in slowly – they lacked a comparison with conventional paving. Therefore, we had simulation panels created, which clearly show the difference between the two types of paving," recalls Mareček about last year's presentation that took place in Brieselang, Germany, adding: "We are trying to make people aware of the greatest benefit of permeable paving, namely that, unlike regular concrete surfaces, it helps retain water in the landscape, thereby preventing flooding. Following Germany's example, we are gradually trying to incorporate it into projects in the Czech Republic, where we assist cities, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in securing subsidies for it. So far, we have laid about three hundred square meters of this paving at the Lidl in Písek, and the next in line should be a parking area in Říčany, whose mayor Vladimír Kořen (a well-known television presenter, editor's note) is very supportive of this product."

Minimum Waste and Water-Saving Management

That the effort for environmental protection is part of the philosophy of the entire company is evidenced by the system for reusing condensate, a tank for collecting rainwater, a water treatment plant, and others. "Thanks to photovoltaic systems on about twenty thousand square meters," Libor Mareček points to the roofs of the surrounding halls, "we are able to produce about thirty percent of our electricity ourselves." As part of the ecological program, the company has presented itself as a climate-neutral business since 2015, as it is not a CO2 producer. Additionally, it strives to use primarily regional raw materials (as evidenced by its own sand and gravel pits), and all residual materials or products that do not fully meet quality standards are recycled and returned to the manufacturing process. This minimizes the amount of resulting waste. As a result, Godelmann holds certification from TÜV Rheinland and also boasts the Green Brand awarded by the international independent organization Green Brands.