In preparation for the athletes competing in Beijing next year, DuPont innovations play a critical role in the sustainable construction of the Beichen National Convention Center, which will be the hub of the international broadcast media covering the athletic competition.

DuPont innovations will help protect the building envelope and improve indoor comfort, as well as save significantly on the building's energy-costs by reducing heat transfer. DuPont™ Tyvek® ThermaWrap™ and Tyvek® SD2 Vapor Control Layer offer superior strength and durability, a further benefit in the drive toward reducing the carbon footprint of buildings.

"We are very excited to see our products being used in this project, not only for the energy efficiency benefits of our offering to this remarkable building, but more importantly, for as its one way to contribute to the city's and China's sustainability efforts," Doug Muzyka, president of DuPont Greater China, said. In a major and prestigious construction project, the materials will work together with an interlayer of glasswool insulation to create a thermal and moisture control solution.

Designed by RMJM Architects and engineered by Ove Arup, the Convention Center is a 270,000 square meter steel structure with a roofing area exceeding 50,000 square meters. In addition to serving as the main press center during the athletic competition in 2008, the building also will serve as the stadium for the Fencing and Modern Pentathlon competitions.
The roof will be constructed of two layers of profiled steel, between which the membranes and insulation will create an air-tight, water-tight, yet vapor-permeable seal to protect the building envelope and improve interior comfort - a key function for a building that will house thousands of people and lots of electronic equipment.

 DuPont™ Tyvek® ThermaWrap™ is a metalized breather membrane which combines high reflectivity and low emissivity surfaces to reduce radiant heat transfer with superior moisture diffusion capacity. The membrane also blocks radiant heat gains in the summer, which will be a significant benefit considering the timing of the games. DuPont™ Tyvek® SD2, is an ultra-strong vapor control layer and air-leakage barrier.