Sustainable products

Since 2005, almost 250 million tonnes of CO₂ a year were emitted as a result of energy use in UK buildings, and globally residential, commercial and industrial buildings are responsible for 40% of total carbon emissions. Much of the building stock has been in existence for many years and in order to reduce the overall energy demand arising from the built environment, it is essential that energy efficiency is addressed not just in new build, but also in the refurbishment of existing buildings.

Kingspan, through its insulated panels and boards, factory insulated facades and factory manufactured “off-site” timber and metal structures, offers significant energy savings over the course of the lifetime of the buildings in which they are installed, as they are durable, thermally efficient and airtight. Through its Environmental and Renewables Division, Kingspan offers products with the ability to further reduce carbon emissions by harnessing solar energy for water and space heating and power generation, and by rainwater harvesting to reduce water consumption.

The benefits of increased insulation in improving energy efficiency and reducing climate change impacts are increasingly being reflected in standards for sustainable buildings (domestic residential, industrial and commercial). In the UK these standards include BREEAM (which covers all buildings except domestic residential), and the Code for Sustainable Homes (which solely covers domestic residential) which is now obligatory for all new homes in England. In the USA, the LEED methodology is the leading building assessment tool. Kingspan Access Floors (under the Tate brand) and Kingspan Insulated Panels significantly contribute to buildings achieving the highest rating under the LEED methodology.

There are a variety of other energy efficient standards and initiatives being introduced across Europe, all with the purpose of increasing the energy efficiency of buildings in order to achieve significant carbon reductions with various targets and timescales. The UK, for example, has set a target of 80% CO₂ reduction by 2050. The demand for energy efficient products is therefore anticipated to increase, presenting opportunities for Kingspan to respond to calls for solutions that will contribute to greater energy efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions. Recognising this, Kingspan has and continues to innovate and deliver solutions that will dramatically reduce energy requirements through:

• maximising insulation and air-tightness in buildings;
• taking an holistic approach to building design;
• adding products with contemporary aesthetic appeal;
• minimising waste on site;
• reducing build programs through Off-Site manufacturing; and

integrating Kingspan renewable energy products into the design and build process.

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