Kingspan Insulated Panels win top prizes

Kingspan Insulated Panels has walked away with two top prizes at the prestigious Wales Business and Sustainability Awards.

The awards, which are managed by ARENA Network and supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, recognise environmental and sustainable best practice across all sectors.

Having won the management award for sustainable development in business in the "Sustainability at Home, Workplace and the Community" category, Kingspan then went on to collect the "Overall Business and Sustainability Award for Wales", which qualifies them to enter the European Business Awards for the Environment.

No stranger to awards, Kingspan picked up Building's "Manufacturer of the Year" earlier in 2007, but this latest recognition extends beyond the world of construction and is an affirmation of the considerable investment and commitment Kingspan has made to sustainable practice.

A number of different initiatives and actions fulfilled criteria of demonstrating a commitment to take care of the environment and realise benefits as a result.

Recycling at the Holywell site is up 25 tonnes a month mainly due to use of 13 bailing machines on site.

In addition, a take back scheme has been offered to clients to recycle packaging.

An initial saving of GBP14,000 has been made through a more efficient compressed air system and actions are in place to deliver additional savings of GBP50,000 through reductions in energy consumption.

These energy savings amount to a total of 550 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Extensive research has lead to the development of a more environmentally sustainable insulation core, which allowed Kingspan to achieve a Green Guide 'A' rating for its key products through independent verification from the BRE (Building Research Establishment).

These panels contain no Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), and are suitable for processing through ordinary shredder plants once they have reached the end of their useful life.

Kingspan Insulated Panels takes the issue of end-of-life very seriously and considerable work has been done with industry experts in waste management and disposal for over two years to find responsible methods of disposal for older panels which may contain ODS.

Louis Eperjesi, Managing Director of Kingspan Insulated Panels said "We have some new and exciting sustainability initiatives underway in all parts of the Division and I am confident that we will attain an even higher level in the future - helping to differentiate ourselves, adding value for our customers and making a real contribution to minimising our impact on the planet".

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