In 2011, Kingspan Group set itself what seemed to be an almost impossible challenge: that by 2020 they would match 100% of their operational energy with renewable energy. Their Net Zero Energy programme was all about achieving this through a mix of energy reduction, on-site renewable energy generation and procurement of certified renewable energy. In 2020 Kingspan reached the successful conclusion of that programme and launched a new 10 year ‘Planet Passionate’ programme. Planet Passionate aims to impact three big global issues: climate change, circularity and the protection of the natural world. By setting challenging targets in the areas of energy, carbon, circularity and water, Kingspan aim to make significant advances in the sustainability of both their business operations and their products.
Over the lifecycle of a building, the most significant impact on energy efficiency starts at the design stage with the selection of the building materials. With the adoption of an EnvelopeFirst strategy, buildings can deliver optimal insulation performance, superior airtightness and excellent moisture control, thereby becoming more energy efficient, cheaper to run and produce less carbon dioxide emissions.
“Building insulation is the most cost-effective solution to reduce energy and greenhouse gases.” (Source: McKinsey Global Institute)
In addition to the overall building design, Kingspan’s Australian-made insulated panels have GreenTag certification with a GreenRate Level A. Kingspan panels are the only insulated panels in New Zealand to receive this globally respected third-party certification to this level. This allows specifiers to easily achieve maximum points for Green Star projects.
Recently Kingspan products have been used on two flagship Green Star rated facilities, where the end clients have committed to higher performing and independently verified buildings. A big congratulations to both organisations for setting the benchmark for new builds.
Profile Group manufacturing facility in Hautapu — achieved a Green Star 5 industrial Design rating
- Client: APL
- Designed by: Jasmax Architects
- Built by: Fosters Construction
Countdown Richmond — targeting a 4 Green Star design and as-built rating for this new flagship facility
- Client: Woolworths New Zealand
- Designed by: Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects
- Built by: Naylor Love Construction