Trade News
Kingspan Insulated Panels North America Releases 2023 Sustainability Report
Kingspan Insulated Panels North America released its Sustainability Report, which recaps its North American project milestones for 2023, on Aug. 5. This marked the second annual report documenting the third year of Kingspan’s Planet Passionate journey.
Planet Passionate is the company’s 10-year sustainability commitment. It seeks to have a positive impact on three global challenges: climate change, circularity and the protection of the natural world. In 2023, Kingspan Insulated Panels North America made strong strides toward its energy and carbon efficiency, circularity and water targets.
Last year was Earth’s warmest year yet—ocean temperatures across the globe reached record-warm temperatures for nine consecutive months. From extreme wildfires to devastating droughts and flooding events, the impacts of climate change were evident in 2023.
The building and construction industry accounts for roughly 37 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and is the largest-emitting sector. The company recognizes its role in limiting GHG emissions throughout the life cycle of its products.
To achieve Kingspan’s goal of becoming net-zero carbon by 2030, the company continued to focus on minimizing its footprint by generating on-site renewable energy and purchasing direct renewable energy.
In 2023, the company completed a 1.1-megawatt photovoltaic system in DeLand, Fla. Now, 100 percent of the company’s owned facilities are utilizing on-site solar PV. Because of these efforts, 2023 was the first year Kingspan saw a considerable reduction in emissions from the 2020 baseline.
The company remained committed to producing low embodied carbon products. Its QuadCore panels continued to have the lowest global warming potential across the product category in North America, and Kingspan continued to offer site-specific, supplier-specific environmental product declarations to provide customers with clear and transparent granular data on products.
Some key data points from 2023 include:
- 3,037 tons of CO2 equivalent in scope 1 and 2 emissions, a 5 percent reduction from the 2020 baseline
- 5.95 gigawatt hours of total direct renewable energy utilized
- 1.68 gigawatt hours of total direct renewable energy generated on-site
The construction industry uses almost 50 percent of global materials extracted annually and is responsible for an estimated 30 percent of all waste-to-landfill globally, contributing to a significant portion of global GHG emissions. Kingspan is committed to investing in circular processes and practices to support industry stakeholders in transitioning to a circular economy.
Last year, Kingspan continued its partnership with Atlanta-based Belter Tech, a manufacturer of sustainable building materials made from reclaimed waste products, to help divert polyisocyanurate foam from landfills. In 2023 alone, Kingspan’s DeLand facility sent more than 100,000 pounds of foam waste to Belter Tech.
Kingspan’s Caledon, Ontario, facility became Kingspan’s first zero-waste-to-landfill site in 2023, diverting 395 metric tons of material. New opportunities were identified to donate panels to support the local community. For example, panels were donated to local animal shelters to create outdoor homes for cats.
Mineral fiber foam waste represents both a challenge and opportunity, as it accounts for roughly 17 percent of divisional waste. At Kingspan’s Langley, British Columbia, plant, equipment was installed on-site to granulate mineral fiber waste. The new process enabled Kingspan to send almost all waste material back to the supplier for reuse.
Some key data points from 2023 include:
- 4,996 metric tons of waste diverted from a landfill
- 38 percent reduction from waste to landfill, compared to 2020
- 71 percent waste diversion rate across all sites
- One zero-waste-to-landfill site (in Caledon)
View the full 2023 Sustainability Report. For more information on Kingspan Insulated Panels North America, visit www.kingspanpanels.us.
Important SPF Update
Many spray foam contractors are aware that the industry is transitioning from closed-cell foams using HFC blowing agents to systems using low global warming potential, HFO blowing agents.* The new HFO blowing agents significantly reduce the carbon footprint of closed-cell SPF compared to HFC foams.
Several states have already banned HFC foams during the past three and a half years. On Jan. 1, 2025, a complete, nationwide ban on the manufacturing of HFC, closed-cell SPF systems will take effect. HFC foams manufactured before January 1, can be sold and applied until January 2028. With product shelf-life a major consideration, contractors should plan their HFC foam inventories accordingly.
This transition means that all U.S. spray foam contractors should switch to closed-cell foams using low-GWP blowing agents as soon as possible. With every change in blowing agent, there are other chemicals that may change in the formulation, such as polyols, catalysts and surfactants. While your existing equipment will remain compatible with these new foams, it is important to note that there may be variations in chemical temperature settings, spray techniques, maximum pass thicknesses and wait times between passes –as is true when you change between manufacturers. These differences are specific to each product and are described in the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
If you have not yet used HFO foams, now is the time to start. Over the next several weeks, the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance strongly encourages you to contact your chemical supplier to ensure that all installers receive proper training on the handling and installation of the new foams. Proper training will ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high standards of your installations.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and your continued commitment to installation quality and safety.
*There are other options for low-GWP blowing agents in closed-cell SPF, but nearly all U.S. contractors will be using HFO blowing agents.
https://www.wconline.com/articles/96507-important-spf-update
EIFS Industry Members Association Unveils Comprehensive New Website
The EIFS Industry Members Association announced the launch of its newly redesigned website. The modern, user-friendly platform is set to become the go-to resource for the Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems industry, providing an extensive array of technical resources, advocacy tools, educational materials and a gallery showcasing exemplary EIFS projects.
EIMA’s new website is designed to serve the needs of architects, contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals on both mobile and desktop devices, and it offers a centralized hub for all things related to EIFS. Key features of the website include:
- Technical Resources: The website offers the industry’s library of technical documents, guidelines and best practices to support professionals in designing, specifying and installing EIFS. A series of brand-new technical bulletins meticulously crafted by the members of EIMA’s technical and research working group are featured.
- EIFS Project Gallery: The new website features a visually stunning gallery of EIFS projects. This gallery not only highlights the versatility and aesthetic appeal of EIFS, but also serves as a source of inspiration for architects and designers looking to incorporate EIFS into their projects.
- Advocacy Tools: EIMA is committed to advocating for the EIFS industry at the local, state and national levels. The website provides a suite of advocacy tools and resources to help members stay informed about legislative developments and engage with policymakers, as well as educate governmental decision-makers about the environmental, financial and performance advantages of EIFS with drainage.
- Educational Resources: Continuous learning is vital in the fast-evolving construction industry. EIMA’s new website offers educational resources designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of industry professionals, keeping them abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in EIFS technology and applications.
“The launch of our new website marks a significant milestone for EIMA,” said Stephen Sears, CEO of EIMA. “Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that supports the EIFS industry by offering valuable resources and tools for both association members and those who want to know more about this modern, engineered cladding system. We believe [the website] will become the premier destination for anyone seeking information, inspiration and support within the EIFS industry.”
EIMA invites all industry professionals to explore the new website and take advantage of the wealth of resources available.
Industry Decarbonization Plans Outlined at White House Concrete Innovation Summit
The Portland Cement Association, representing America’s cement manufacturers, demonstrated the cement industry’s commitment to carbon neutrality to key executive branch decision-makers at the White House’s Concrete Innovation Summit—as well as outlined what steps must be taken to further reduce cement sector emissions.
The PCA joined six member companies to show how the U.S. cement industry is leading the way in deploying carbon capture, introducing lower-carbon products and using new fuels that not only reduce cement plant emissions, but also offset emissions elsewhere – such as using old tires and household waste that would otherwise emit harmful gases at landfills.
“Industries across America are working to decarbonize their processes, and the U.S. cement industry has emerged as a national leader in leveraging technology to make the deep decarbonization cuts we all need for a sustainable future,” said Sean O’Neill, the PCA’s senior vice president of government affairs. “There are no more off-years in the race to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Every year is critical, and the cement industry is leading the way in deploying innovative technologies to get there – from carbon capture to cleaner alternative fuels.”
The cement industry is guided by the PCA’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality, which provides a pathway for the entire cement-concrete-construction value chain to go carbon-neutral by 2050.
DOL Announces $99 Million for Construction and Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeships
The Labor Department announced the availability of $99 million in funding through the YouthBuild Program to support the delivery of pre-apprenticeships in high-demand industries, including construction, infrastructure and clean energy. The YouthBuild Program grants provide occupational skills training, employment services and academic support to individuals aged 16-24 in communities where they face persistent barriers to career skills and academic development. Administered through DOL’s Employment and Training Administration, the YouthBuild Program will fund individual grants for approximately 75 projects, with each grant ranging from $700,000 to $1.5 million.
EPA Supports Clean Construction Manufacturing with Nearly $160 Million in Grants
The Environmental Protection Agency announced the award of nearly $160 million to 38 grant recipients to support efforts to report and reduce climate pollution from the manufacturing of construction materials and products. The grants will support the Federal Buy Clean Initiative, which leverages the federal government’s purchasing power to catalyze demand for clean construction materials used in federal buildings, highways and infrastructure projects.
The grant selections include a diverse range of projects to help measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, several projects will support workforce development to grow the number of sustainable construction professionals available to support the use of clean construction materials, a project in Maine will help a company that manufactures insulation made from wood fiber track the quantity of energy and raw materials used in each of its processes, a project in Illinois will help a nonprofit organization that sells reused architectural materials measure how much the salvaged materials reduce carbon emissions, a large insulation manufacturer based in Indiana will use grant funding to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions for its full product portfolio, a major university will use grant funds to research and document carbon emissions savings from reusing structural steel, and a company in Georgia will receive funding to report the emissions savings gained by switching from higher-carbon components in cement and concrete to recycled and innovative materials.
Summaries of the proposed grantee projects are available.
Spackle by Dave Coverly
People News
ATAS International announced the elevation of John Fenstermacher to Northeast District sales manager and Steven Minunni to channel manager of fabricator business development.
Minunni
Fenstermacher
Ware Malcomb announced the promotion of Kourtney Pennycook to studio manager of interior architecture and design, as well as the hire of Lauren Leyrer as civil engineering manager, both in the Atlanta office. Jamie Gaan also joined the Pleasanton, California, office as studio manager of architecture.
Leyrer
Gaan
Pennycook
RedTeam announced the appointment of Craig Tate as its new chief executive officer.
3A Composites announced the appointment of Nick Scheib as its new president and chief executive officer of the Americas.
Lee Ann M. Slattery, sales support manager at ATAS International, was selected as a 2024 Women of Influence recipient and Circle of Excellence honoree by Lehigh Valley Business.
Buro Happold announced the selection of Denzil Gallagher as U.S. managing director and partner.
