NEWS
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25.11.2022

Kaiflex products now with more transparent ecological balance

Protecting health and the environment while minimising operational costs: sustainable construction is becoming more important. Kaimann now provides optimal support in achieving building certifications like DGNB or BREEAM: the Institut Bauen und Umwelt (Institute for Construction and Environment, IBU) is preparing Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for the Kaiflex product range. These EPDs will make Kaimann insulation materials’ ecological balance even more transparent.

EPDs are ecolabels that deliver comprehensive product information relevant to the construction of sustainable buildings and to building certifications, thus achieving more clarity regarding ecological balance. The information is collected according to internationally standardised methods and then comprehensively compiled onto a few pages. The analysis includes all categories detailing environmental impact, such as recycling possibilities, demand for resources and energy, and global warming potential.

By collaborating with IBU, Kaimann GmbH is moving forward towards responsible, sustainable corporate policy: “With our IBU membership and the creation of these EPDs, we aim to deliver certified and recognised proof of sustainability in our production and products. We have committed ourselves, in line with our company’s values, to a transparent policy regarding energy, quality and the environment, as well as to realising efficiency potential and reducing energy costs now and in the future,” says Dr Burkhard Schmolck, CEO of Kaimann GmbH.“We are aligning all our activities to ensure they protect nature, avoid negative environmental impacts wherever possible and reduce emissions of such environmentally harmful gasses as CO2.” This commitment resulted in Kaimann being successfully audited and verified in accordance with ISO 50001 in 2014. In 2013, the company was awarded ISO 14001 certification.

Environmental protection starts in production

This awareness is reflected in the products’ (continued) development. The economic effects and environmental benefits are continually optimised by constantly reviewing the entire production process in accordance with European standards. For example, about 1.14 kg of CO2 are emitted for every square metre of 19 mm thick Kaiflex insulation produced. That covers the entire production process, including raw-material production, transport and storage.

Most Kaiflex insulation materials remain installed for 20 to 30 years, in which time a square metre of insulation reduces CO2 emissions by a total average of between 440 and 660 kg. This means that, in its lifetime, the 19 mm thick Kaiflex insulation saves anywhere from 290 to 580 times the carbon dioxide released during its production. “We hope to learn from IBU’s experience and knowledge by maintaining our constructive, active exchange, and thereby continually improve our sustainability,” says Dr Burkhard Schmolck.