Knauf Insulation has reported significant progress towards its 2020 sustainability targets after seeing its energy use and emissions fall by 17.5% and 16.4% respectively since 2010.
The manufacturer, which has three plants in the UK, released its latest update this week which displayed the company’s successes after pursuing a strategy acknowledging the close link between CO2 emissions and energy consumption.
Knauf was able to tackle both with a programme of increased energy efficiency, which saw initiatives such as replicating best practices, improving processes and checks, investing in new technology and reinforcing behaviourial change have a significant impact across its plants.
The report uses the company’s Cwmbran plant in Wales as an example, where an energy management system pilot project at the plant led to major improvements.
The site’s energy manager Femi Olatunji was also able to secure the Best Starter Energy Manager award for 2015 after working across the company to improve his performance.
“To deliver on objectives I worked closely with colleagues outside my plant, learning from them and picking up any skills I could use to improve my ability as an energy manager,” he said.
Philippe Coune, group HSE, performance & sustainability manager for Knauf Insulation, said: “2015 is a milestone year for us because it is the mid-way point on our ten-year journey to our 2020 targets. We have come a long way in just five years.
“Today everyone understands the importance of sustainability, everyone is aware of the importance of energy efficiency, saving waste and lowering the number of lost time accidents. The next five years will be a great opportunity to build on this awareness and achieve even greater success.”
The results mean that Knauf Insulation is well on its way towards its 2020 targets, which will see the company achieve a 20% reduction in energy use and carbon emissions over ten years.
It is also using its sustainability programme to increase the company’s standing by becoming known as a lead advocate for energy efficiency in buildings. This will see Knauf commit to mandatory renovation of buildings and mandatory real performance of buildings by 2020 through capacity building, informing the business and advocacy.
