As the drive to reduce the embodied carbon of the built environment gains momentum, work undertaken at Kingspan’s dedicated innovation centre (IKON) has resulted in a new, lower embodied carbon product range that will be available on the market in the early part of 2023.
QuadCore LEC has been developed specifically to help reduce the carbon footprint of the buildings it is used on. Using comparative lifecycle assessment data (LCA) to the EN15804-A2 standard, this breakthrough in insulated panel technology demonstrates a 41 per cent* reduction in embodied carbon in modules A1-A3 (product stage) for QuadCore AWP LEC in a 100mm thickness, when compared to existing Quadcore AWP LCA.
The LCAs for QuadCore KS1000RW and QuadCore Coldstore are currently going through the verification process, and EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) will be published ahead of the products launching in Q1 2023. The 41 per cent* reduction has been achieved through raw material changes. When comparing modules A-C (product stage, construction process stage, use stage, end of life stage) the overall reduction is 17 per cent*, having a positive impact on embodied carbon at a project level.
Further reductions in the embodied carbon of the QuadCore LEC range are expected between now and 2030 and are underpinned by the business commitment to Net Zero Carbon manufacturing by 2030, the introduction of an internal carbon charge, and the investment in H2 Green steel – a company pioneering the manufacture of steel using hydrogen instead of fossil fuels.
These initiatives will include looking at process and product improvements to align with Kingspan Group’s Net Zero Carbon manufacturing commitment and Planet Passionate target to half Scope 3 supply chain carbon emissions, both by 2030. The new internal carbon charges will also be supported by work with the supply chain to procure lower embodied carbon raw materials.
*data correct at the time of publishing
Mike Stenson, Head of Innovation for Kingspan Group, explained, “As a business we are committed to developing high-performing, energy-efficient, building envelope solutions that help minimise the carbon footprint of buildings over the whole life cycle. Creating products with reduced embodied carbon and enhanced potential for circularity is key to achieving this.
QuadCore is already one of the highest performing insulation technologies in terms of thermal efficiency (underpinned by a 25-year thermal warranty), which could enable higher energy and carbon savings through the operational life of the building. This is the first step on our journey to reducing the embodied carbon of our products, and we anticipate some major milestones by 2030 to drive that down even further.”
The QuadCore AWP Wall Panel range is available in nine profiles. The panels can be installed both vertically and horizontally, and are available in a wide range of colours for maximum visual impact.
QuadCore KS1000RW Roof Panel is a through-fix profiled insulated roof panel, which can be used for building applications with roof pitches of 4° or more after deflection.
QuadCore Coldstore Panels are designed specifically for use within the food and drink industry in applications such as food manufacture and temperature-controlled storage.
The first products in the QuadCore LEC range will be in available in Q1 2023 in the UK and Irish markets and will have all relevant independent testing and certification for UK & Irish markets.
For more information, please call UK: +44 (0) 1352 716100, IRE: +353 (0) 42 9698 500, email info@kingspanpanels.com, or visit the Kingspan website.
*data correct at time of publishing
Source: Architecture Today