Wrexham Mineral Cables maintains Planet Mark certification for environmental commitment

by Featured NewsSustainability

Sustainable initiatives by Wrexham Mineral Cables

Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC), a premier manufacturer of fire survival Mineral Insulated Copper Cables (MICC), has recently been re-awarded the Planet Mark certification.

This recognition underscores WMC’s dedication to sustainable practices in its operations.

Planet Mark, a globally acknowledged sustainability certification, is granted to businesses actively reducing their environmental impact.

For certification, companies must measure their carbon footprint, set ambitious reduction targets, and execute a comprehensive sustainability strategy.

WMC, along with its sister company Tamlite Lighting, a leading UK independent lighting manufacturer, achieved this recertification.

Evidence of WMC’s environmental efforts

To attain the Planet Mark certification, WMC had to provide evidence of its commitment to sustainability.

The company showcased its initiatives, including investments in energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction, materials recycling, and the use of sustainable materials.

WMC’s MICC cable is noted for its sustainability credentials, utilising copper and Magnesium Oxide (MgO), both environmentally friendly materials.

Copper is almost 100% recyclable, and MgO is abundantly available.

This approach to raw materials aligns with the principles of the circular economy, reducing maintenance and replacement needs.

Customer benefits and sustainability perspective

The Planet Mark certification assures customer confidence in WMC’s products, contributing to a greener future.

WMC emphasizes the collective effort with customers and the supply chain in making a positive environmental impact.

The company’s sustainable practices are not merely a statement but are integrated into its business ethos, focusing on reducing waste, carbon emissions, and ecological footprint.

Colin Hughes on WMC’s dedication to sustainability

Colin Hughes, Group Manager at Wrexham Mineral Cables, expressed his pride in the achievement: “Our Planet Mark journey began a few years ago when we first achieved the certification.

“Since then, our commitment to creating a better future for our planet has only grown stronger,” he said.

He highlighted the team’s efforts and the positive environmental impact made, affirming WMC’s leadership in environmental responsibility.

Planet Mark: Recognition of WMC’s sustainability efforts

WMC’s sustainability efforts have been acknowledged in the industry, with nominations at the Made in Wales Award (Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer of the Year) and the Make UK Manufacturing Awards for the Wales region (Energy and Sustainability category).

Additionally, WMC was a finalist at the Materials Recycling World (MRW) and National Recycling Awards (Circular Economy Initiative – Business Model and Recycling Excellence).

IFSJ Comment

Wrexham Mineral Cables’ recent recertification by Planet Mark demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

The recognition serves as an affirmation of WMC’s efforts in implementing sustainable initiatives and reducing its ecological footprint.

This achievement reflects the broader industry trend towards environmental responsibility and sustainable development.

By prioritising eco-friendly materials and processes, WMC not only sets an example for other companies in the sector but also contributes to a larger movement towards a more sustainable future.

Their continued dedication to these principles underscores the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.

GBE joins Global Group, spearheading sustainable design practices in building environments

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSustainability

Harnessing sustainable design: GBE steps up for better building environments

Global Building Environments (GBE), a collective of skilled engineers, consultants, and project managers, has joined forces with Global Group.

Their common goal: to enhance buildings through sustainable design practices, digital engineering platforms, and experienced engineers.

The GBE team specialises in mechanical electrical and public health (MEP), Fire and Sustainability design.

Their extensive experience enables them to deliver technical construction documentation and BIM packages for architects, developers, and self-builders.

With clear descriptions of complex engineering systems, they make the process of building better environments more accessible.

As they integrate into the Global Group ecosystem, GBE said it will enjoy a working environment that encourages curiosity, open discussions, and opportunities for career development.

Shedding light on the role of MEP designers and sustainability consultants in sustainable design

What do MEP designers and sustainability consultants do, exactly? They work hand-in-hand with architects and structural engineers to make sure buildings are not only structurally sound but also efficient, connected, and environmentally friendly.

GBE’s expertise is divided into two primary engineering disciplines. On the one hand, they take on MEP services, utilising the RIBA stages and BIM to develop design packages that often include a coordinated Level 2 Revit model, technical drawings, specifications, and schedules for construction.

On the other hand, they tackle Sustainability & Energy services, which involve the production of legally required Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) on all properties in the UK.

They work closely with architects, developers, house owners, landlords, and estate agents to develop compliant domestic and non-domestic EPCs.

Ensuring safety and sustainability: The interplay of MEP Design, Sustainability and Fire Safety

MEP Design and Sustainability, although recognised as distinct disciplines, are directly affected by fire engineers’ decisions.

As part of Global Group, which specialises in fire safety, GBE collaborates with Global Technical Services (GTS), a renowned fire engineering consultancy.

This collaboration ensures all systems are safe, incorporated, coordinated, and thermally sound.

Leading the new division is Sam Travis-Cavell, a professional engineer with over eight years of industry experience. He’s passionate about sustainable design, customer service, and teamwork.

Travis-Caell said: “Our division have a passion for designing spaces for the end-user; the people that will live, work, and play in the building. We want to create spaces that have an atmosphere, are inherently easy to use and do not cost the earth to run.”

GBE’s role in ensuring buildings are safe, operate effectively, and have minimal environmental impact is increasingly crucial.

Its aim is to reduce the carbon impact of the construction industry by promoting environmentally led building design solutions.

IFSJ Comment

GBE’s integration into the Global Group marks a significant stride in the pursuit of sustainable design practices.

This merger reflects an industry-wide shift towards more holistic, environmentally-conscious design approaches, with implications for safety, energy efficiency, and compliance.

It is essential to keep abreast of these developments, as they shape the future of building design.

About Global Building Environments (GBE)

GBE is a collective of engineers, consultants, and project managers dedicated to creating sustainable, energy-efficient building environments.

By integrating modern technologies and sustainable design practices, GBE is paving the way for a future where buildings are not just functional and aesthetically pleasing, but also kind to the environment.

As part of the Global Group, GBE is part of an ecosystem that fosters curiosity, open dialogue, and career growth.

Bull Products launches Green Bull division focused on sustainable practices

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Launch of Green Bull with a ministerial visit

The Right Honourable Jesse Norman, the Member of Parliament for Hereford and South Herefordshire and Minister of State (Decarbonisation and Technology), made an official visit to the Bull Products headquarters in Hereford to inaugurate the company’s fresh Green Bull division.

Green Bull: Bull Products’ response to sustainable manufacturing

Sandy Damm, the CEO at Bull Products, expressed his delight at Jesse Norman’s visit and the subsequent unveiling of the Green Bull division.

Damm explained: “Reducing waste and minimising carbon emissions in our product manufacturing, supply, and servicing of our products is a top priority and that is why we are launching Green Bull.”

In a shared dedication towards a sustainable future, the focus of the visit revolved around discussions about the necessity for businesses to demonstrate measurable progress in aiding the environment.

Damm also mentioned: “The future of the construction industry has to be green, and we are setting a new standard for temporary fire protection and alarm systems used on construction sites.”

Green Bull to focus on reuse and refurbishment of safety products

Through Green Bull, Bull Products is geared to reuse its safety products when safe and practical.

Fire protection gear, including fire extinguishers and trolleys, will be reused, incorporating a majority of the original components, resulting in a fully functional product adhering to all pertinent regulations.

“The scrapping of safety products when a building development is completed occurs far too frequently,” CEO Damm added.

He emphasised the ecological and financial sense of refurbishing products to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Positive assessments for Green Bull’s future impact

Bull Products predicts it will be capable of refilling and re-circulating around 35-40% of returned water and foam extinguishers.

This process will decrease transportation costs, product manufacturing, and material costs, further aiding the environment.

An integral part of Bull Products, the asset management solution Fire360, exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Launched in 2016, Fire360 enables safe storage of products after a site completes.

These products are then serviced, cleaned, delivered, installed, and commissioned for use at a new site.

For more information about Green Bull and Bull Products, visit the company’s sustainability page.

IFSJ Comment

This launch is significant as Bull Products’ Green Bull division marks a key step towards sustainable practices in manufacturing fire safety equipment.

It highlights the increasing importance placed on sustainability in the sector, setting a new standard for other businesses to follow.

Calls for better coordination in fire safety initiatives to support EU Green Deal goals

by Featured NewsSustainability

Prominent organisations urge for a structured coordination in fire safety regulations and initiatives

A broad coalition of fire safety organisations, led by Krzysztof Biskup, Chair of the European Fire Safety Alliance, has penned an open letter to EU Vice President Frans Timmermans. The alliance advocates for improved coordination of fire safety initiatives across the European Union (EU), asserting that this will bolster the objectives of the EU Green Deal.

Fire safety’s integral role in EU Green Deal

The group highlights the critical role of fire safety in various EU policies and Green Deal initiatives. “Fire safety of buildings is a national competence, it is impacted by and impacts many EU policies,” the letter stated. The current fire safety challenges in the EU are grave, with an estimated 5,000 deaths and a much higher number of injuries from residential fires each year.

The coalition emphasises that a holistic approach to fire safety should accompany the energy transition. This is crucial considering the introduction of new materials, products, and technologies, each with unique risks that require updated safety measures and regulations.

Fire safety and the energy transition

Currently, electrical fires account for 25-30% of residential fires, a figure that might be adversely affected by obsolete electrical installations and inadequate fire safety rules as the EU pushes for greener solutions like solar panels and electric vehicles. New construction methods and materials aimed at improving the environmental profile of buildings can also clash with existing fire safety rules.

This mismatch in safety regulations and green technology could both slow the deployment of decarbonising solutions and potentially lead to new types of fire accidents.

Fire safety and other EU objectives

Fire safety ties in closely with several other EU objectives. As the letter mentions, the New European Bauhaus initiative and commitments to tackle energy poverty are areas that intersect with fire safety. The alliance thus underlines the need for a comprehensive approach to fire safety.

Call for coordinated action

The letter calls on the European Commission to establish a structural coordination of all policy initiatives impacting or related to fire safety across European buildings. This coordination should cut across Directorate Generals, involve best practice sharing, and align fire safety with the objectives of the EU Green Deal.

Fire safety is currently addressed in several EU initiatives, but these are often developed in silos and would benefit from better coordination for enhanced effectiveness and to better achieve the EU’s goals.

The coalition offers to support this work and has listed relevant initiatives they have identified in an annex. The alliance of signatory organisations now eagerly anticipates a response from the European Commission.

Read the letter in full

The letter can be found in full by clicking here.

The letter was signed by 17 organisations: European Fire Safety Alliance, International Association for Fire Safety Science, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Forum for European Electrical Domestic Safety, European Copper Institute, ANEC, European Fire Sprinkler Network, European Association for Passive Fire Protection, Europacable, Modern Building Alliance, Fire Safe Europe, Euralarm, Phosphorus, Inorganic and Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association, BSEF, EUROLUX, Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring, Concrete Europe, and European Society for Automatic Alarm Systems.

Fire Safe Europe and FEEDS to address crucial safety skills for the European Green Deal

by EventsFeatured News

Fire Safe Europe, in partnership with the Forum for European Electrical Domestic Safety (FEEDS), has announced an online panel discussion as official partners of European Green Week 2023.

The virtual event, scheduled for June 7, 2023 (2.30-4.30pm CEST), will focus on the pivotal role of electrical and fire safety skills within the framework of the European Green Deal.

This groundbreaking event brings together leading representatives from European institutions, stakeholders, and industry experts to address the importance of fostering electrical and fire safety competencies in achieving a secure and robust energy transition. Interested participants can register for the event here.

The European Union’s aggressive emission reduction target of 55% necessitates a multi-faceted approach. A critical component is to make our buildings more energy-efficient, less carbon-intensive, and more sustainable throughout their lifecycle.

Innovative energy-efficient solutions, including photovoltaic (PV) panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging points, and heat pumps, play a crucial role in decarbonizing the built environment. However, their implementation introduces new electrical loads that could increase the risk of electrical fires if the electrical installations are not upgraded and suitable fire safety measures are not put in place.

The European Union bears a significant responsibility in guiding construction professionals towards a fire-safe decarbonisation of the built environment. Key initiatives like the EU Pact for Skills, EU funding programs for upskilling and reskilling construction workers, and common guidelines for accredited professionals can effectively lead this transformation while ensuring fire safety.

As part of their commitment to the EU Green Week, Fire Safe Europe and FEEDS have organised this panel discussion to delve into these issues. The webinar will address key questions such as the importance of electrical and fire safety competencies in decarbonising the built environment safely, the integration of these requirements in EU policies, and how the EU can boost these skills through its targeted actions.

About Fire Safe Europe

Fire Safe Europe is a prominent European association representing various companies and professional organizations with the shared goal of enhancing fire safety in buildings.

About FEEDS

The Forum for European Electrical Domestic Safety (FEEDS) is a proactive think-tank that convenes organizations with a shared objective of improving electrical safety in dwellings. Its primary aim is to contribute to a safe, just, and ambitious Energy Transition with a particular emphasis on electrification.

London unveils first ever Carbon Zero fire station

by Featured News

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) welcomed Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, to the inaugural tour of Walthamstow Fire Station, London’s first-ever Carbon Zero fire station. The visit signalled the Brigade’s steadfast commitment to sustainability, underscoring the urgent need to address environmental impacts while carrying out essential emergency services.

The pioneering transformation of Walthamstow Fire Station directly aligns with the Brigade’s ambitious target to achieve Carbon Zero status. Rodrigues’ visit followed that of Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, Fiona Twycross, who earlier this year demonstrated her strong support for the Brigade’s sustainability initiatives.

Rodrigues was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner for Fire Stations, Spencer Sutcliff, Assistant Director for Property Laura Birnbaum, Carbon Reduction Strategy Manager Paul Cook, Waltham Forest Borough Commander Neil Guyett, Walthamstow Station Commander Matt Williams, and other integral members of the project team. The delegation toured the station, witnessing firsthand the significant changes made, including the installation of solar panels on the station’s roof and the implementation of new energy-efficient lighting.

Eliminating gas usage

Walthamstow Fire Station has pioneered the elimination of gas usage, having replaced it with an innovative electric heat pump. The station runs on electricity solely from 100% renewable sources whenever solar power is insufficient, underscoring its prestigious status as London’s first Carbon Zero fire station.

The LFB recently secured approximately £1.4 million in funding from the UK Government via the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This significant investment will enable the expansion of the Carbon Zero initiative to five additional fire stations by the end of 2024.

Paul Cook, Carbon Reduction Strategy Manager at the London Fire Brigade, said: “We are really proud to have made Walthamstow Fire Station carbon net zero to support the Mayor of London’s net zero 2030 target. The project has not come without its challenges, but crucially, it has proven that we can reduce the Brigade’s dependency on gas. 

“But we see this as the first step in a long journey and we have another 102 fire stations to move this forward to which we are planning for now.

“However, the trial at Walthamstow has enabled the Brigade to develop a comprehensive carbon net zero strategy which, with the funding to replicate these changes across the estate, means we can become carbon net zero by 2030, helping London to become a cleaner and greener city.”

Expressing her support, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, stated: “I was delighted to visit the capital’s first-ever carbon net zero fire station in Walthamstow. London Fire Brigade is leading the way with new green technology thanks to investment and continued support from the Mayor of London to help modernise and transform the Brigade.”

Rodrigues added: “Our emergency services have an important role to play in helping our city achieve the Mayor’s target for London to be a net zero carbon city by 2030. By using renewable energy to power vital frontline services for Londoners and better protect our environment, we can make London a greener, safer, fairer and more sustainable city for all Londoners.”

About London Fire Brigade

About the London Fire Brigade (LFB) London Fire Brigade, one of the largest firefighting and rescue organizations in the world, is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of people in London. In line with its dedication to service, LFB is proactively pursuing sustainability goals to contribute to a greener and safer London.

Boulder invests in safety and sustainability with electric fire engine

by Featured NewsVehicles

The City of Boulder has announced the purchase of a Rosenbauer RTX fire engine, the first electric vehicle of its kind in Colorado. The electric fire engine was purchased by Boulder Fire-Rescue and is considered a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), meaning it has an all-electric drivetrain and pump with a diesel energy backup system. This technology allows the city to fight fires while safeguarding air quality and reducing climate-warming emissions.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the purchase of the electric fire engine represents a significant step towards improving occupational safety for all firefighters. The RTX engine boasts several improvements to better support the needs of an increasingly diverse firefighting workforce. These features include an adjustable suspension that offers lower equipment and cab access heights, all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering for increased maneuverability on the road, an ergonomically designed cab space, reduced exposure to carcinogenic fumes, and a significant reduction in operational noise.

“This is a tremendous step forward for our community and yet another example of Boulder’s leadership in addressing climate change,” said City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde. “We’re proud to be an early adopter of new technology that makes emergency response both safer and environmentally friendly.”

The purchase of the electric fire engine was made possible through the collaboration of departments including Fire-Rescue, Fleet & Facilities, and Climate Initiatives. The estimated cost of this engine is currently at approximately 1.78 million. The money has been saved up over time from the department’s budget to replace the fleet as necessary.

“Boulder Fire-Rescue has been very intentional and thorough in the process of researching and developing a plan for this engine,” said Travis Richen, administrative battalion chief. “This purchase gives us an amazing chance to shape the next generation of fire apparatus.”

Boulder anticipates delivery of this engine late 2024 to early 2025. During this time, Boulder Fire-Rescue firefighters and Rosenbauer will work together closely to ensure that the new engine meets the needs of Boulder firefighters and the community they serve.

Bollé Safety presents first ESG report

by Breaking News

PPE eye protection manufacturer Bollé Safety has presented its first ESG report: A complete approach combining the transformation of its products and its entire value chain. The new report follows the publication of its carbon footprint last year.

Accompanied by an ambitious transformation strategy involving all its products and processes, the report outline’s the brand’s aim to achieve international B-Corp certification by 2024 and to reduce the carbon emissions of each of its products by 35% by 2027.

Reducing the environmental impacts

Bollé Safety’s first major project is to reduce the environmental impact of its products and packaging.

After becoming aware that a significant part of its carbon footprint relates to the life cycle of its products (>75%), Bollé Safety said this project is a priority with a clear objective: to propose an eco-friendly version of 100% of its new products and 50% of its top sellers by 2025.

A a result, Bollé Safety has developed three eco-friendly products for professionals in the health and industry sector (see opposite). These have enabled the company to test different recycled and biosourced raw materials, new production processes and recycling solutions. Products that will serve as a basis for imagining the brand’s next eco-responsible innovations and reaching the final goal of 2025.

The products are:

  • The Cura F, made in England with 97% recycled polyamide
  • The Solis Go Green, of which 33% of the frame is made from recycled materials (nylon made from recycled fishing line)
  • The Klassee, with a frame made of 48% of organic castor oil

Packaging

The brand, which equips 20 million users worldwide, is also working on its packaging with the ambition that 95% of them will be eco-friendly by 2024.

Bollé Safety was the first PPE eyewear manufacturer to provide BPA-free polyethylene bags for all its products since the 2000s. Currently, two types of packaging are available: the eco-packaging and the eco-polybag.

The eco-packaging is batch packaging, plastic-free, 100% recycled and recyclable and optimized for 30% less waste compared to plastic alternatives. The instructions for use are printed directly on the cardboard with vegetable-based ink and the size of the packaging is optimised for transport without empty space. The eco-packaging is the most sustainable packaging available on the market.

The eco-polybag: A unitary plastic packaging with 100% recycled polyethylene bags. New since January 2023, Bollé Safety manufactures all its products with this packaging, which is easy to recycle.

Ian Walbeoff – Vice President of Sales EMEA commented: “Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions across our entire value chain is a central topic for us. It is part of the objective of contributing to long-term carbon neutrality.

“To develop our climate objectives, we have chosen a short-term objective of reducing the carbon intensity of our products, at a pace compatible with the Paris Agreement. Our new objective, from 2024, is that each subject of innovation contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of Bollé Safety products”.

Long term value chain transformation

Bollé Safety has said it aspires to effect its transformation in a global and sustainable manner. It, therefore, includes in its CSR approach, actions to improve its social impact: Ensure ethical working practices in the supply chain; Developing diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement; Support, through its philanthropic commitment, causes aligned with its values.

A roadmap that aims to include its social and environmental purpose directly in its legal statutes and to be B Corp certified by 2024.

To move towards a sustainable model, Bollé Safety has become a member of SEDEX, an independent organisation supporting companies in their management of social and environmental risk.

The eye protection brand has established that 100% of its suppliers must sign its code of conduct aimed at respect with the United Nations Global Pact by the end of March 2023. This legal document requires the respect of regulations and social and environmental standards.

It allows the French company to audit them and sanction them in the event of non-compliance with the code. Presently, only three of its suppliers present a high risk of non-compliance.

Responsible and Respectful

Quentin Chapelain, Bollé Safety ESG Manager said: “Our responsible purchasing approach aims to make our supply chain ever more responsible and respectful of people and the environment. This CSR report goes beyond an environmental strategy, it also encompasses the social side and governance. We hope that our action will help engage all stakeholders towards a more sustainable model”–

Bollé Safety’s ESG report highlights an additional step for the brand, whose ambition is to move towards a sustainable model, both in terms of economic and social strategy. The UK is a priority market for Bollé Safety, the latter aims to help transform the market to position itself as a national and international prime-mover.

BESA urges UK government to accelerate investment in energy efficiency

by ConstructionFeatured News

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has welcomed the creation of a new government department dedicated to delivering energy security and net zero. However, it has urged Secretary of State Grant Shapps to accelerate investment in energy efficiency. 

Shapps was appointed to lead the new department as part of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s first ministerial reshuffle, which saw the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) split into three departments. 

Sunak said the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero would be tasked with “securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation”. 

The government is legally required to update its Net Zero Strategy by the end of March. BESA said it should take the opportunity to clarify where it stands on energy efficiency in the built environment. 

BESA’s technical director Graeme Fox said: “Putting net zero and energy security together makes sense. They go hand-in-hand and one of the quickest ways to achieve both is to step up efforts to improve the energy performance of the built environment through a national programme of building retrofits. 

“Investing in energy efficiency measures, scaling up the roll-out of heat pumps by bringing forward the promised funding, and driving investment in training to plug our green skills gap can all be done at speed.”

Ambition 

The Association urged the government to bring forward the £6bn promised by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt from 2025 to help building owners cut energy use by 15% compared with current levels.

It also said the government would have to increase heat pump subsidies to achieve its long-stated ambition of growing the market to 600,000 installations a year by 2028. 

Fox explained “These are quick wins that could get our lagging net zero programme back on track, improve energy security and start cutting people’s bills. We are miles away from the 600,000 heat pumps a year target, but we could get there with some serious and focused support.” 

Speaking at BESA President’s Lunch, broadcaster Tom Swarbrick – who was political adviser to Theresa May during her time as Prime Minister – said the government made a legally binding commitment to deliver net zero by 2050 “with absolutely no plan for how it would be delivered” claiming that said May saw it as a fitting legacy from her time in office “but nobody had any idea how to do it”.  

Fox also pointed out that it was May who scrapped the Department of Energy and Climate Change in 2016 and said that the time since had been marked by a lack of direction on energy policy. 

The Association has urged Shapps to move quickly to clarify how the government expected to deliver its legal commitments and to “hit the ground running by backing energy efficiency”. 

Fox added: “This must be more than a political gesture. It is an opportunity to bring real focus to strategies that the government already knows about, and which can dramatically reduce our dependence on fossil fuels for heating and cooling in buildings – so bringing both energy security and net zero closer.”

ROCKWOOL ranks amongst world’s most sustainable building products companies

by ConstructionFeatured News

In this year’s Global 100 sustainability ranking from Corporate Knights, ROCKWOOL has been recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the world overall and the global sustainability leader among Building Products companies.

The annual Corporate Knights Global 100 ranking quantitatively compares and ranks the world’s largest publicly traded companies, emphasising equally the negative impact of a company’s operations as well as the positive impact of its core products and services on people and the planet.

The ranking is based on a rigorous assessment of 6,720 companies with more than 1 BUSD in revenues. According to Corporate Knights, the Global 100 companies also outperform financially, with net total returns beating the MSCI ACWI and other ESG indices since the ranking was created in 2005.

The core material for ROCKWOOL products is stone wool. Made from volcanic rock, it is fully recyclable with multiple inherent properties that make it ideal for many applications. ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation saves far more energy and CO2 – actually 100 times more – than is consumed and emitted during its production.

ROCKWOOL Senior Vice President Mirella Vitale commented on the placement: “We are honoured to be included in the Global 100 together with so many respected companies and to be ranked #1 among building products companies.

“We still have work to do in some areas, but as an energy-intensive heavy manufacturing company, it is especially encouraging to be recognised both for the positive impact of ROCKWOOL products as well as our efforts to decarbonise and otherwise reduce the impact of our operations”.