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Latest Knauf Insulation news & announcements

Knauf Insulation Launches Rocksilk RainScreen Slab, A BBA Certified Solution For Partially Filled Masonry Cavities

Rocksilk RainScreen Slab is now certified for use in masonry cavities, in both high-rise rainscreen façades and domestic low-rise buildings situated in very severe exposure zones. The BBA certificate means that it complies with building regulations that state that insulation used in partially filled masonry cavities must have third-party accreditation. Rocksilk RainScreen Slab Our Rocksilk RainScreen Slab is already BBA certified for the broadest range of build-ups" “Our Rocksilk RainScreen Slab is already BBA certified for the broadest range of build-ups and thicknesses of any rainscreen solution on the market,” explained Luke Davies, the Rock Mineral Wool Product Manager at Knauf Insulation. He adds, “This latest addition to the range means that architects and specifiers benefit from the simplicity of using just one product, even if there are different build-ups within the project.” Suitable for use with all types of masonry cavities The product is suitable for use with all types of masonry cavities, including blockwork or reinforced concrete substrates with brick, blockwork, or natural stone façades. Key features include: Non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification This means it complies with building regulations that ban the use of combustible insulation on buildings over 18 meters tall in England and Wales and restrict their use on most buildings over 11 meters in Scotland. Thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK and available in thicknesses between 50 mm and 220 mm The slabs are designed to interlock to prevent unintended gaps that lead to air leakage and lower thermal performance. Manufactured with a water repellent additive that preserves its integrity, while it is exposed during construction It has also been wind load tested by the Building Research Establishment to a maximum design pressure of 3,600 Pa or 76 m/s – the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane.  Easy to install correctly With a width of 455 mm, Rocksilk RainScreen Slab suits standard centers for installation between wall ties or brick restraint systems. Slabs are robust, so they can be maneuvered into place while maintaining the flexibility required to adapt to minor imperfections in the substrate. Manufactured using ECOSE Technology. Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. Mineral Wool insulation made with ECOSE Technology is more environmentally friendly than insulation made using traditional oil-based binders, as it is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture. The product is soft to the touch, easy to handle, and generates low levels of dust and VOCs.

Knauf Insulation Launches A New Sustainability Strategy To Achieve Ambitions For The Future

Knauf Insulation is proud to announce the launch of their new sustainability strategy for Knauf Insulation — ‘For A Better World’. The exciting new strategy reveals their ambitions for the future and focuses on four key sustainable goals: Putting people first, achieving zero carbon, delivering a circular economy, creating better buildings. Sustainable building solutions “We have made a series of long-term commitments to show how each goal will be achieved. But — critically — we have also set clear, concrete short-term targets for 2025 that everyone can start achieving now,” said Jean-Claude Carlin, Knauf Insulation Group CEO. Vincent Briard, Director of Sustainability, said: “It is vital, in the short term, that we provide a measurable milestone of success and ensure the current leadership is held accountable for progressing towards our long-term vision to avoid leaving the problem to the next generation.” They are supporting their customers as they navigate market forces and regulatory landscapes Knauf is also here to help. They are supporting their customers as they navigate market forces and regulatory landscapes that are increasingly demanding more sustainable building solutions. “Sustainability defines everything we do. Our products save energy, cut emissions and make buildings fit for the future. We have the experience and expertise to ensure all our customers achieve their sustainable ambitions.” General capital expenditure Knauf Insulation’s company-wide sustainability targets for 2025 include: Reducing safety Total Recordable Incident Rate from 9.2 to five Reducing the embodied carbon of the products by 15% Investing 10% of the general capital expenditure in the new projects to reduce emissions or landfill waste Cutting the carbon footprint of their offices and through business travel by 25% Reducing virgin plastic packaging by more than 25% Using more than 25% of external recycled material by 2025 in their Rock Mineral Wool and more than 65% recycled material in their Glass Mineral Wool Sending zero production waste to landfill The strategy builds on the sustainability successes of the past decade. From 2010 to 2019 they have cut their energy consumption and emissions by 23%; reduced Lost Time Accident rate by 56% and cut their landfill waste by 67%.

Eline Lhoest Updates Readers With Knauf Insulation’s Latest COVID-19 Guidelines For Travelers On Holiday

“Looking forward to escaping for a summer holiday this month, but want to ensure the best COVID-19 safety precautions? Knauf Insulation has issued advice for its employees that may provide useful to anyone thinking of taking an August break. The guidelines provide practical measures that can be taken whether you are in an airport, on a flight, in a taxi or settling into a hotel room,” Eline Lhoest says. Philippe Coune, Knauf Insulation’s Group HSE Lead EMEA, said: “We want everyone to be As Safe As Home when they are away and come back from their holidays with nothing more than great memories.” respecting local regulations Patrice Briol, the Group HR and HSE Director, added: “Taking care of yourself on holiday and respecting local regulations ensures you take care of your colleagues, friends and family when you come back.” The travel advice includes: Making rooms safer In holiday accommodation wipe door handles, light switches and remote controls and avoid using hotel glasses. Remove bed ‘comforters’ and decorative pillows. Hang the ‘Do not disturb’ sign on the outside door handle to avoid people entering the room. Keeping your distance It is important to maintain a physical distance to other people of at least 1.5 metres; respect distancing and direction floor markings as well as politely decline handshakes. Ensuring low passenger numbers In hired transfers or taxis, it is important to transport the lowest number of passengers possible. If a car or bus is full wear a mask. Wearing a mask when necessary Many countries have introduced rules that require the wearing of masks in enclosed public spaces such as busy shopping areas, buses, trains, shops or on planes. When wearing a mask ensure the mouth and nose are fully covered. Opening windows In rental cars, taxis or holiday accommodation, open windows whenever possible to ventilate enclosed spaces. Cleaning surfaces Clean any surface that may be touched such as steering wheels, gear levers or entertainment and navigation systems in hired cars or in-flight touch screens, arm rests and trays on board aircraft. Keeping hands clean Hands need to be washed regularly for at least 20 seconds and sanitizer should always be carried. Mobile devices must be kept clean with sanitizer. Assessing a destination risk Countries are denoted as ‘Red warning level 3’ (avoid all non-essential travel to these destinations); ‘Yellow alert level 2’ (additional precautions required) or ‘Green watch level 1’ (practice usual precautions). Assess carefully the appropriate travel risks.

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