KDC Environment 001 Environmental Awareness
Environmental Awareness Content 1.0 Introduction 2 2.0 The Environment & Pollution 2 3.0 Environmental Action 4 4.0 Environmental Aspects & Impacts 5 5.0 Environmental Management 6 6.0 The ISO 14001 Environmental Management System 7 7.0 Environmental Policy 8 8.0 Management Responsibility 9 9.0 Environmental Objectives & Targets 11 10.0 Employee Responsibility 12 11.0 Doing Your Bit Everyday Actions 13 12.0 Environmental Achievements 16 1
aspects and is constantly seeking to improve and achieve the best possible standards. At our Leuze-en-Hainaut site, Kingspan Door Components has nearly 100 employees, and each and every one of us has a role to play in thinking about the future and acting now to help preserve and enhance our working environment and the health of the planet. Environmental Awareness 1.0 Introduction The benefits of Insulated Door Systems are well recognized by property investors, building owners, designers and constructors, and the products have been used across Europe on industrial and residential projects. Insulated Door Systems deliver excellent long term thermal performance, saving energy over the life of the building. This is crucial in the fight to cut CO 2 emissions and halt global warming. The systems allow fast track construction at a time when we are under pressure to build faster and build better, but are short of manpower. They also look good. But customers today demand more than high performance products they also want to know that the company manufacturing them behaves responsibility towards the environment and has good environmental health & safety practices as well as operating to international quality standards. Kingspan Door Components recognizes the importance of these 2.0 The Environment and Pollution All human activity has some effect on the environment. Pollution of the environment occurs due to the release (into land, air or water) from any process of substances that are capable of causing harm to man or any other living organism supported by the environment. Pollution may cause substantial and possibly irreparable damage to the local or global environment and in many cases the polluter has to pay for this damage which is often costly. Companies that are environmentally responsible manage their business activities to minimize their impact on the environment (both locally and globally) and make every effort to prevent pollution occurring in the first place. 2
Environmental Awareness 2.1 Ozone Layer Depletion 2.5 Smog The Ozone layer protects the earth from UV radiation produced by the sun. Certain chemicals including CFCs in aerosols, spray paints, solvents and other Volatile Organic Carbons destroy this layer. Kingspan Door Components products are all manufactured with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), providing first rate insulation performance without damaging the Ozone layer. 2.2 Resource Depletion Natural resources including oil and gas are not infinite. At the current rate of use, these resources are likely to be consumed without our generation. 2.3 Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming Global warming of the earth s surface occurs when radiation from the sun enters the earth s atmosphere but cannot be radiated back into space as it becomes trapped by a variety of gases in the atmosphere. This is the Greenhouse Effect. The gases that cause this include carbon dioxide, methane and CFCs. 2.4 Acid Rain Sulphur and nitrogen oxides produced by the burning of fossil fuels are converted to acid rain through complex atmospheric processes. The Acid Rain produced causes damage to trees, watercourses and buildings. Chemical reactions between nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds occurring in sunlight leads to the formation of ground level ozone, smog, which can have significant effects on humans, plants and animals. 2.6 Solid Waste Millions tones of solid waste are generated each year. The limited numbers of landfill sites available are rapidly becoming saturated giving rise to problems, such as, methane pollution and leachate reaching watercourses. 2.7 Population Growth Population is currently approximately 6 billion and is expected to be nearly 12 billion in the year 2030. Forest destruction has already reached a rate such that in 25 years all forests may have disappeared. In addition currently 50-100 species are being lost per day. 2.8 And the Good News is This makes fairly depressing reading, and you might be asking whether there is any light at the end of the tunnel. Well, the good news is that yes, there are small but significant things we can all do to make a difference. 3
Pressure Groups GREENPEACE, F o E Financial Sectors Financial incentives for companies to become environmentally aware e.g. lower insurance premiums and bank charges. Environmental Awareness Supply Chain Supply Chain Pressure. Companies are beginning to check their supplier s environmental policies. 3.0 Environmental Action These issues and concerns mean that action has to be taken, from a worldwide to a local scale. World Concern Rio Conference 1992 & Kyoto Conference 1997. World leaders attend to discuss environmental concerns and to set targets for improvements. Competitors Manufacturers of similar products who have achieved Environmental Certification may be preferred to those without improved environmental performances. European Union Has produced Directives & Proposals aimed at reducing harm to the environment Belgian Legislation Environment Agency established (Regulatory & Enforcement). Tightening of general Environmental Legislation. Public Awareness Increasing concern for the environment from both employees and the local community. 4
Environmental Awareness 4.0 Kingspan Door Components Environmental Aspects and Impacts The most significant environmental impacts of our operations are as follows: 4.1 Landfill / Segregation The biggest single impact on the environment that the operation of the Leuze-en-Hainaut site produces is the amount of landfill. Every tonne of waste that goes to landfill costs a significant amount to dump. More importantly, much of it is unnecessary waste that ends up taking up increasingly scarce landfill space. A major recycling initiative is being introduced on site. A significant part of steel and aluminium are recycled already. Waste foam currently goes to landfill, but the potential for recycling is being explored. Paper waste from the office is also recycled, as are ink and toner cartridges. The aim is an immediate reduction by 50% of the amount of waste being sent to landfill, with a long term target of 0% being disposed of that way. 4.2 Energy Consumption A significant amount of power is used unnecessarily. All staff can help by switching off machinery and systems when not use, not leaving lights on etc. 4.3 Handling Chemicals As with most industrial manufacturing processes, there is a risk associated with the use of chemicals. Every member of staff likely to come into contact with chemicals should be fully trained in the safe handling of the material and should know what to do in the event of an accident. Prevention is always better than a cure, and staff is expected to be vigilant at all times when dealing with hazardous materials. However, there are clear procedures to follow if there should be a spillage, and there is suitable equipment to hand to deal with it. Any member of staff who is unsure of what to do in such an incident should speak to their line manager about appropriate training. 4.4 End of Life Impact There has in the past been an assumption that the only way to dispose of insulated door systems at the end of life is through landfill. Kingspan Group has been working with interested parties to develop a feasible recycling scheme, and this option should soon become available. 5
5.0 Environmental Management All business have an effect on the environment and to control and minimise these environmental effects they will all be managed within an environmental management system. ISO 14001 is an international environment standard designed to aid companies in the identification and assessment of their significant environmental impacts and legal obligations through the implementation of a programme of continuous environmental improvement via series of objectives, targets and written procedures. The ISO 14001 certification is one of our most important objectives for the next few years. 5. An environmental policy is published and provides the focal point of the factory s environmental programmes and activities. 6. Detailed objectives and targets for continual environmental improvement are set and a programme to achieve those objectives is implemented 7. Registers of the environmental effects of the factory s activities and the relevant environmental legislation are maintained. Environmental Awareness 1. The organisational and employee responsibilities are defined in order to implement the environmental management system and all personnel whose work can affect the environment are trained in environmental issues. 2. A management manual details how the system works supported by individual procedures for activities affecting the environment. 3. Detailed records are kept and internal audits are carried out to assess the effectiveness of the system. 4. The whole system is reviewed periodically and Is assesses externally. 6
Environmental Awareness 6.0 The ISO 14001 Management System 7
7.0 Environmental Policy Kingspan Door Components is one of the leaders in the production of insulated door panels, from this influential position it realises the importance of safeguarding the environment. In keeping with its guiding principles Kingspan Door Components commits itself to the protection and care of the environment and outlines this commitment as listed below. and responsibility for the environment Kingspan Door Components will maintain company and departmental monitoring programmes to ensure compliance with its policy and objectives and targets programme in the line with the reduce, reuse and recycle ethos Environmental Awareness Kingspan Door Components will comply with all environmental legislation Kingspan Door Components commits itself to the continual improvement and minimisation of its environmental impact in all areas of its activities Kingspan Door Components commits itself to conduct its business in a manner that will prevent pollution and demonstrate its respect for the environment Kingspan Door Components will co-operate fully with any government agencies in finding solutions to environmental problems, resulting from its activities Kingspan Door Components will manage effective environmental documentation system, to comply with the requirements of ISO 14001 Kingspan Door Components will provide environmental training for all employees, promoting individual and collective respect 8
Environmental Awareness 8.0 Management Responsibility 8.1 Managing Director The Managing Director has overall and final responsibility and authority for the environmental performance of Kingspan Door Components. This includes ensuring that all legal requirements and the requirements of ISO 14001, in the future, are met 8.2 Operations Manager The Operations Manager, reporting to the Managing Director, has responsibility for day to day implementation of the environmental policy at the Leuzeen-Hainaut site. This includes: Review of the effects of Kingspan Door Components activities on the environment 8.3 Departmental Managers The Departmental Managers, reporting to the Managing Director or to the Operations Manager, are responsible for the environmental performance of their departments. This includes: Ensuring that safe working procedures are followed at all times Minimising waste of all types Segregating waste as requires by environmental procedures Minimising energy consumption Maintaining first-class standards of housekeeping in their areas so that the visual impact of the site is good, and packaging and other waste cannot escape onto surrounding areas Setting environmental objectives and targets Ensuring that all employees understand how their activities at work could impact on the environment Formal review of the effectiveness of the Environmental Management System Continual improvement in the environmental performance of the company Providing adequate resources on a day to day basis, so that a good environmental performance can be achieved Investigating the root cause of any environmental incidents which occur and implementing corrective action to ensure they do not happen again 8.4 Site Polymer Engineer The Site Polymer Engineer is responsible for the storage, handling and processing of chemicals in a manner that minimises their potential environmental impact. This includes the development of emergency response procedures for dealing with chemical spills. 9
8.5 QA & EHS Manager (Prevention Advisor) The QA & EHS manager (Prevention Advisor), reporting to the Managing Director, has been appointed as the Management Representative for environmental matters. Responsibilities include: Environmental Awareness Documentation of the Environmental Management System Liaison with external inspectors / auditors as required Maintaining the register of legal requirements and documenting the significant environmental impacts of the site Reporting on the environmental performance of the company Planning both the internal audits of the Environmental Management System and the weekly housekeeping / health & safety inspections Advising the company on all matters concerning the Environment and Health & Safety Organising regular monitoring of emissions to air, noise levels and so on 10
Environmental Awareness 9.0 Environmental Objectives and Targets There is no room for complacency, and so this will be an ongoing process of reviewing what has already been achieved, where further improvements can be made, and looking at long term objectives. Staff will be kept informed of achievements and any future developments. Each year the company will establish a series of objectives and targets in order to make sure that our environmental performance continues to improve. The following are our initial objectives: Reduce waste and segregate / re-use / recycle as much as we can Reduce energy consumption Improve the visual impact of the site and ensure waste cannot escape on to surrounding areas Improve methods of chemical handling / storage and implement effective emergency procedures Ensure that we know exactly how all waste leaving site is dealt with by the licensed waste contractors Improve our understanding of drainage systems on site mapping, colour coding and so on 11
10.0 Employee Responsibilities All personnel should be aware of the existence of the Environmental Management System and the company Environmental Policy. If your job involves the disposal of waste of any kind you will appreciate the need to comply with specific procedures, your activities will also be subject to periodic audits. It is very important that all waste materials are correctly segregated and disposed of at the appropriate point. Our collective objective is to reduce waste and increase energy efficiency by taking straight forward measures e.g. turning off lights and computer equipment when appropriate, reporting any abnormalities in your normal daily routine and following approved procedures to reduce the risk of environmental incidents. All Environmental Health and Safety Legislation must be complied with. Please ensure that you are familiar with and follow these instructions: All employees must be aware of the actions to be followed in the event of a spillage Spills must be dealt with as soon as they occur by using the appropriate materials contained in the spill kits provided Such action will prevent the spill from entering the surface water drainage system and will also prevent slips and falls Do not attempt to clean up chemical spillage unless you have the appropriate training, keep others away and if possible isolate the area using barriers or tape. Immediately inform your Supervisor For major chemical spills or pentane leaks inform your Supervisor immediately, who should then contact the Polymer Department They will take the appropriate action Environmental Awareness The company has developed procedures to protect both your safety and the local environment. 12
Environmental Awareness 11.0 Doing your bit Everyday actions If we all think about how our everyday actions affect the environment and take steps to minimise the impact, the overall benefits will be significant. The majority of our actions that influence the environment involve waste of some sort, whether it is in the form of materials, energy or water. The following suggestions offer practical advice as to how you can help Kingspan Door Components and the environment: Prevention Be aware of the possibility of dangerous occurrences that could lead to environmental damage and act in a way to prevent them. Prevent Emissions Understand how the machinery you operate works and follow instructions correctly. If you can think of a way to improve the environmental performance speak to your Supervisor. Prevent Leaks Ensure the equipment you are responsible for is properly maintained report any fault. Even small leaks of oil or water can become significant losses. Oil can contaminate soil and water and can prove costly if spilt. Ensure you are careful when handling or transporting. Use proper safety measures and equipment to prevent spillages. Prevent Wastes Improved quality in the workplace is a positive way to reduce waste in both production and support activities. Reduce materials where possible e.g. paper, card and packaging. Take steps to avoid damaging equipment by accident through poor handling and storage. One of the simplest ways to reduce waste is to think about the amount of energy we use and whether we can do the task more economically. Energy Consumption The electricity used to power our equipment both at work and at home is generated using fossil fuels which is harmful to the environment. Suggestions for saving energy: Close doors Switch lights off where possible Switch off equipment (including computer equipment) at the end of the day Switch off extraction systems that are not in use 13
Reduce Waste / Re-use / Recycle Hazardous waste includes: All chemicals and IBCs (even when empty) Waste oil this goes to the chemical storage area and is then taken away for disposal Environmental Awareness The three R s of the environment are easy to do: Reduce waste by only using what you have to. Don t start new packs of things until the old ones are used up Reuse paper, packaging materials and wooden pallets where possible Recycle all paper, ink and printer cartridges. Segregate and recycle cardboard, plastic, glass and cans. Ensure that they go into the correct bins Fluorescent light tubes these have a special container for their disposal Store waste safely and securely so that it won t leak or be blown by the wind. Ensure that waste is packed so that it is secure to subsequent holders. Guard against Litter Failing to dispose of waste responsibility can result in litter. Litter can encourage vermin, create a fire hazard and cause accidents. It can lead to blocked drains, and cause other environmental problems. Litter results in a poor environmental image for the company. Put litter in the bin and ensure that they are not overfilled. 14
Environmental Awareness Thinking for the future, acting now! Wherever we work, shop floor, offices or engineering, we all use equipment to get the job done. All equipment has two similarities: It can waste energy It can make waste products To minimise waste, you can: Keep the work area tidy you can spot problems a lot more quickly Check your equipment is working properly Make sure you know what you are doing mistakes can lead to wasting energy and resources Thinking about improvements How can you do it better? Can you do it better by reducing waste or energy? How about talking with your team about your ideas on improvements and innovations? At home Saving energy and reducing waste is not just for work, it also applies at home. There are many things you can do easily to save energy and save money for example: Keep your hot water thermostat at 60 C Turning your central heating thermostat down by 1 C can save you 10% of heating bills The stand-by button on your TV and video cost money and energy to run We are living in a community of drive-thru s, out of town shopping centre and multiplexes. Changing the way our society lives will take time, but you can make a difference now: Sort your rubbish use paper, bottle and can banks Plan your journeys to make sure they are necessary Try car sharing, use public transport or walk! 15
12.0 Environmental Achievements Our company has changed the way it manufactures its products so that they have zero ODP We have instigated a major recycling programme, extending the recycling of wood, aluminium, steel, paper and toner cartridges to include car and plastic. We are looking at the possibility of recycling waste foam All of the above actions form part of our continuous improvement philosophy. We annually review our progress in order to set new targets to ensure continual improvement. We all have a part to play, and your support is vital for these initiatives to succeed. At the end of the day it is your future, as well as that of the company and ultimately of the planet, that you will be helping to secure by the way you act. Environmental Awareness Kingspan Group is developing real end of life recycling solutions for our products in partnership with recycling companies in the UK We will clean up our site All chemical containers on site will be properly bunded beyond the legal requirements These measures result in a reduction of our overall environmental impact. Our parent company is a member of the European Association for the Conservation of Energy (EuroACE), and play a leading role in the consultation and dissemination of information They have been invited to present seminars up and down the UK on the topic of sustainable development 16
Residential Panel Range Finger Pinch Protection Full Vision Profile EasyClick System Kingspan Door Components S.A. Zone Industrielle de l Europe, 1A B-7900 Leuze-en-Hainaut Tel: +32 69 868222 Fax: +32 69 868220 Email: info@kingspandoor.com www.kingspandoor.com Due to our continuing policy of development and improvement we reserve the right to alter and amend the specification as shown on this literature.