Knauf Insulation is launching company-wide sustainable building standards for its new sites following the certification of its Illange plant offices in France by the independent Green Building System Haute Qualité Environnementale (HQE).

Philippe Coune, Knauf Insulation Western Europe’s Sustainability Manager, said the certification underlined Knauf Insulation’s sustainability strategy commitment to Create Better Buildings: “Knauf Insulation's raison d'être is making buildings more sustainable by reducing energy use and greenhouse gases as well as creating buildings that enhance well-being and comfort."

“The HQE certification for Illange demonstrates that we are walking the talk when it comes to making our own buildings fit for the future and providing environments that contribute to the well-being of people who use them.”

The HQE certification of Illange covers 1,365m2 of ground level office space at the plant including the production offices, maintenance hall, production laboratory and canteen. In three key areas of the HQE certification, quality of life, lower environmental impact and economic performance, the premises were awarded the level of très performant (high performance).

The certification is recognition of the work of Knauf Insulation’s plant team at Illange supported by the company’s Central teams in Belgium. The teams worked for over a year to ensure the plant achieved the standards of HQE auditors. The plant also achieved strong ratings in the HQE assessment areas of energy and water use, biodiversity, waste management and climate change impact as well as its sustainable management. The site also features 7.5 hectares of dedicated green space for plants, birds and insect life as well as Knauf Insulation’s Urbanscape Green Roof System.

www.knaufinsulation.com