Nestled in Deland, Florida, the headquarters for Kingspan North America's panels division serves as the epicenter for the company's ambitious Planet Passionate journey. This comprehensive initiative focuses on delivering a commitment to creating a net-zero built environment. In this article, we delve into the remarkable efforts and innovative projects undertaken by Kingspan North America to achieve sustainability milestones, with a particular emphasis on their Deland facility.
One of the cornerstones of Kingspan North America's sustainability strategy is the implementation of a cutting-edge on-site photovoltaic (PV) system. Adjacent to the factory in Deland, a sprawling roof underwent a complete overhaul to accommodate a 1.1-megawatt solar array, consisting of 2,680 QCell 480-watt modules. These modules, recognized as the most efficient in the market, aim to offset the entire electricity footprint of the facility.
The meticulous roof reconstruction involved utilizing the Mower and SLR panel for an overclad of an existing building with an insulated metal panel roof. This approach allowed production to continue seamlessly, covering an expansive 197,000 square feet. Additionally, Kingspan installed high-impact, wind-resistant prismatic domes, designed to withstand Florida's hurricane-prone climate.
Deland, Florida, experiences substantial rainfall, and Kingspan North America capitalized on this natural resource for water conservation. The facility captures up to a million gallons of rainwater annually through a state-of-the-art rainwater harvesting project. Three 5,000-gallon tanks, coupled with a triple filtration system, underscore Kingspan's commitment to sustainability by eliminating the need for potable water from the local municipality. Approximately 30% of the roof is dedicated to rainwater harvesting, contributing around 240,000 gallons to the cause.
Kingspan North America initiated its waste-to-landfill pilot project in Deland, setting the stage for a company-wide waste management transformation. At the Deland facility, waste streams are meticulously separated into five color-coded bins, each designated for specific materials. This approach ensures efficient waste handling and provides a scalable model for implementation across other facilities in North America.
The waste streams are regularly weighed and recorded, allowing Kingspan to monitor progress and optimize recycling efforts. By breaking down materials at the source, the company has successfully reduced its environmental impact and created a replicable waste management system throughout its North American operations.
The Deland facility stands as a beacon of sustainability within Kingspan North America's Planet Passionate journey. From the extensive solar array and roof reconstruction to rainwater harvesting and waste diversion initiatives, the company exemplifies a holistic approach to creating a net-zero built environment. As Kingspan North America continues to innovate and expand its sustainable practices, the Deland facility serves as a testament to the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and a greener future.