Sharing Knowledge
We share the knowledge gained from our advancements in R&D. We are committed to our partners in design, construction, and education in the promotion of construction standards that go beyond the RIBA Climate Challenge 2030.
UNILIN Insulation Sustainability Sustainability Pillars
Sustainability Pillars
Our four key areas for action.
Innovating for Change
Our product innovations have resulted in insulation systems that have achieved performances beyond simple U-Values. Unilin Insulation investment in R&D is delivering exciting developments in product properties, performance and circularity backed by continually improving Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that meet the highest industry targets for construction towards 2030.
Our ECO360 Range sees pioneering environmental improvements in the manufacturing, delivery and use of PIR insulation. A bio-enhanced, halogen-free formulation, the range has a more than 50% reduction in packaging, with all plastic wrap replaced by biodegradable film. We work with designers and contractors to reduce material usage on-site in order to achieve ultimate thermal performance and minimise the resultant embodied carbon.
Our Initiatives
ECO360 Product Range
We have developed a bio enhanced insulation range that minimises building operational energy, reduces material usage, and allows for the stringent embodied carbon targets of RIBA’s Climate 2030 Challenge.
R&D Investment
Investment has been committed by the Unilin Group aimed specifically at meeting and surpassing 2030 sustainability targets.
Innovative Systems
Our advancements with bio-based formulae, T&G jointing, pre-formed corner panels, stepped cavity tray liners and insulated service voids collectively build to achieve passive U-Values and excellent thermal bridging details. We are evolving new material solutions to meet the embodied carbon targets set out by both the nZEB and RIBA climate challenges.
Third Party Verification
Progress with our own sustainability improvements will be fully visible with regular reporting on our journey towards science based targets. Unilin Insulation product performances will be declared under the CPA CCPI (Code for Construction Product Information) and we will work with third party bodies to provide clear and concise information for those we do business with.
Biodegradable Packaging
Unilin Insulation aim to replace all virgin single use plastic packaging to biodegradable film or plastic with >50% recycled content by 2030. Transition starts with the introduction of the new ECO360 range where packaging is reduced and replaced with biodegradable film.
Onsite Waste Collection
2022 sees the launch of a site waste collection pilot scheme, in collaboration with developers, to establish a process for the reduction, reuse and recycling of materials.
Bespoke Quantities
Unilin Insulation’s Technical Team work with the designer to achieve both operational and embodied carbon targets. This includes the quantifying and delivery of bespoke quantities of materials to site minimising waste. The service covers the ECO360 range and the Xtrafall flat roofing system.
Our Local Impact
We understand our responsibility to our local environment and community. We recognise this involvement has the power to bring positive change to our immediate locality and to every community in which we operate. We actively promote a culture that fosters and supports volunteering and active participation.
Our Initiatives
Fleet Electrification
Xtratherm will transition our fleet to zero emissions EVs on all owned or leased personal vehicles by 2025. We will work with our logistic suppliers to improve efficiencies in their own fleets.
Rainwater Harvesting
A project to maximise the re-use of water on all facilities will begin in 2022 with the aim of providing 50% of our water requirements by end of 2025.
Energy Supply
Xtratherm will source 60% of our energy requirement from verified green providers by 2030.
Air Miles
Mile for mile, flying is the most damaging way to travel for the climate. Xtratherm has adopted practices that lessen the need for air travel. We encourage virtual meetings and only fly when necessary.
Biodiversity Garden
We’ve set aside over 8,000m2 of land to develop a nature park. We will plant different plant species – flowers, trees, and shrubs – to create a pollinator friendly habitat and attract fauna. Working with the Crann Woodland Trust, we are encouraging employees to participate in developing this bio-diverse area.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Our Green Workplace policy encourages our workforce to adopt sustainable practices in the workplace including recycling, waste reduction, water conservation, energy saving, use of local suppliers, along with the ‘bike to work’ scheme.
Green Roof
A ‘green roof’ installation is planned for the main office building at Navan to encourage pollination of native planting at each site.
Sustainability Champions
Sustainability will become part of everyone’s job and so we are asking all staff to engage with us in our sustainability effort.
Our Initiatives
Environment Group
Our One Home Strategy is based on three pillars, with a key working group focused on the deliverables. Through this group, a team of ‘Sustainability Champions’ will be dedicated to delivering on our overall strategy and promoting more environmentally friendly ways of working.
Community Support
Xtratherm has deep links into our local communities. For over 30 years the company has supported local charities, sports groups, community groups and initiatives with employee or company links. We foster an open door policy for everyone in bringing their citizenship ideas to the table.
Wellbeing Charter
The health and wellbeing charter supports management in creating a healthy workplace for all our staff to thrive.
Personal Development
We identify and foster talent within the business through personal development programmes.
Apprenticeships
We place a strong emphasis on providing opportunities for learning. Our apprenticeship programme enables participants to learn and upskill while at the same time getting hands on experience and learning
The Key is Collaboration
We work with our partners throughout the business to make more environmentally sensitive choices. We pledge to work together to improve the sustainability of our building projects. We are dedicated to promoting environmental awareness within the construction sector by sharing our learning with industry and academia.
Our Initiatives
Supply Chain
Throughout our entire supply chain, we work with companies who share our transparency and sustainability values. As part of the Unilin Group, we monitor suppliers to ensure that they meet ethical operations standards. This means ensuring fair and safe working conditions, the provision of fundamental labour rights, responsible sourcing, along with fair operating practices.
Innovation Centre & Learning Portal
Xtratherm’s interactive exhibition space facilitates industry training. Xi Online provides self-directed training – when and where you need it.
Toolbox Talks
Toolbox Talks are delivered onsite to installers and site supervisors to highlight best practice installation of insulation for walls, floors and roofs. This allows for optimal thermal performance on projects and to close the gap between design intent and actual built performance. The guidance is also available for review on our Learning Portal.
Product with Purpose
We commit to continuously improve product sustainability to meet Passive or nZEB standards. Our new enhanced product range will allow for the stringent embodied carbon targets of the RIBA Climate 2030 Challenge to be met.
I Built It
We support I Built It, a collaboration between leading employers, training bodies and recruiters. I Built It has been established to promote and facilitate rewarding careers in the West Midlands’ construction industry and to help address the sector’s skills shortage. By connecting educators, learners and employers, they aim to close the skills gap and assist potential employees from all age groups and backgrounds to gain meaningful employment.
CIAT Aspiration Group
Supporting young professionals through networking and education is a key part of developing competencies for architectural technologists. Xtratherm supports aspirATion – a network group established under CIAT, for students, recent graduates or newly qualified professionals entering the discipline.
TechnoTeachers Association
The TechnoTeachers Association represent and support teachers of technology disciplines including Wood Technology, Technical Graphics, Design Graphics, Construction Studies and Technology. We are involved at grassroots level with student talks, seminars, customised content and staff workshops right through to supporting the National Student Awards.
Introducing our
ECO360
Bio-enhanced PIR Insulation
A bio enhanced formulation, halogen free with low VOCs and enhanced performance. Available now for walls, floors & roofs.
ECO360
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