Composite panels have played a major role in the design and construction of a groundbreaking new logistics centre in north Staffordshire. The Blue Planet building uses a range of sustainable systems, and is the first building to achieve a BREEAM ‘outstanding’ rating.
The panels, which have been approved to LPS 1181 Ext B and A15 for fire growth tests, have been installed across the building envelope. The installation of Kingspan EnergiPanel systems – which combine the benefits of conventional PIR composite wall cladding with solar air heating technology – contribute to the building’s green credentials, saving a projected GB pound 300,000 in running costs.
“All aspects of the project needed to be as environmentally friendly as possible,” explained Steve Hall, contracts director at cladding contractor FK Roofing. “For example, a building envelope air tightness rate of 2m 3/hr/m 2 was demanded to help reduce heating demands and in practice, the Kingspan products helped to make this even better at 1.8m 3/hr/m 2. The company also did their bit to minimise site waste by recycling pallets and plastic packaging.”
The majority of Kingspan products have an ECOsafe insulation core, containing no CFCs or HCFCs with a low global warming potential, achieve an A or A+ rating according to the Green Guide to Specification, and are available in FIREsafe LPCB insurer-approved form. They are also fibre-free, removing the risk of loose fibres being released and causing irritation.
