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Kingspan Insulated Panels
This involves making additional enhancements that introduce low- or zero-carbon technologies to reduce the overall energy footprint of the building, such as photovoltaic (PV) and heat pump technologies or wind turbines. The third stage, Net-Zero Energy Buildings, closes any performance gaps. Its purpose is to ensure that the overall annual performance of the building balances out – in other words, the building generates as much energy as it consumes. Here, Kingspan examines how the renewable energy technologies already incorporated in the building can be improved. At the same time, it’s established whether investment in offsite energy saving schemes is required. Within the Kingspan Insulated Panels division, we have eight separate product groups that underpin this holistic Net-Zero Energy approach on the international markets. Insulated Roof & Wall Panels remain our core business, which are often specified with BENCHMARK, our range of high-end Façade & Roof Systems. Alongside these, our range includes Standing Seam Systems; Metal Roof & Wall Systems; Controlled Environments; Structural Products & Systems; Fabrications, Safety & Lighting Solutions; and, most recently launched, Kingspan Energy Rooftop Solar PV. This latest addition provides customers with solutions that dramatically cut electricity costs, often with no capital outlay. All of these advanced, high-performance systems are now available to customers in Africa. In recent years, we’ve seen an interesting change within our business. We’re no longer just seen as a product manufacturer. As Kingspan Insulated Panels has become recognised as the first stop for building energy efficiency we’ve seen a big increase in the
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number of customers coming to us for consultancy. Even before products are specified, we’re being asked for advice on building optimisation at the design phase of projects.
A footprint in Africa
Why did you choose South Africa as the location for your first office? It makes total sense for us to establish an operation in Africa. In fact, it’s something that’s been in the plan for a while. We’re making a big commitment to the region and are comfortable doing that because we believe there’s already a matching philosophy and commitment to progressive construction. That’s why I’m particularly excited about the potential for interesting projects here. Aside from the meeting of minds, the commercial landscape needs to be right, too, of course. ‘We think the general economic trend in Africa remains positive for the long term. There’s an ongoing need for new commercial buildings that offer high energy efficiency and low operational costs. Choosing South Africa as the location for our first office was an easy decision. We see it as an important hub and gateway for the region. South Africa already has some of the most stringent energy and building regulations on the continent, and we expect other African nations to follow the example being set here. So, the macro environment in South Africa is a good fit in terms of how we can add value for customers. I also like to think that Kingspan Insulated Panels already has a few friends here. I often meet South African architects who are familiar with Kingspan. There’s a big contingent who have spent time in
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