In the world of construction, the shift towards sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity. As builders and architects strive to meet rigorous building certifications like DGNB and BREEAM, companies like Kaimann are stepping up to provide the support needed to achieve these goals. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Sarah Mitchell, a sustainability consultant who has worked closely with Kaimann products, to discuss her insights into how these products are aiding the construction industry in its pursuit of sustainability.
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Sarah met me on a sunny afternoon at a local café, her demeanour relaxed yet passionate about the topic at hand. “The construction industry has been under the microscope for its environmental impact,” she began, sipping on her coffee. “But what’s exciting is how companies like Kaimann are making significant strides to change that narrative.”
Kaimann GmbH, renowned for its Kaiflex insulation products, has been making waves with its transparent ecological balance. “When a company makes environmental transparency a part of its core values, it changes the game,” Sarah explained. “Kaimann’s collaboration with the Institut Bauen und Umwelt (IBU) for developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) is a key step. These ecolabels are not just about showcasing a product’s features; they provide a comprehensive overview of its environmental impact, which is crucial for sustainable building certifications.”
Sarah highlighted how these EPDs offer a wealth of information, from recycling possibilities to energy demands and global warming potential. “It’s a no-nonsense approach to sustainability,” she said. “Builders can rely on this data to make informed decisions, aligning their projects with certification requirements.”
One of the most compelling aspects of Kaimann’s approach, according to Sarah, is their commitment to a transparent corporate policy. “They’ve been ISO 14001 certified since 2013 and ISO 50001 since 2014,” she noted. “That shows a long-term dedication to reducing environmental impact and improving energy efficiency.”
For Sarah, the real test of a company’s sustainability efforts is in its daily operations. “Kaimann’s commitment isn’t just on paper,” she remarked. “Their production processes are continuously audited and improved to minimise CO2 emissions and other environmental impacts. It’s this consistency that helps builders like us achieve certifications such as DGNB or BREEAM.”
As we continued our conversation, Sarah shared an example from one of her recent projects—a commercial building seeking DGNB certification. “We used Kaiflex products extensively,” she recounted. “The detailed EPDs provided by Kaimann were instrumental in our decision-making process. We could see exactly how each product contributed to our sustainability goals.”
According to Sarah, the support from Kaimann went beyond just products. “Their team is incredibly knowledgeable and willing to assist in understanding the environmental data,” she said. “It makes a world of difference when you have that kind of partnership. You’re not just buying materials; you’re getting a support system to help achieve the certifications.”
The conversation naturally turned to the future of sustainable construction. “I see Kaimann’s approach as a model for others in the industry,” Sarah asserted. “The focus on transparency and ecological balance is something more companies need to adopt. It’s not just good for the environment; it’s good business.”
Before we parted ways, I asked Sarah about the impact of these efforts on the broader industry. “It’s all about setting standards,” she responded. “When a company like Kaimann takes the lead in sustainability, it pushes others to follow. It’s a ripple effect that can lead to widespread change.”
As I left the café, I reflected on the insights Sarah had shared. In a world where the ecological impact of construction is under increasing scrutiny, Kaimann’s commitment to transparency and sustainability is indeed paving the way for a greener future. Through their collaboration with IBU and the development of comprehensive EPDs, they are not only supporting building certifications but also setting a benchmark for others in the industry to aspire to.
The journey towards sustainable construction is ongoing, but with leaders like Kaimann at the helm, the path is looking promising.
Kenneth George
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