Environmental performance
To monitor our progress in environmental efficiency, we have set up a number of environmental key figures. The figures cover key areas, such as consumption of resources and emissions. The environmental production figures are excluding impact from product use. The total life cycle sustainability balance for a typical insulation product is illustrated in the Climate & Environment 2009 report’s sustainability charts.
Less air pollution
Energy savings improve air quality. By burning less fossil fuel we also achieve less smog, acid rain and eutrophication - an excess of nutrients that may disturb the bio-diversity in soil and water. A typical Rockwool loft insulation product saves 61-162 times more of these air pollutants than were emitted during its production.
Improving our sustainability balance
The Rockwool factories use afterburners and other environmental equipment to minimise emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO) from the melting process, and phenol and formaldehyde from the small amounts of resin binder used to stabilise stone wool fibres. The combustion of carbon monoxide also improves energy utilisation. At temperatures exceeding 700°C, most of the airborne organic remnants from the production process are burnt off.
Good results
The Group’s smog components are diminishing: emissions of formaldehyde and phenol have decreased by 56% and 29% respectively since 2002. The third component, ammonia emissions, is 1% lower than 2002 levels, but with a receding trend since 2005. Carbon monoxide emissions have been reduced by 30% since 2002. Also the potential for eutrophication is diminishing. Sulphur dioxide emissions have risen by 8% since 2002 due mainly to the cross-media effect of recycling more stone wool waste via cement briquettes that contain sulphur components. An action plan is being prepared in order to reduce this acid rain factor.
Less dust from production
Dust emissions from the furnaces have been reduced by 31% since 2002 mainly due to the upgrading of filters. The Group recycles and re-melts as much dust as possible.
Water efficiency
In some areas potable water can be a scarce resource and thus a key sustainability factor. The Group’s water efficiency has been improved by 10% compared to 2002 levels. Consumption is currently 1.4 m3 per tonne stone wool.
