Environmental impact High
Employer/employee ranking 21/25
Staff numbers 444
Energy reduction n/a
Recycling n/a

Rain or shine, Kingspan Insulated Panels makes the most of Britain’s unpredictable weather. A 10,000-litre underground tank at its site in Holywell, north Wales, collects rainwater which is then used for flushing toilets in the visitor centre. The roof is fitted with 10 solar panels which supply energy directly to the building and there is also a wind turbine on site.

With such an array of all-weather equipment, employees say Kingspan’s green commitments are serious, giving a green score of 88%. They think their employer does a lot for the environment (82%) and is doing all that it can to minimise its environmental impact (78%).

The company, which manufactures insulated roofing, walls and facades for the construction industry, is making efforts to spread the word by providing advice on sustainable building design to others in the construction industry. Employees don’t think the firm is wasting money on initiatives such as this (88%).

In 2006, the business established a comprehensive green policy and employees say they are aware of it (81%). A 77% score shows that the environment is an everyday consideration at Kingspan.

Last year the firm was named the overall winner in the Wales Business & Sustainability awards and also won the award for sustainable development in business. A 76% score shows that the workforce agrees that the environment is high on their boss's list of priorities.

The company is aware of the carbon footprint of each square metre of insulated panels it manufactures and is striving to reduce the figure. However, not all employees understand fully what the carbon footprint is (60%), although they are happy that their bosses are committed to the environment (77%).

Following a slight increase in gas and electricity consumption in 2006, a reduction of 20% was set as last year’s target. A report from the Carbon Trust recommended ways for Kingspan to improve its energy efficiency and staff now think the company’s environmental impact is improving (84%).