;

Energy efficiency

Driving energy efficiency

Residential and commercial buildings account for nearly 40 percent of the energy used in most countries and are responsible for a similar level of global CO2 emissions. In alignment with the 1.5 ̊C global temperature reduction target, our ambition is to be the global leader in energy-efficient insulation solutions for buildings and industry.

Correct building design and installation of insulation is critical to ensure optimal energy efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ROCKWOOL stone wool can also be used in extreme conditions, as it retains its insulation properties in very low and very high temperatures.

What is energy efficiency?
What is energy efficiency?

The ability to deliver the same service (e.g. heating, cooling, mobility) with less energy. For buildings this simple definition largely underestimates the many additional benefits of energy efficiency, which range from more healthy and comfortable homes to job creation and economic growth.

What is energy efficiency?

What is the cost of energy?
What is the cost of energy?

According to IEA World Energy Outlook 2022, our energy demand will increase by more than 150% by 2050 if we don't change our policies. Generating this additional amount of energy has a societal cost and would require a lot of resources that put a strain on our environment.

What is the cost of energy?

By how much do need to reduce energy consumption?
By how much do need to reduce energy consumption?

In order to meet our climate goals, we need to reduce our energy consumption by at least 30%. According to IEA Word Energy Outlook 2022 et al, this is the only way to manage the growing demand for energy to levels that can limit global warming to well below 1.5°C. A step change is needed.

By how much do need to reduce energy consumption?

Renovation for climate benefits

In a ground-breaking report, ROCKWOOL Group and Cambridge Econometrics set out policy solutions to achieve effective retrofit plans for greener homes and buildings and reducing energy-related costs. The report maps a clear path to greener buildings and shows strong support from the public to renovate their homes, if adequate financial and administrative support is available.

The report includes data from a global first-of-its-kind survey of 14 000 people in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States confirming the public appetite for energy efficient buildings, while also showcasing the need for governments to develop fit-for-purpose renovation programmes.

Commenting on the report, ROCKWOOL Group CEO Jens Birgersson says, “While there will always be a debate about the costs of climate action – and hopefully also about the costs of inaction – the fact is that there is plenty of money available for building renovations and other green investments. And renovation itself is not rocket science. It requires using well-known materials and building practices, and that is a big advantage. The issue is connecting the funding sources with the on-the-ground projects, and ensuring we have the skilled workforce in place”.

Rockpanel Case Study Magistraat - Heerlerheide Rockpanel Colours
Download the report here
PDF
3.8 MB

ROCKWOOL’s advocacy

ROCKWOOL plays a key role in advocating for ambitious EU energy efficiency legislation that will accelerate building renovations and thereby also the green transition. With well-designed policies and proven approaches to energy efficiency renovations, local communities and national governments can achieve immediate cost savings alongside significant environmental and social benefits – a triple-win.

Sustainability Report 2023, Rockpanel case in Karlstad, Sweden

ROCKWOOL’s climate advocacy:

  • Fully supporting Europe’s transformation to a climate neutral, competitive and sustainable economy by 2050.
  • Significantly increasing the deep renovation rates via the Energy Efficiency Directive and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and other policy mechanisms as appropriate.
  • Promoting EU-wide energy savings targets for 2030, plus annual targets for each country in line with Europe’s ‘Fit for 55’ climate objective.
  • Advocating pan-European ‘minimum energy performance standards’ to create common benchmarks, as done with vehicles and household appliances.

Climate advocacy statement

ROCKWOOL Group aims to ensure that our corporate lobbying, including advocacy via trade associations, industry alliances and coalitions, is aligned with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.

ROCKWOOL primarily engages in advocacy through the European Insulation Manufacturers Association (EURIMA) and select Brussels-based think tanks and campaigns on building performance, renovation and energy efficiency. ROCKWOOL is also a member of the Corporate Leaders Group Europe, a leading cross-sectoral business group supporting a climate neutral economy across the EU.

If you would like to read more details about our approach to lobbying, please download our climate lobbying statement.

Download our statement here
PDF
97.6 kB
We also practice what we preach by deeply renovating our own offices.

Renovating our way out of multiple crises

According to the Paris Climate Agreement, 42 percent of the carbon emission reductions should come from energy efficiency. For decades, ROCKWOOL has focused on energy efficiency in our factories, and this continues to be our main priority. After all, the best kind of energy reduction is energy that is not used.

It is essential that building renovations are done in the right way. This means two things: that the renovations qualify as “deep”, that is, achieving energy savings of at least 60 percent; and that the materials used are amongst others things healthy, fire resilient and circular.

ROCKWOOL invests in deep renovations of its own facilities. In fact, we have completed the renovation of nine of our own offices globally and achieved a 39 percent improvement. Here are a few examples:

Our buildings are becoming brighter, quieter and significantly more energy efficient.

Bohumin, Czech Republic

Built: 1958

Energy efficiency post renovation: 86 kWh/m2

Energy efficiency improvement: 81%

Bohumín, Bohumin, Bohumín office building, BOH, renovation

Nordics, Denmark

Built: 1972

Energy efficiency post renovation: 67 kWh/m2

Energy efficiency improvement: 64%

Rockpanel Case Study ROCKWOOL Nordics HQ Rockpanel Stones Customs

Hungry for more?

20200312 RW-GMC PHO 1366
Sustainability

Decarbonisation

At ROCKWOOL Group, we believe that by decarbonising our business and value chain, we can reinforce the fact that we’re a net carbon negative company. That’s why 2020 saw us join a group of pioneering companies committed to the SBTi.

20171012_CMC_PHO_143
Sustainability

Circularity at ROCKWOOL Group

At ROCKWOOL Group, we’re committed to supporting the transition towards a circular economy.

20171230 GMC PHO 279
By Mirella Vitale
Sustainability

How we contribute to World Soil Day

We are striving towards a better and more sustainable future.

20170215 GMC PHO 644
By Alessandro Bracco
Health
Wellbeing

Noise and sleep disturbance

Find out what a bad night’s sleep does to your body, and how you can remedy it.

ROCKWOOL Group