Boral Composites manufacturing facility in East Spencer, N.C., achieves LEED Silver
By Posted by Raissa Rocha, Associate Editor
Boral Composites Inc. announced today it has achieved LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its Boral TruExterior Trim facility, located in East Spencer, N.C. A newly constructed manufacturing plant completed in 2011 with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) providing design and construction services, the facility obtained its designation in the New Construction and Major Renovations category.The company manufactures Boral TruExterior Trim, a sustainable building product pioneering the new poly-ash category of exterior trim.
“As a company, Boral continually strives for innovation in our building product offerings and manufacturing processes to limit our impact on the natural environment,” said Brian Below, General Manager for Boral Composites Inc. “Achieving LEED Silver at our East Spencer facility demonstrates our corporate commitment to the health and safety of the communities we operate in and to the employees that work with us.”
The manufacturing facility obtained final design and construction credits for certification in all categories, with the energy efficiency of the manufacturing equipment, lighting, appliances, and other systems all key drivers for credits earned. Additional standout credits were received through the roughly 70% of construction waste that was recycled and kept out of local landfills.
“Our innovative solutions in the design and construction of this facility were designed to help Boral continue its stewardship in manufacturing and product sustainability,” said Molly Jones, Director of Sustainable Facilities at SAIC.
Boral locally sourced a large portion of materials and equipment used to build the plant and integrated a high level of recycled materials into the facility design. To achieve this, Boral Composites looked to sister company Boral Material Technologies Inc. for their expertise in concrete mix design. Boral Material Technologies markets coal combustion products and helped to engineer a concrete mix that maximized fly ash content, repurposing the by-product of coal combustion to benefit the environment. “It is important to Boral to be respectful neighbors to Rowan County and its community residents,” notes Ken Bruns, Plant Manager for the Boral Composites Inc. facility.
The new facility utilizes a proprietary manufacturing process to create the Boral TruExterior Trim, a long-lasting and low-maintenance trim option for builders and remodelers, offering superior workability and durability. A sustainable product, it is ideal for a variety of non-structural applications such as fascia boards, soffits, frieze boards, rake boards, garage door casings, window surround, and door trim. +