A Brandon-based business is building a brighter future with an ambition to surpass standards for sustainable change.
Greenstone Building Products is blazing the trail in sustainable manufacturing while also meeting or exceeding building energy standards. The building technology company manufactures insulated composite envelope (ICE) panels, which address challenges in thermal performance, sustainability and construction efficiency. Jena Cline, customer service representative manager, says they’re transforming the building process through technology and innovation.
“The world today is demanding sustainable change, and we are here to exceed the standards,” she says. “Did you know that 30 to 40 per cent of energy is consumed by buildings? If all buildings were utilizing an envelope that was as airtight and energy efficient as ours, we could reduce that by more than half.” Sustainability starts in the initial steps of Greenstone’s processes. “We utilize two products that can both be recycled and reused to keep building waste out of the landfill,” Cline says. “Expanded polystyrene is broken down in our facility and added back into brand new panels at a ratio of up to 1:20 mixed with new material. Steel studs are rolled and cut to length, preventing any extra or unused material; however, steel is also 100 per cent recyclable.” It’s not an easy task to bring a new product into the building sector, so Cline expressed gratitude for those who jumped in feet first to help the company grow.
“Even once you get past all the required testing,” she says, “you must prove yourself within the industry and find like-minded businesses and homeowners who are willing to take a little leap of faith to get those first few projects in the ground.” With energy codes being adopted across the country, builders are finding that ICE Panels are an appealing option.
“We are excited to continue our supply to the Nunavut 3000 building program, which aims to deliver 3,000 new units across the housing continuum in Nunavut by 2030,” Cline says. “We will ship ICE Panels for 166 more units across 17 remote communities this season.” Here in Manitoba, the company recently collaborated on the Letellier water treatment plant, the Neepawa Best Western Hotel and the Operating Engineers Training Institute Manitoba training facility.
“We are proud to be able to offer our solution in both residential and commercial applications,” Cline adds. Further bolstering its environmental outlook, Greenstone participated in the Climate Action Toolkit for Manitoba Businesses, which helps companies assess climate risk, enhance resilience and reduce carbon footprints.
“The Brandon Chamber brought this toolkit to our attention, and we were excited about it as we think it is so important to take every opportunity to learn more and align our business practices with the climate action movement,” Cline says. “Greenstone wants to do our part in making strides towards lowering the energy consumption for the planet — and that can happen through both the product you offer and the practices within your business. We want to set an example of a new and very much achievable standard in business.” ■
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