Kingspan supports a fair building safety levy that applies across the construction industry.
As regards remediation costs, where we bear responsibility for the inappropriate use of K15 in buildings,, and its safe retention cannot be supported by testing, we maintain our public commitment to pay our share of remediation costs.
To date we have received and responded to enquiries in relation to around 170 projects in which K15 may have been used. Of the enquiries received, we are only aware of a small number where remediation works have been required.
Further information on testing and standards, including for the safe retention of our products on buildings, can be found here.
The Inquiry has stated that the “principal reason” for the fire’s rapid spread was the polyethylene-cored Aluminium Composite Material (PE ACM) cladding used on the exterior of the building, which was not a Kingspan product.
The Inquiry’s own experts, Professors Bisby and Torero, have given evidence in Phase 2 that the type of insulation used behind the “uniquely hazardous” cladding made no material difference to the nature and speed of the spread of the fire.
Where the Inquiry did identify shortcomings in Kingspan’s processes – none of which contributed in any way to the Grenfell fire - we have apologised unreservedly and taken comprehensive measures to prevent any recurrence. We have implemented significant controls and improvements which have been independently reviewed by law firm Eversheds Sutherland to achieve an explicit culture of integrity, honesty and compliance across the entire Kingspan group. More information can be found here
Kingspan has full confidence that cladding systems incorporating K15 can be safely used when supported by a successful testing regime and installed correctly.
However, in circumstances where we have responsibility for the inappropriate use of K15 in buildings, and its safe retention cannot be supported by testing, we will pay our share of remediation costs. We first made this commitment in February 2021 and continue to stand by it.
Our Phase 2 closing statement provides further details, and all our statements and submissions to the Inquiry and the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government can be found in the Statements & Correspondence page on this site.
We have a dedicated team and process to handle any queries regarding the historical use of K15 in high-rise residential buildings. You can contact them through the Technical Advice & Support page on this site.