Quality and sustainability
In addition to the classic quality features such as the functional properties of our materials, sustainability features such as durability, environmentally friendly properties, energy efficiency and the possibility of reuse are also part of this for us. Thus, we understand sustainability as part of a broader quality promise to you. Continuous quality optimization is an integral part of our corporate culture at CARLISLE® CM Europe. We not only take a critical look at our products, but also at our management processes. We are committed to meeting high standards for quality, energy and environmental management and to continuously improving our management system. Regular internal and external audits ensure that we meet the standards and regulations of ISO certification ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 50001 (energy management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management).
Promoting workplace health and safety
Workplace health and safety protection are key components of our corporate activities. By drafting safety standards and consistently implementing the applicable legal regulations, we create safe workplaces for our employees with the aim of reducing the risks of accidents,
the risks associated with handling hazardous substances and technical systems to a minimum. Workplace health and safety protection are just as important as quality and environmental protection.
Continuous further development
Even during the manufacturing of our products, we pay attention to the efficient use of resources and raw materials. In doing so, we commit ourselves not only to compliance with legal requirements, but also to an optimized use of energy that makes sense from an environmental and economic point of view. We monitor our consumption and make the best possible use of energy sources, and we maintain plant and supply facilities wherever possible. We also consider the procurement and development of products and services from an energy perspective. We motivate our employees to act in an environmentally conscious manner and reward them for contributing their own ideas to increase energy efficiency. For this purpose, we have developed our proprietary "CARLISLE® Operating System" and it is part of our DNA. It describes how we want to work together, how we improve our internal processes, and how we constantly create added value for our customers in the process.
Sustainable building, conserving resources
We rely on the material EPDM because its extremely long service life makes it predestined for sustainable construction like hardly any other material. In contrast to pure bitumen products, which have to be replaced around three times during the life of a building of around 80 years, the independent testing institute Süddeutsches Kunststoff-Zentrum (SKZ) has certified in a long-term study that our CARLISLE® CM Europe EPDM waterproofing systems have a predicted service life of more than 50 years. But also our SURE-WELD® TPO/FPO waterproofing membranes are characterized by a service life of several decades.
Our CARLISLE® waterproofing membranes and tarps are also free of heavy metals, halogens and highly volatile plasticizers, and can be safely applied without releasing chemicals or substances of concern. Our products are certified with an EPD. We are also an active member of the DGNB.
Tested long-term behavior - Amsterdam Central Station
How good is our RESITRIX® Classic after 37 years under full load at Amsterdam Central Station?
In addition to tests by independent institutions such as the SKZ, we naturally also continuously put our products through their paces ourselves. Almost 40 years ago, we waterproofed the roof of Amsterdam Central Station with our RESITRIX® CL EPDM waterproofing membrane. After 37 years, we took material samples. During this long period, the roof was directly exposed to all weather conditions, vibrations and emissions. In cooperation with the independent institute Kiwa BDA, various categories were tested.
Whether tear strength, peel strength, maximum force, elongation at break, seam behavior or hail impact resistance: even after the long period of time, the EPDM sheet exceeded all standard requirements of DIN SPEC 20000-201 AND MPA-NRW by far.
In summary, all measured properties exceeded the standard requirements for new EPDM products and for new RESITRIX® waterproofing membranes. Thus, the result underlines the service life of more than 50 years certified by SKZ, as the only product also for the seam jointing.
At the same time, we are continuously working to reduce emissions from our production facilities. Accordingly, in December 2022, CARLISLE® Companies announced our commitment to achieve net-zero, zero greenhouse gas emissions across the company's value chain by 2050.
Chris Koch, Chairman, President and CEO, commented, "Our announcement today that CARLISLE® has committed to achieving net zero by 2050 is another important milestone on our ESG journey. We recognize that the path to this net zero goal cannot happen overnight, will require significant efforts from our supply chain partners, and will also depend on significant changes in the global energy infrastructure."
We commit to the net zero target 2050
"ESG" stands for "Environmental Social Governance". We will not only continue, but continually improve our commitment to environmental stewardship and are confident that with the dedication of all our employees, CARLISLE® can make a significant contribution to creating a more sustainable future for us all.
Detailed information on ESG initiatives at CARLISLE® Companies and also the full CARLISLE® Corporate Sustainability Report can be found here:
Sustainable use of industrial roofs
An important building block on the way to our net zero target 2050 is the use of photovoltaic systems. This technology can be used to generate clean energy and thus reduce CO2 emissions. Large-area industrial roofs are ideally suited for the installation of high-performance photovoltaic systems that make a significant contribution to climate protection.
In Germany, for example, we have installed a photovoltaic system on the roof of our factory in Waltershausen. Its use can save around 15% of the electricity consumed at our Waltershausen site and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 300 t per year. The roof surface was previously waterproofed with our RESITRIX® SK W Full Bond and RESITRIX® MB EPDM membranes.
EPDM waterproofing membranes are ideally suited for installation under PV systems. Due to their permanently elastic behavior and very high resistance to aging and weathering, they also excellently withstand the additional stress caused by walking on used roofs for maintenance purposes. Their service life of over 50 years predestines them for permanent use under technical equipment such as PV or solar systems.
If you choose our SURE-WELD® TPO/FPO waterproofing system to waterproof your industrial roof, you will also be well equipped with this economical alternative. SURE-WELD® TPO/FPO waterproofing membranes are also characterized by a service life of several decades and are therefore very well suited for permanent use under PV or solar installations as well as other technical superstructures.
Circular construction with CARLISLE®
As part of our sustainability strategy, we are of course also working to continually reduce the amount of construction materials that end up in landfills. On the one hand, we achieve this through the extremely long useful life of our waterproofing products. At the end of their useful life, we aim to deconstruct and then reuse our materials, or to recycle the products by type and return them to the production cycle. Thus, circular construction is also a clear focus for us.
One example of the deconstruction and reuse of our materials is our CARLISLE® induction system. In this system, our HERTALAN® EPDM waterproofing sheets are attached to the roof by means of specially coated retaining plates using induction welding without penetration. If necessary, for example in the case of a subsequently planned roof extension, the tarpaulins can be easily removed again by means of reverse induction without damaging the EPDM and then completely reused.