Zeroing in on keeping it cool
James Hardie is committed to doing everything we can to protect our people and the greater environment that we all share. We continuously look for ways to improve the health, safety and well-being of our employees and contractors. One of the challenges we face is optimizing workplace temperatures, humidity levels and ventilation, while balancing our energy efficiency levels.
Enhanced facility cooling project
During FY21, we continued to implement our enhanced facility cooling project. We installed state-of-the-art heat reduction equipment and improved manufacturing plant ventilation. Although the system increases our energy use, it also optimizes ventilation across the building, lowers temperatures and relative humidity, provides spot cooling, and improves circulation of air and temperature control, all of which helps to reduce heat stress and keeps our employees at a comfortable and safe temperature.
Engineered solutions
We engaged experts to evaluate our North American plants and to characterize heat and humidity gains and general ventilation system capabilities within our facilities. Recommendations, which are expected to be delivered and implemented next year, will include feasibility assessments for building ventilation, source controls, increased air movement and spot cooling. We also plan to trial climate-controlled operator control booths for fixed-position personnel. These booths lower ambient noise levels, reducing the risk of occupational hearing loss and facilitating communication.
