Shining a Light on Action: How Solatube and Kingspan Light + Air Celebrated Earth Day 2025
At Solatube International, Earth Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action. This year, we took that call to heart with a powerful lineup of community events that brought our mission of sustainability to life, alongside our parent company, Kingspan Light + Air (KLA). From clothing drives to zero-emission racing and planet-friendly competitions, our Earth Day 2025 was all about impact, engagement and education.
Racing Toward a Greener Future: The 72nd Annual Pinewood Derby Championship
Solatube International Speedway roared to life on April 12 as we hosted the 72nd Annual Pinewood Derby Championship in partnership with Scouting America’s Palomar District. This unique Earth Month celebration combined adrenaline with eco-awareness through an epic day of zero-emission, low-carbon racing.
More than 100 excited racers and spectators gathered to cheer on 21 handcrafted cars—each designed and built by Cub Scouts ages 5 to 10. Made from pinewood blocks, plastic wheels and a whole lot of creativity, these five-ounce racers flew down a 50-foot track, reaching scale speeds of over 200 mph—all without a single drop of fuel.
It was an unforgettable day filled with cheers, creativity and community spirit—proof that sustainable fun and meaningful impact can go hand in hand.
Planet Passionate in Action
As part of KLA Earth Day initiative, teams across the U.S.—including standout participation from Solatube International—joined forces for a week-long clothing drive to reduce textile waste and uplift local communities. Drop boxes were placed at every KLA site, but Solatube employees in Vista, CA, brought especially strong energy to the cause, collecting 359 pounds of gently used clothing throughout the week!
The campaign was part of KLA’s broader Planet Passionate sustainability program, which champions everyday actions with global impact. Donating unused or unwanted clothing is one of the simplest ways to protect the environment while helping people in need. By extending the life of garments, we reduce landfill waste, lower demand for new production, conserve water and cut back on harmful emissions.
Reduce, Reuse, Re-Quiz
But that’s not all. KLA sites across the country participated in an internal Planet Passionate Quiz, challenging employees to test their knowledge about sustainability and conservation. Paired with email spotlights featuring environmental tips and resources, the week served as a fun and educational reminder that small daily choices can lead to big planetary wins.
What is Planet Passionate?
Planet Passionate is Kingspan’s bold, global sustainability program focused on addressing three of the world’s most urgent challenges: climate change, circularity and protection of the natural world.
As part of Kingspan Light + Air, we believe that advanced materials, innovative building systems and cutting-edge digital technologies are essential tools in creating a more sustainable future. Through Planet Passionate—and in partnership with industry leaders and IKON, Kingspan’s global innovation center—we are committed to accelerating the transition to a world powered by renewable energy and regenerative practices.
In the program’s first five years, Kingspan has proudly achieved three of its core targets ahead of schedule, launched over 250 community initiatives and introduced groundbreaking product innovations. Now, as we move into the 2025–2030 phase, the program is evolving to meet the future with new goals that focus on:
- Enhancing energy efficiency
- Increasing the use of recycled and renewable raw materials
- Expanding product takeback and recycling schemes in key markets
This updated roadmap reflects not only Kingspan’s growth but our continued commitment to scaling our impact.
Read the 2024 Planet Passionate ReportA Lasting Legacy of Earth Day 2025
Whether we were cheering on young racers, donating clothing or deepening our environmental knowledge, Earth Day 2025 brought our values to life in inspiring ways.
At Solatube International and Kingspan Light + Air, Earth Day is more than just a day of service—it’s a celebration of progress, purpose and possibility. Together, we’re proud to light the path toward a more sustainable world.