Insulation is one of the most important green building design factors. It reduces unwanted heat loss or gain and decreases energy demands on heating and cooling systems.
Insulation resists conductive and convective heat transfer, so less warm air escapes into cold buildings and vice versa, reducing the need for heating and cooling. It also reduces the amount of fossil fuel and other energy resources used.
Energy Efficiency
Insulation plays a key role in green building design by slowing the flow of heat into and out of a structure. It also reduces the energy required to heat or cool the space. However, there are many different types of insulation, and choosing the right one for a particular project is crucial. The best insulation materials use a low embodied energy, meaning they are made from less-intensive processes. This reduces the amount of energy used to make them and transport them.
Insulating a home properly is the best way to save energy. Air leakage is a significant factor in the energy costs of heating and cooling, but this can be reduced by using high-performance insulation. Green options include foam, fiberglass, and cellulose insulation. Foam insulation is sprayed into new construction or existing attics, crawl spaces, and rim joists in a liquid form that expands to fill the cavity.
Older uninsulated buildings are unable to regulate indoor air temperature, which leads to overheating and condensation that damages the interior walls and floors. These structures are costly to heat, and their occupants are at a greater risk of respiratory ailments. Green renovations, including exterior insulation finishing systems like Terraco EIFS, are helping overcome this problem and improving living conditions. They are also helping to reduce the amount of VOCs and other toxins released into indoor air, which can lead to long-term health issues.
Indoor Air Quality
Green buildings should also be designed to have good indoor air quality. Indoor air pollutants are a major health concern as people spend over 90% of their lives at home. Some of these chemicals are known to cause allergies, asthma, hypersensitivity, lung infections and even Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Common pollutants include volatile organic compounds, particulates, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and oxides of nitrogen. They are mainly emitted from building materials, paints, furniture and Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
Proper insulation can help reduce the amount of contaminants that get into the air. It can also prevent water condensation and mold growth. In addition, green buildings should be designed to allow for easy ventilation and maintenance.
Bulk insulation is made of fibrous or cellular materials that fill spaces in walls and ceilings. Fibrous materials use small diameter fibers to evenly distribute the airspace, while cellular insulation uses foamed plastic and glass like polystyrene or polyurethane. Bulk insulation resists conductive and convective heat transfer into or out of the building, but it can be a problem in an actively cooled or heated building.
Insulation plays a significant role in energy conservation, which is an important component of green construction. Insulation is typically installed at levels above code requirements to ensure maximum savings. It is also important to understand the climate zone where you live and its recommendations for insulation.
Environmental Impact
A well-insulated building requires less energy for heating and cooling, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This is a major reason why green buildings are viewed as a valuable asset by homebuyers. In addition to being environmentally friendly, a home that is well-insulated can be more comfortable during the winter and summer and will lower maintenance costs and utility bills.
Insulation can be made from a wide variety of materials. Bulk insulators slow the flow of thermal energy in and out of buildings by blocking conductive heat transfer, such as air spaces between fibers or inside foam or plastic bubbles, and convective heat flow through walls and attics. They are often rated by their R-value, which is a measurement of thermal insulation effectiveness.
Cellulose is one example of an insulation material that meets green standards and can earn LEED credits for builders. It is made from recycled wood and paper products such as old newspapers, cardboard and sawdust. It is also biodegradable and non-toxic, and it is a more durable alternative to fiberglass batts and spray foam.
Insulation prevents vapor movement and condensation, which can damage construction materials, rot wooden beams and rafters and promote the growth of mold. In addition, condensation may produce toxins that can cause lung scarring and health problems for occupants, particularly during prolonged exposure.
Cost
Insulation can save money in monthly heating and cooling bills, as well as provide a more comfortable environment for building occupants. The amount of insulation required depends on a variety of factors, including regional climates, energy costs, and the level of green construction desired.
The cost of insulation is often a significant consideration in green design, as it can greatly impact the total project cost. However, the payback in reduced energy usage and the subsequent decrease in fossil fuel consumption can help offset the initial investment.
Insulation is available in a wide range of prices, from the traditional fiberglass batts used in much standard residential construction to specialized products like aerogel and foam. Many products also offer differing levels of performance, indicated by the R-Value. The higher the R-Value, the more effective the insulation. However, R-Value alone doesn’t tell the whole story, since it doesn’t factor in convective or radiation transfers.
Green buildings require insulation that resists conductive heat transfer, which is the primary mode of energy loss in a structure. This type of insulation can include air spaces between fibers, inside foam or plastic bubbles and in building cavities. Another green option is spray polyurethane foam (SPF). This product creates air barriers in walls and other areas to reduce convective flow and help meet stringent insulation standards.