Insulation plays a critical role in the sustainability of a home. It reduces energy consumption, curtails the demand for resource-intensive heating and cooling systems, and aligns with waste reduction goals.
Insulation materials range from bulky fibers like fiberglass, rockwool, and cellulose to rigid foam boards and sleek foils. All provide a range of functions, including thermal, acoustic, and fire insulation.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Insulation conserves energy by blocking conductive heat flow into or out of a building, making it an excellent green choice. This reduces the demand for natural gas, oil and electricity to keep your house warm in winter and cool in summer. It also reduces the amount of greenhouse gases produced, such as carbon dioxide and sulfur oxide, that contribute to global warming.
Bulk insulation resists conductive heat transfer by interposing air spaces and creating a physical barrier between the stud walls and structural members of the building. It is often made from materials that are recycled or otherwise sustainable, such as cellulose, fiberglass or rock wool. These types of materials typically have lower toxicity and emit fewer VOCs, which contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Cellulose is one of the most popular types of green insulation, made from recycled newsprint and other paper that would otherwise decompose in landfills, releasing harmful greenhouse gases. This material is highly effective and has a low carbon footprint, and it is also hypoallergenic and free of domestic toxins.
Other green insulation options include fiberglass, which is made from recycled glass, and spray foam, which offers the highest R-value per inch. These options are made from materials that are generally low in toxicity and VOCs, and they are manufactured, sourced and installed locally, which cuts transportation emissions and supports the local economy.
Reduced Noise
Insulation reduces the amount of noise pollution in a home or commercial building. It does so by reflecting or blocking sound vibrations, reducing their transmission. Sound transmission can be caused by airborne noises, like traffic and other outside noises, or impact noises from equipment and systems inside a building. Insulation also helps reduce noise related to pipes and mechanical equipment.
Most people associate insulation with thermal performance but it’s also effective at reducing noise. In fact, many types of insulation are designed to help improve acoustic performance, such as fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam.
In addition to reducing energy consumption, proper insulation can also increase the lifespan of appliances and equipment in your home. This reduces the need to replace these items, which has a positive environmental impact.
Insulation materials that aren’t made with formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and flame retardants can be more sustainable choices for your home. This is because they are low in toxicity and help to improve indoor air quality. Insulation that is locally sourced and manufactured can also reduce transportation emissions and supports local economies.
When compared to traditional stud construction, prefabricated insulated structural panels (SIPS) offer significant energy savings of 12% to 14%. This is because of their superior and uniform insulation. In turn, this reduced the use of non-renewable fossil fuel to heat and cool homes, which decreases the production of greenhouse gases and other pollutants like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Insulation can reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool your home. It also reduces air leakage, which leads to more wear and tear on your heating and cooling equipment, and can help to keep harmful molds and allergens from circulating in your home.
In addition, insulation can reduce the overall energy consumption of your home by decreasing wasted energy. Studies show that homes with poor insulation and air leaks can spend up to 15% more on heating and cooling than necessary, which adds up over time. This extra energy use stresses already-imperiled resources and ecosystems, and can contribute to climate change.
Choosing the right type of insulation is also important for sustainability. All insulation materials have an embodied carbon (or carbon impact) that accounts for the emissions produced by manufacturing, transporting and installing them. The best choice is organic natural fibrous or cellular insulation, which have lower impacts than most synthetic insulation.
For example, Dupont’s new formulation of their XPS insulation has dropped the embodied carbon payback to 16 years, while Owens Corning’s new cellulose product pays back in 9 years. Additionally, insulation with a good vapor retarder can control condensation and limit corrosion on cold process pipes, ducts and chillers. This helps prevent costly moisture damage to the building structure and keeps temperatures above dew point, which in turn reduces energy costs for operation of refrigeration systems.
Increased Comfort
Insulation keeps conditioned air inside your home and the weather out, keeping your living space at a comfortable temperature. This comfort can help reduce the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling solutions, reducing your overall carbon footprint.
Insulating your home is one of the simplest ways to become more sustainable and green. The materials used in green insulation are often made from renewable or recycled materials and have low embodied energy, which measures the energy needed to produce the material and transport it to your home.
In homes that are improperly insulated, air can easily escape through gaps and holes in the walls, attic, crawl space, rim joists, and other areas. This air can carry pollutants and moisture into your home, creating a less healthy environment for your family. With proper insulation, however, you can reduce these problems by sealing leaks and increasing your home’s energy efficiency.
In addition to preventing air loss, insulation also acts as a sound barrier to reduce noise transmission from outside and between rooms. This can improve your quality of life by allowing you to focus on work and play without the interference of distracting external noises. Some types of insulation also have hygroscopic properties that absorb and release moisture, helping to regulate indoor humidity levels and prevent mold and mildew. This can create a healthier living environment for your family and help reduce the spread of common household diseases.