Low-Impact Insulation Choices
Insulation saves energy, lasts for decades and can significantly impact a home’s environmental footprint. Whether you’re constructing new, building a green remodel, or retrofitting an existing house, there are many options to choose from. However, not all insulation is created equal. URL https://carolinaenergyconcepts.com/
Most builders and construction professionals still select non-renewable, non-green materials for insulating homes. This preference for energy-demanding insulation largely reflects economics and the lack of awareness about the impact these materials have on the environment.
Low-Impact Insulation Choices for Eco-Friendly Homes
Eco-friendly insulation includes options that are recycled, natural or made from a blend of recycled materials. These products have a lower embodied carbon, which is the amount of carbon dioxide emissions that are emitted during the production and use of the product.
Some of the most eco-friendly insulation materials are also highly durable, which cuts replacement costs and reduces waste from discarded insulation. These include recycled newspaper and glass fibers, dense-pack cellulose and spray foam.
Many sustainable insulation choices also double as an air barrier, which can help to minimize drafty leaks and moisture problems. They can also reduce the amount of insulation needed, which cuts building and installation costs. Some, like polyurethane foam and cellulose, have high R-values, meaning they offer better thermal resistance than traditional fiberglass batts.
In addition to R-value, another important metric when choosing insulation is the material’s Global Warming Potential (GWP), which is the environmental impact of the material throughout its lifecycle. Some materials are GWP-free, while others, like mineral wool and spray foam, have a high GWP.
CEC Spray Foam
203 Cole Dr, Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 833-4521
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