Environmental
Building a Circular Economy in Construction: How Insulation Recycling Contributes to a Sustainable Future
The concept of a circular economy provides a practical alternative to address the growing environmental challenges of resource depletion and landfill overcrowding. This model emphasizes the importance of keeping resources in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them while in use, and recovering and regenerating products and materials at the…
Read MoreHow Reclaimed Foam Insulation Contributes to LEED Certification in Buildings
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. It’s a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings. Reclaimed foam insulation, an eco-friendly material, plays a significant role in achieving LEED certification for buildings. Understanding LEED Certification LEED certification is based on a…
Read MoreFinding a Sustainable Architect
Here in Massachusetts, the demand for sustainable energy building projects is on a significant rise. With environmental concerns and energy efficiency becoming paramount, selecting the right architect for such projects is crucial. A valuable resource in this quest is Boston Magazine’s list of sustainable design firms, which provides insights into some of the top players…
Read MoreUsing Recycled EPS Foam Panels to Save Energy and Reduce Carbon Footprint
In the picturesque Hudson River Valley, a remarkable transformation is underway, led by the visionary team at River Architects. Their latest project, the renovation of an 1840’s blacksmith shop in Cold Spring, NY, into a Net Zero certified architectural studio, is a testament to their commitment to sustainable design and environmental stewardship. A Deep Dive…
Read MoreCost-Benefit Analyses of Insulation Improvements
Improving home insulation is cost-effective, saving homeowners an average of 15% on heating and cooling or 11% on total energy costs by sealing air leaks and insulating attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists (to 2012 standards), according to a Department of Energy page on “Methodology for Estimated Energy Savings“. The energy…
Read MoreHow to assess the safety or potential toxicity of foam insulation panels?
You can assess the safety / toxicity profile of any manufactured product by reading the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) provided by the manufacturer. You should be able to find the SDS on the manufacturer’s website, but in practice it is frequently easier to search for them in a search engine using the manufacturer name, the…
Read MoreAchieving Net-Zero Energy in Older Houses: A Step-by-Step Retrofit Guide
As the world faces the pressing challenges of climate change and energy sustainability, the concept of net-zero energy has gained increasing importance. Net-zero energy, also known as zero-energy buildings or ZEBs, refers to a building’s ability to generate as much energy as it consumes over a defined period, typically a year. These buildings employ energy-efficient…
Read MoreHow Below Grade Polyiso Insulation Can Help You Achieve Net Zero Energy or Passive House Standards
Net Zero / Passive House Building Standards for Lowest Energy Use & Carbon Emissions If you are looking for a way to reduce your energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, you may want to consider building or retrofitting your home to net zero energy or passive house standards. These are two of the most rigorous…
Read MoreReclaimed and Recycled Insulation Materials Have Economic and Environmental Benefits
Did you know 90% of US homes are under-insulated and that heating and cooling of all buildings comprises 29% of the total US energy budget? If all US homes were insulated to 2012 standards, electricity use would decline by 5% and natural gas consumption by 10%. That’s because insulation materials are used to keep buildings…
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