Using Recycled Insulation Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Insulation is one of the most important aspects of building design and construction, as it affects the comfort, health, and energy efficiency of the occupants. However, not all insulation materials are created equal when it comes to their environmental impact. Some insulation materials, such as fiberglass, mineral wool, and polyurethane foam, are made from virgin or non-renewable resources that require a lot of energy and emit a lot of greenhouse gases during their production. These materials also generate a lot of waste at the end of their life cycle, which ends up in landfills or incinerators.
Fortunately, there is a better alternative: recycled insulation materials. These are insulation materials that are made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste, such as plastic bottles, agricultural residues, packaging materials, and clothing. By using these waste materials as a resource, recycled insulation materials can help reduce the environmental impact of building insulation in several ways. In this article, we will explore how recycled insulation materials can help you reduce your carbon footprint, save energy, and support the circular economy.
How recycled insulation materials reduce greenhouse gas emissions
One of the main benefits of using recycled insulation materials is that they store carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Carbon is the main component of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that contribute to global warming and climate change. By capturing and storing carbon in their structure, recycled insulation materials can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and mitigate their negative effects on the environment.
Different types of recycled insulation materials have different capacities to store carbon, depending on their composition and production process. For example, bioplastic is a type of recycled insulation material that is made from forest and agricultural waste, such as wood chips and corn stalks. The waste is converted into biochar, a carbon-rich substance that is mixed with biopolymers to form a durable and versatile material. According to Made of Air, a German company that produces bioplastic cladding, their material can store up to 2 kilograms of carbon per kilogram of material.
Another example is mycelium, a type of recycled insulation material that is made from the root system of fungi. Mycelium feeds on agricultural waste, such as straw and sawdust, and in the process sequesters the carbon that was stored in this biomass. According to Biohm, a London-based start-up that produces mycelium insulation, their material can remove “at least 16 tonnes of carbon per month” from the atmosphere as it grows.
Other types of recycled insulation materials that can store carbon include expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is made from recycled plastic packaging; and synthetic down, which is made from recycled plastic bottles. According to BASF, a German chemical company that produces EPS under the brand name Styropor®, their material can reduce carbon emissions by 59% over virgin polystyrene. According to Treehugger, a website that covers sustainability topics, synthetic down can store up to 10 bottles worth of plastic per jacket.
In contrast, conventional insulation materials, such as fiberglass, mineral wool, and polyurethane foam, have a much higher carbon footprint than recycled insulation materials. These materials are made from non-renewable resources, such as oil and gas, that require a lot of energy and emit a lot of greenhouse gases during their extraction and processing. Moreover, these materials do not store any carbon in their structure; instead, they release more carbon when they are disposed of or burned.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for tackling climate change and its impacts on the environment and society. Climate change is already causing more frequent and severe weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires; rising sea levels and coastal erosion; melting glaciers and ice caps; loss of biodiversity and habitats; and increased risks of diseases and conflicts. By using recycled insulation materials instead of conventional ones, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to fight climate change.
How recycled insulation materials save energy
Another benefit of using recycled insulation materials is that they improve the thermal performance and efficiency of buildings. Thermal performance refers to how well a building maintains a comfortable indoor temperature without relying on external heating or cooling systems. Efficiency refers to how much energy a building consumes or saves for heating or cooling purposes. By improving the thermal performance and efficiency of buildings, recycled insulation materials can help reduce heating and cooling costs and energy consumption for homeowners and businesses.
Recycled insulation materials can improve the thermal performance and efficiency of buildings by providing high levels of thermal resistance or R-value. R-value measures how well a material resists heat flow through it; the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Recycled insulation materials can have comparable or higher R-values than conventional insulation materials, depending on their type and thickness. For example, bioplastic can have an R-value of up to 4.5 per inch, while mycelium can have an R-value of up to 3.5 per inch. EPS can have an R-value of up to 5 per inch, while synthetic down can have an R-value of up to 7 per inch.
By providing high levels of thermal resistance, recycled insulation materials can help keep buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling systems. This can result in significant savings on energy bills and energy consumption for homeowners and businesses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for about 48% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home. By using recycled insulation materials, you can reduce this percentage and save money and energy.
The amount of energy savings that recycled insulation materials can provide depends on several factors, such as the quality of installation, the design of the building, and the climate of the location. To maximize the energy savings of recycled insulation materials, it is important to ensure that they are installed properly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is also important to consider the design of the building and its orientation, ventilation, windows, doors, and other features that affect its heat gain and loss. Finally, it is important to choose the appropriate type and amount of recycled insulation materials for the climate of the location, as different climates have different heating and cooling needs.
Saving energy is beneficial for the environment and the economy. By saving energy, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, which are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. You can also reduce your exposure to volatile energy prices and supply disruptions, which can affect your budget and security. Moreover, you can support the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which are cleaner and more sustainable than fossil fuels.
How recycled insulation materials support the circular economy
A third benefit of using recycled insulation materials is that they support the circular economy. The circular economy is a concept that aims to minimize waste and maximize resource use by designing products and systems that are restorative and regenerative. In a circular economy, products are made from renewable or recycled materials, designed for durability and longevity, and reused or recycled at the end of their life cycle. This creates a closed loop of material flows that reduces environmental impact and creates new value and opportunities.
Recycled insulation materials contribute to the circular economy by using waste as a resource, extending the lifespan of products, and creating new markets and opportunities. By using waste as a resource, recycled insulation materials reduce the demand for virgin or non-renewable resources, which are often scarce or expensive. They also reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators, which are sources of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. By extending the lifespan of products, recycled insulation materials increase their value and utility, reducing the need for replacement or disposal. They also enhance their performance and durability, improving their quality and functionality. By creating new markets and opportunities, recycled insulation materials stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, creating new jobs and income streams.
Recycled insulation materials can be reused or recycled at the end of their life cycle in various ways, depending on their type and condition. Some types of recycled insulation materials, such as mycelium, can be composted or biodegraded, returning their nutrients to the soil. Other types of recycled insulation materials, such as bioplastic, EPS, and synthetic down, can be upcycled or remanufactured into new products or materials with higher value or quality. For example, bioplastic can be turned into furniture or art pieces; EPS can be turned into packaging or construction materials; synthetic down can be turned into bedding or clothing.
By supporting the circular economy, recycled insulation materials help create a more sustainable and resilient society. The circular economy offers a solution to some of the major challenges facing humanity today, such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, climate change, poverty, inequality, and unemployment. By using recycled insulation materials instead of conventional ones, you can help create a positive impact on the environment and society.
Conclusion
Recycled insulation materials are a better alternative to conventional insulation materials when it comes to their environmental impact. Recycled insulation materials can help you reduce your carbon footprint by storing carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere; save energy by improving the thermal performance and efficiency of your building; and support the circular economy by using waste as a resource, extending the lifespan of products, and creating new markets and opportunities.
If you are interested in using recycled insulation materials for your home or business, consider Green Insulation Group as our specialty is recycled or reclaimed foam insulation panels. Contact us today to discuss your insulation needs.