Considering its importance, insulation doesn\u2019t seem to get as much attention as it deserves.<\/p>\n
This appears to be changing, at least to some extent. Recently, there have been changes to insulation requirements in the both the country\u2019s biggest state and biggest city \u2014
\nCalifornia and New York City. There also is a new standard released by the Green Seal.<\/p>\n
Since insulation goes into just about every structure, it is almost needless to say that it is a big business. And it is growing. The Freedonia Group earlier this week published a study that predicts that global demand for insulation will rise 3.7 percent annually to reach 26 billion square meters of R-1 \u2014 a measure of insulation\u2019s thermal efficiency \u2014 in 2020.<\/p>\n
In New York City, there will be changes to the Energy Conservation Code that take effect on October 3. The site Habitat quotes an engineer from RAND Engineering & Architecture as saying that the new rules will almost double the amount of insulation necessary. The story says that the rules are projected to create energy savings of 32 percent in residential structures and 9 percent in commercial structures. They are aimed mostly at new builds, but some retrofits fall under the rules, the story says.<\/p>\n
Californians are gearing up for more insulation as well. The 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which will take effect on January 1, 2017, impact both residential and commercial structures. In a fact sheet specifically addressing the non-residential sector, EnergyCodeAce says that insulation mandates are changing:<\/p>\n
\u201cPrescriptive insulation requirements for roofs and ceilings have become more stringent under the 2016 Energy Standards. Additionally, prescriptive insulation requirements have become more stringent for metal and wood-framed walls in certain climate zones.\u201d<\/p>\n
The status of New York City and California are illustrative of the fact that the insulation sector is growing in a backdrop of increased attention to the environment. Last month, Green Seal \u2014 which describes itself as \u201cthe nation\u2019s first independent nonprofit certifier of sustainable products and services\u201d \u2014 introduced the GS-54 Architectural Insulation Standard. Energy Manager Today covered the announcement recently.\u00a0The standard was developed specifically for the U.S. market. It covers multiple types of insulation at all points in their life cycles, the press release says.<\/p>\n
People may tend to think of insulation as a passive commodity that sits in a wall or ceiling. It actually is an active and complex area with many options. And, of course, where there are options there is a balance of\u00a0benefits and liabilities.\u00a0\u201cThe major point is that when you install insulation you can gain benefits,\u00a0increase\u00a0comfort and lower liability in terms of potential health hazards in the future,\u201d said Daniel Pedersen, Ph.D., Green Seal\u2019s Vice President of Science and Standards. \u201cYou also can be\u00a0recognized for green building and green branding by paying attention to not just how well insulation performs but the significant impact on human health. By choosing wisely you can minimize negative impacts without sacrificing performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Insulation is a big investment. Moreover, it is a decision that is hard to undo. It is\u00a0difficult and expensive to change direction once a better path is found, since most insulation sits within closed walls and ceilings. For that reason, energy managers and facility managers \u2014 as well as the upper level executives who set the strategic agenda \u2014 must carefully plan their insulation strategy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Considering its importance, insulation doesn\u2019t seem to get as much attention as it deserves. This appears to be changing, at least to some extent. Recently, there have been changes to insulation requirements in the both the country\u2019s biggest state and biggest city \u2014 California and New York City. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":[316],"featured_media":0,"template":"","categories":[37,298],"class_list":["post-10314","articles","type-articles","status-publish","hentry","category-market-research","category-installation","author-carl-weinschenk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n