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Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction From Rigid Thermal Insulation Use in Buildings

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  • Michael H. Mazor
  • John D. Mutton
  • David A. M. Russell
  • Gregory A. Keoleian

Abstract

Thermal insulation is a strategic product for reducing energy consumption and related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the building sector. This study examines from a life cycle perspective the changes in GHG emissions resulting from the use of two rigid thermal insulation products manufactured and installed from 1971 to 2025. GHG emissions related to insulation production and fugitive releases of blowing agents are modeled and compared with GHG savings from reduced heating loads in North America, Europe, and Asia. Implementation of alternative blowing agents has greatly improved the carbon dioxide 100‐year equivalent (CO2‐eq) emission performance of thermal insulation. The net average CO2‐eq savings to emissions ratio for current extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation studied was 48:1, with a broad range from 3 to 1,800. Older insulation products manufactured with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) can result in net cumulative GHG emissions. Reduction of CO2‐eq emissions from buildings is governed by complex interactions between insulation thickness and placement, climate, fuel type, and heating system efficiencies. A series of charts mapping both emissions payback and net savings demonstrate the interactions between these factors and provide a basis for specific policy recommendations to guide effective insulation investments and placement.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael H. Mazor & John D. Mutton & David A. M. Russell & Gregory A. Keoleian, 2011. "Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction From Rigid Thermal Insulation Use in Buildings," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 15(2), pages 284-299, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:15:y:2011:i:2:p:284-299
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2010.00325.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Anja Hansen & Jörn Budde & Annette Prochnow, 2016. "Resource Usage Strategies and Trade-Offs between Cropland Demand, Fossil Fuel Consumption, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions—Building Insulation as an Example," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-24, June.
    2. Timo Busch & Matthew Johnson & Thomas Pioch, 2022. "Corporate carbon performance data: Quo vadis?," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(1), pages 350-363, February.
    3. Ho Baik & Minju Kim & Sang-Heon Lee & Hunhee Cho, 2018. "Simulation Model for Productivity Analysis of External Insulated Precast Concrete Wall System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-20, January.
    4. Li, X. & Densley Tingley, D., 2023. "A whole life, national approach to optimize the thickness of wall insulation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    5. Stefan Sattler & Doris Österreicher, 2019. "Assessment of Sustainable Construction Measures in Building Refurbishment—Life Cycle Comparison of Conventional and Multi-Active Façade Systems in a Social Housing Complex," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-22, August.

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