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

CSS Publication Number
CSS11-04
Full Publication Date
April 2011
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.

Co-Author(s)
David A.M. Russell
John D. Mutton
Research Areas
Buildings
Urban Systems and Built Environment
Keywords
blowing agent, building energy use, extruded polystyrene (XPS), greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, industrial ecology, life cycle assessment (LCA
Publication Type
Journal Article
Digital Object Identifier
doi: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2010.00325.x
Full Citation
Mazor, Michael H., John D. Mutton, David A. M. Russell, Gregory A. Keoleian. “Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction From Rigid Thermal Insulation Use in Buildings.” Journal of Industrial Ecology 15(2): 284–299.