Thermal insulation a way to protect the environment

enercaresolutions
Jan 20, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Feb 21, 2024

Did you know that thermal insulation of the roof is a good way to reduce your energy bill? Many studies have shown that the insulating properties of roofs contribute to better energy efficiency. Well-insulated homes can reduce heating and cooling needs in winter and summer.

The impacts of thermal insulation on the environment

CO2 is the most common greenhouse gas. It destroys the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from excessive heat generated by the sun.

CO2 is a gas that pollutes the air, endangers human health and has a negative impact on all biodiversity.

Here is a list of some of the most common studies on this topic:

The majority of a building's energy consumption, approximately 60%, is for heating and cooling.
In Canada, the annual emission of CO2 into the air is 15.8 tones per person.
In Quebec, thermal insulation of all structures would save 100 million tones of CO2. Buildings are responsible for the second largest amount of CO2 emissions after road transport.
Reduce pollution due to energy consumption (oil, gas and electricity) by up to 80% thanks to thermal insulation.

Thus, as indicated above, thermal insulation, especially of the attic of the house, is the first element of energy efficiency. As a result, it is the most precise option for preserving the environment and combating global warming. It is also low maintenance and long lasting compared to buildings.

Green insulation has several environmental and health benefits.

The use of ecological insulation in thermal insulation has a significant impact on the preservation of the environment and human health. Ecological insulation improves the air quality inside and outside the building.

With that in mind, here are the characteristics of two of the most beneficial insulators for the environment:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass insulation offers several environmental benefits that contribute to sustainability. Firstly, it helps conserve energy by acting as a highly efficient thermal insulator. By reducing heat transfer, it enables buildings to maintain more stable indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This energy conservation translates into lower greenhouse gas emissions, as less energy is required from power plants, leading to a reduced environmental impact.

Secondly, advantage of fiberglass insulation is its longevity and durability. Unlike some other insulation materials, fiberglass retains its insulating properties for an extended period without settling or degrading. This durability means that once installed, it can provide continuous energy savings and environmental benefits over many years, reducing the need for replacement and minimizing waste generation.

Lastly, fiberglass insulation is often manufactured using recycled glass and sand. These materials are abundant and easily recyclable. At the end of its life cycle, fiberglass insulation can be recycled into new insulation or other glass-based products, reducing the demand for virgin materials and diverting waste from landfills.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation provides several environmental benefits that make it a favorable choice for sustainable construction. Firstly, it is predominantly made from recycled paper, particularly post-consumer waste like newspaper. By utilizing recycled materials, cellulose insulation reduces the demand for virgin resources and helps divert waste from landfills. This not only conserves valuable natural resources but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with paper production and disposal.

Secondly, cellulose insulation significantly improves energy efficiency in buildings. Its high thermal resistance properties effectively reduce heat transfer, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling purposes. By lowering energy usage, cellulose insulation helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, thus contributing to climate change mitigation and a smaller carbon footprint.

Lastly, a notable environmental benefit of cellulose insulation is its potential for carbon sequestration. As it primarily consists of recycled paper fibers, the carbon stored within those fibers remains trapped in the insulation. This helps offset carbon emissions that would have been released into the atmosphere if the paper had not been recycled or repurposed as insulation.

The value of roof insulation

The roof, which is always in contact with the outside, is a major loss factor that allows heat, cold and humidity to enter the house. It may be too hot or too cold in the summer, and your storage space may be damp from condensation. This leads to the creation of mold which can cause some serious structural longevity problems to your roof.

Choose roofing materials according to certain criteria

According to our specialists, there is no absolute ecological insulation. However, some insulating materials meet environmental criteria. You can assess their environmental record to see if they meet your green criteria.

Some considerations to take into account are:

In the case of energy, this means using both natural and renewable resources.
The basic components from which they are made require little energy.
Recyclable and durable over time.
Pros and cons they provide once installed.

Experts assess the EQB (environmental quality of buildings) using the environmental and health impact indicators of insulators. The effect of a material on the environment is measured by its life cycle analysis or LCA. This study covers everything from raw material extraction to product disposal. Note that the term “life cycle” refers both to the creation and transport of the products, to their installation and operation, as well as to the life of the material and its end of life.

Overall, the energy needed to produce the insulation must be saved from its first use for its environmental balance to be positive.

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