Life Cycle Analysis
Life Cycle Benefits.
When choosing Foam-Control you are getting a material with built-in features that provide environmental benefits. Building materials and their impact on the environment must be considered over the full life of the building structure. This is considered the ”life cycle” of the building.
Assessment Study.
The Expanded Polystyrene Molders Association (EPSMA) commissioned industry leading Franklin Associates to conduct a life cycle assessment of molded polystyrene wall insulation. The study quantified the energy use and emissions associated with molded polystyrene foam production and compares this with the savings in energy and greenhouse gas that result from the added R-value of the foam. The life cycle stages evaluated include: all steps in the production of molded polystyrene foam insulation from raw material extraction, through manufacturing, shipment to the project site and finally electricity and natural gas consumption for heating and cooling of the building over its 50 year life use.
Payback.
Energy and greenhouse gas savings are determined by comparing the heating and cooling energy requirements for a typical house to the same house with added molded polystyrene insulation. The typical house is 2×4 wood frame construction with R-13 fiberglass insulation. Then, the same house with added molded polystyrene insulation is evaluated. The table below shows the average U.S. reduction in energy use and global warming potential.
Strength Characteristics of Foam-Control.
Foam-Control insulation products are available in a range of densities necessary to provide both structural integrity and cost effectiveness. Other rigid insulation products fail to provide this design flexibility due to limited density availability, and therefore cost more.
Summary.
Results of the study proved the significant energy savings achieved over the long-term by the use of molded polystyrene insulation and showed substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.