Improving Insulation Standards

Improving insulation standards may be the most cost-effective solution to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs around the world. In Europe alone, buildings are responsible for almost 40 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. The overall energy efficiency of both commercial and residential buildings is low, particularly in Europe and in China, two of Borax's key markets.

Borax has demonstrated that raising refined borate levels in insulation fiberglass offers both process and product benefits. Higher levels of borates increase the product's R value – the resistance to heat flow that makes insulation effective. Borates control the relationship between temperature, viscosity and surface tension to create optimal glass fiberization; higher boron formulations result in stronger fibers that are biosoluble, and resistant to water and chemical attack. Finally, refined borates lower glass batch melting temperatures, reducing energy costs in the manufacture of insulation.

In 2004, Borax commissioned research to identify legislation and perceptions affecting insulation use in Europe to better understand how the company can help raise insulation levels and standards. The study involved reviewing existing information and conducting interviews with insulation manufacturers and trade associations, government organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), architects and builders.

A key finding was that the rate of replacement of current building stock in Europe is low – about one percent per year – but improving insulation in all of Europe's older buildings would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 370 million tonnes, or 40 percent of Europe's Kyoto target. The study also demonstrated that insulation fiberglass is an excellent material from a sustainability standpoint. It has a lower environmental impact than polyurethane and polystyrene insulation, which take more energy to produce and release more greenhouse gases during installation. Lower amounts – and fewer raw materials – are required to insulate a building, and insulation fiberglass is safe in its manufacture, installation and use.

A key challenge is that price remains the most important factor when designing, building and retrofitting houses or buildings. In the residential market, consumers generally pay a home loan

over a period of 15 to 30 years, but may only own the home for five to 10. This makes it difficult to demonstrate the return on investment of increasing insulation levels. Motivation must take the form of either higher standards in building codes or government incentives such as tax benefits and grants.

Overall, many governments and developers in Europe are taking proactive approaches to implementing green design principles – including improved insulation – to lower environmental impacts and reduce life-cycle costs and risks.

Borax is committed to working with opinion leaders and decision makers – including manufacturers, regulators, non-government organizations, architects and builders – to raise insulation standards in Europe and China. The company will also apply what it learns to its partnerships with other customers who manufacture building products. The overall objective is sustainable development at its finest. Creating awareness of borates’ contribution to a cleaner environment and promoting sustainable building practices is good for people, good for the planet and good for the business.