How to Choose Sustainable Foam Insulation？

When selecting sustainable foam insulation materials, it's important to choose products that match the specific requirements of each project. By evaluating insulation options for common building applications, you can identify efficient and eco-friendly solutions. Here are some targeted guidelines for various types of projects, from residential retrofits to commercial roofing.

Residential New Construction

Choose rigid polyiso boards (Polyisocyanurate board) that contain 10-15% recycled plastic to reduce landfill waste. Look for boards that use eco-friendly HFCs as blowing agents and achieve R-6 per inch. This reduces the thickness needed, conserving raw materials and minimizing environmental impacts.

Interior Acoustic Control

For soundproofing windows, floors, or walls, opt for open-cell spray foam products that are certified for low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. This prevents off-gassing issues, helping to protect indoor air quality for occupants.

HVAC Duct Insulation

Select formaldehyde-free, foil-faced PIR/PUR duct boards to maintain good indoor air quality with low VOC emissions. This prevents off-gassing, creating a healthier interior space.

Exterior Wall Renovation

Choose graphite-enhanced PIR rigid foam with an R-value of 5 per inch. This allows you to achieve the required insulation levels with less material, decreasing the environmental footprint.

Interior Basement Insulation

Specify closed-cell spray foams with 25% soy-based polyols to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and related emissions. Aim for 40-60% recycled plastic content to minimize plastic waste, increasing the use of renewable and recycled materials.

Cold Climate Foundations

Use extruded polystyrene (XPS) boards with advanced hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agents. Specify CO₂-derived polymers to help offset carbon emissions from production, reducing greenhouse gas impacts overall.

Steel Stud Wall Assemblies

Select polyiso foam (PIR thermal insulation board) sheathing with rigid facers made from 60-80% recycled cardboard or similar waste materials. Using recyclable materials diverts waste from landfills, promoting sustainability.

Radiant Floor Heating

Choose rigid floor sustainable foam insulation panels with high compressive strength, R-5 per inch, and available take-back recycling initiatives for end-of-life boards. This optimizes efficiency, reduces material usage, and enables foam recycling.