New Life Cycle Analysis Clearly Demonstrates Environmental Contributions of Adding EPS Insulation to North American Homes CROFTON, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new study shows that expanded polystyrene (EPS) provides a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when used to insulate homes in North America. This study, Energy and Greenhouse Gas Savings for EPS Foam Insulation Applied to Exterior Walls of Single Family Residential Housing in the U.S. and Canada, calculated the resources used and emissions produced in the manufacturing and delivery of EPS and concludes that EPS insulation will reduce the operational impact of the building to an extent that far outweighs the environmental impact caused by its manufacture. "Everyone knows that adding insulation to your home will reduce energy costs," acknowledges Betsy Steiner, executive director of the EPS Molders Association (EPSMA). "However, consumers are increasingly aware that product manufacture requires resource and energy consumption. We want our customers to know that energy and environmental payback on this investment is substantial, making EPS insulation one of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce energy usage." With mainstream support for the green movement, consumers are asking new and different questions about how products perform and are increasingly making purchasing decisions that take environmental considerations into account. This is particularly true in the area of construction, as buildings are responsible for 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), a measurement tool that provides comprehensive environmental data, is a widely accepted method of evaluating a product's environmental footprint.
