The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) has released a new study that analyzes and quantifies the energy and environmental contribution of polyisocyanurate insulation (polyiso) over the past 25 years.

This study reveals that polyiso has contributed to the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by over 4 million metric tons annually, an amount equivalent to taking 711,000 cars off of the road or the CO2 emissions from 407 million gallons of gasoline.

“Polyiso insulation has a very positive impact on energy efficiency and the environment,” said Jared Blum, President, PIMA. “To put it in perspective, on a yearly basis, polyiso reduces the carbon dioxide emissions equal to the energy used in more than 314,000 homes each year or 711,000 cars – that’s no small accomplishment.”

Released in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of PIMA, the study reveals that, over the service life of polyiso insulation, the cumulative carbon dioxide emissions reduction would be in excess of 80 million metric tons. Additionally, the cumulative savings in building heating and cooling energy over a typical twenty-year roof system service life would be in excess of 14,000 trillion BTUs. 

“Considering the year to year growth of polyiso and its many positive attributes, polyiso will continue to be the envelope insulation product of choice for architects, building owners and roofing contractors,” added Blum. 

Conducted by TEGNOS Research, Inc., the study analyzes and quantifies the energy and environmental contribution of polyiso board insulation from 1987 to 2011 based on an estimate of total shipments from polyiso manufacturers and state-of-the-art energy modeling techniques. In order to do this, TEGNOS Research identified the total square footage of polyiso insulation produced during this period and then compared this quantity to typical insulation materials. Additionally, the study calculated the equivalent reduction in energy usage and carbon dioxide based on the various climate regions in the United States and the quantity of polyiso.