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Energy Efficient Buildings Key to Combating Climate Change

energy efficient building

Renovating the Federal Building in Portland, Oregon cut energy usage by 45% and water consumption by 60%.

A new report from the U.S. Green Building Council and the American Sustainable Business Council concludes that energy-efficient buildings are one of the most effective and economical ways to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint in response to global warming. That’s because buildings account for more greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. than any other source, including transportation and industry. The report probes the economics of green buildings and their value in mitigating greenhouse gas production, suggesting that brick and mortar solutions to the climate challenge make for good economics in the long run.

FAQs: Exterior Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS)

EIFS, continuous insulation

The Shops at 5th and Alton in Miami Beach, Florida show the commercial design potential of today's continuous insulation systems.

In the U.S., the International Building Code and ASTM International define Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) as a non-load-bearing, exterior wall cladding system that consists of the following: an insulation board attached either adhesively or mechanically, or both, to the substrate; an integrally reinforced base coat; and a textured protective finish coat. Prior to 2000, EIFS were barrier systems, meaning that the EIFS itself was the weather barrier. After 2000 the EIFS industry introduced the air/moisture barrier that resides behind the foam.

Today, EIFS is one of the most tested claddings in the construction industry. Research conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and supported by the Department of Energy, has validated that EIFS is the “best performing cladding” in relation to thermal and moisture control when compared to brick, stucco, and fiber cement siding. In addition EIFS is in full compliance with modern building codes, which emphasize energy conservation through the use of ci (continuous insulation) and a continuous air barrier. Their growing popularity is related to the desire for energy efficiency combined with design flexibility.

The future of the home insulation market

Residential insulation sales are projected to increase $10.3 billion -- a total of 6.6 percent from 2015 to 2019.

Insulation is critical when it comes to retaining heat in your home and saving money on energy expenses. Sto Corp can provide superior insulation by analyzing each unique build and providing a case-specific approach to delivering the best results for a given residence. However, as the market evolves, the way that continuous insulation is prepared and distributed will change along with it.

In building insulation, sometimes less is more

Rather than packing on as much insulation as possible, consider other ways to save cost as higher R-values offer diminishing returns.

Rather than packing on as much insulation as possible, consider other ways to save cost as higher R-values offer diminishing returns.