Apr 2 2010
CertainTeed Corporation's fiberglass insulation manufacturing facility in Chowchilla, Calif., is taking a next step in its holistic approach to sustainability with the introduction of Sustainable Insulation™. Designed to exceed the California Air Resource Board (CARB) indoor air quality regulations, the new fiberglass insulation product is GREENGUARD Children & Schools certified, and incorporates recycled materials, a plant-based organic binder and a low-impact manufacturing process.
"When it comes to fiberglass insulation, the end product is undoubtedly green, making homes and buildings more energy-efficient," says Paul Valle, president of CertainTeed Insulation. "With Sustainable Insulation we're taking the entire life cycle of the product into account to ultimately reduce our impact on the environment."
At the Chowchilla plant, the manufacturing process begins with a formula that uses organic, naturally abundant or recycled materials. In addition to sand, Sustainable Insulation consists of a recycled glass content of 35 percent and a plant-based binder. The binder is comprised of rapidly renewable organic materials and contains no phenol, formaldehyde, harsh acrylics or dye. A closed-loop water system helps maximize water usage at the plant, and rigorous monitoring and management of energy usage has reduced the amount of energy needed to manufacture the product.
When Sustainable Insulation is ready to ship, compression packaging is used to move more product in fewer loads. Strategically located distribution centers minimize transportation needs and make the product easily accessible to California's building industry.
"Sustainable Insulation provides an ideal option for the industry to build more responsibly," adds Valle. "And for the homeowner, it brings enhanced thermal and acoustic comfort, indoor air quality meeting the toughest California regulations and a product that lasts the life of the home with no maintenance needed."
Sustainable Insulation will initially launch in California and is being incorporated into CertainTeed's building insulation batts and rolls for both residential and commercial/institutional applications.
CertainTeed offers a comprehensive line of insulation products and equipment, including time-tested and trusted fiberglass insulation batts and rolls, fiberglass blow-in insulation, polyurethane spray foam, innovative vapor retarder technology, and highly regarded HVAC products as well as insulation blowing and foam application equipment. All of CertainTeed's insulation products can help building professionals qualify toward credits for both the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the National Association of Home Builders' Green Building (NAHB) Program.
Source: http://www.certainteed.com