A key climate technology
The race against time
The world has a big challenge. Before 2050, we need to emit 50-85 % less CO2 just to limit the rise in the average global temperature to 2-2,4 ºC says IPCC.
One of the key means to reach the goal is to reduce the energy consumption in buildings. As buildings account for some 40 % of our energy use in Europe and the US, there is a huge potential in making our buildings energy efficient.
Insulation is a key climate technology
Heating and cooling are the main energy consumers in buildings and account for two thirds of a building’s total energy consumption. However, most of this energy is wasted due to inadequate insulation. In its lifetime, a typical Rockwool insulation product can save the environment more than 100 times the amount of energy and CO2 emissions than it takes to produce, distribute and recycle the same product. This makes insulation one of the most effective initiatives that we as a society can take to reduce the world’s climate problems. Low energy and very low energy houses do not need to distinguish themselves from traditional buildings in terms of appearance, but they require intelligent design.
High-performing insulation that acts as an integral part of the building structure is one of the most crucial elements to make the design of low energy buildings possible. Extremely low energy buildings typically require insulation in walls, ceilings and floors with U-values of 0.07-0.10 W/m2•K. Since the outer walls typically is the largest "element" at all on a building, the energy loss caused by the walls can be significant. The race for energy-efficient solutions has begun. The stricter requirements imposed by the authorities concerning energy losses and reduced CO2 emissions are making new demands on construction enterprises as regards building design, structures, efficiency and overall economy.
