Insulating buildings

Description

Insulating buildings involves installing materials and systems to reduce heat transfer through walls, roofs, and floors, thereby improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort. This strategy directly addresses excessive energy consumption, high utility costs, and greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing the need for heating and cooling. Effective insulation remedies issues such as heat loss, drafts, and condensation, resulting in lower energy bills, enhanced occupant well-being, and a reduced environmental footprint for residential, commercial, and industrial structures.

Context

Poorly insulated buildings result in substantial heat loss, and consequent energy wastage. Insulating buildings conserves heat and energy, and promotes sustainability.

Implementation

A 1990 study by the European Insulation Manufacturers Association (EURIMA) claims that if the European countries focused on would meet the national legal minimum thermal insulation requirements for all heated buildings, they would be able to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions initiated by heating by 50% -- a substantial energy saving. EURIMA reports that only 10 to 15% of the housing in Finland and Sweden is poorly insulated, compared to 44 to 95% for most other West European countries.