The role of insulation
Better insulation of buildings is the most profitable way to reduce the CO2 emissions according to a study by McKinsey/Vattenfall; it is the lowest hanging fruit in combating climate change. Millions of tonnes of CO2 and fossil fuel can be saved by insulating our buildings.
This makes insulation a key climate technology. It can help reduce today’s unnecessary waste of fossil fuels from buildings which are responsible for 40 % of the EU and US energy consumption and a major contributor to man-made CO2 emissions. The developing countries - struggling with energy poverty and air pollution – also has a need for buildings that waste less energy and emit less CO2.
Technologies immediately at hand.
Energy efficiency in buildings including the use of insulation systems, comprises technologies immediately at hand and holds the largest potential for profitable savings. The systems and products are well-known and have proven their efficiency. In other words, energy efficiency is a fruit ready to be picked. This situation makes the following recommendations crucial for all countries:
- Buildings normally last, and pollute, for 50 years or more. Therefore you should use robust energy efficient technology for all new buildings.
- No renovation without insulation – bring all buildings undergoing modernisation up to at least contemporary energy standards. Or even better, up to very low energy levels which are app. 75 % lower than standard.
The first step to make a building climate-friendly is to reduce the loss of energy. This is done by insulating the building thoroughly and air-sealing the constructions along with installation of mechanical ventilation to ensure a good indoor climate.
First after the building has been designed to minimise the energy loss, it makes sense to start looking at other aspects of the building such as the use of renewable energy sources including solar panels.
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