March 1, 2002—The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) has released the findings of a study conducted by Energy Services Provider Group, a Baltimore-based independent energy analysis firm.
The firm examined the economic and environmental effects of increasing polyisocyanurate roof insulation thickness above the American Society of Heating Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers specified minimum insulation value. The study was conducted on a model elementary schools and retail buildings roof systems. Energy cost savings for each roof system were calculated using utility rates and 25 years of energy use patterns from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and Seattle.
The study found increasing insulation thickness by 1 inch (25 mm) resulted in average combined city energy savings of about $2,500 per year for the retail building and $1,800 per year for the elementary school. In addition, the emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide were reduced by significant amounts. For more information, contact the National Roofing Contractors Association.
