August 19, 2005—A new independent study has been released that measures the cost effectiveness of increasing insulation in the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The report, conducted by ICF Consulting, an international management, technology, and policy consulting firm which works closely with EPA ENERGY STAR, found that in every climate zone there is a cost-effective, energy-saving insulation wall scenario that meets the 2004 IECC.
The final report concluded that the levels of insulation in the 2004 IECC will lead to increased savings and create more affordable housing by decreasing utility costs immediately and over the life of the home.
ICF conducted the study on behalf of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) and the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA).
The study took into account regional variations of utility costs, material and labor costs and housing characteristics. More than 1.23 million simulations were conducted. For a copy of the report, go to the NAIMA Web site.
