Icynene®: A Green Product
05 March 2007
In evaluating Icynene® as a green product, we have compared the properties of the product against the evaluation criteria of the Environmental Building News, a leading newsletter on environmentally responsible design and construction, and GreenSpec product standards. Icynene falls within many of the defining categories and criteria that determine the environmental-soundness of a product.
Criteria: Building components that reduce heating and cooling loads
Icynene, because it is an effective insulation and air barrier system, can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% versus other insulation.
Criteria: Products that reduce material use
Installing Icynene allows for:
- Rightsizing of the HVAC equipment
- Elimination of electrical box gaskets
- Elimination of air barrier materials
- Reduction in tape, caulk, and glue
Criteria: Impact on the environment
Icynene contains no CFCs, no HCFCs, no HFAs, no formaldehyde, nor volatile organic compounds.
Criteria: Products that do not release significant pollutants into the building
Independent tests have confirmed that Icynene emits no
harmful emissions.
Criteria: Products that block the introduction, development, or spread of indoor contaminants
Icynene, by air sealing the building envelope, controls condensation caused by infiltrating moist/humid air and the resulting molds and mildews. The air seal also prevents outside pollution, dust and allergens from entering the building.
Criteria: Products that reduce the impact of renovations
The pour-fill variation of The Icynene Insulation System® can be installed in the wall cavities of older homes, that contain no insulation, via small 1/2" holes drilled in the wall. There is no need to rip out existing plaster or sheetrock.
Criteria: Products with recycled content
Icynene is not made from recycled material.
Criteria: Embedded energy costs
Like all insulation, Icynene requires energy for its creation. It is an organic by-product of the petroleum distillation process. The energy required to transport Icynene is relatively low versus the amount of insulation delivered. The amount of insulation needed for a 2,000ft². house can be shipped in two drums (55gal each). One transport truck can deliver enough Icynene insulation for 38 homes of 2,000ft².
