Compare the bigger picture, not just products

When comparing different insulation materials and their GWP values, it is important to keep in mind that the comparison should be made on a building-by-building, not just on a product-by-product basis. What if the chosen insulation material requires, for example, an additional concrete slab for load distribution?

“When calculating the GWP of the whole building, you should take into account any other materials that the insulation may need to function properly, as this will increase the GWP value,” says Rémi Bagard, Life Cycle Assessment and Transparency Lead at Owens Corning.

Depending on the application, FOAMGLAS® insulation is capable of bearing loads of 500 kPa to 1600 kPa through the lifetime of the application*, maintaining its insulation properties without compression, degradation or distortion. There is no need to use additional heavy-duty protective layers in flat roof applications.

Learn more about the EPDs and what’s important to take into account when using them here.

*FOAMGLAS® Download Page