Other Environmental Impacts
A major consideration in assessing the environmental impact of a material is how efficiently it uses resources to perform its designated function. It also must benefit the environment over its life cycle by saving energy and reducing greenhouse effects.
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Recycling
Owens Corning Fiberglas™ insulation uses a minimum of 35% recycled glass content. That is enough material to cover a U.S football field 20 stories high, each year. Our rigid foam insulation uses a minimum of 15% recycled content and all foam scrap is reused back into the process so none is landfilled. All foam and fiberglass products made in North America are certified for their recycle content by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS).
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Reduces Emissions
By reducing the energy required to maintain a comfortable living or work environment, insulation reduces the emissions released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The products Owens Corning sells each year are responsible for the prevention of more than 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions. This equals the annual emissions of 200 million passenger cars or the use of 2 billion barrels of oil.
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Packaging/Transportation
Compression packaging of fiberglass insulation means 25% fewer trucks delivering product resulting in less pollution from transportation.
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Durable
Both fiberglass and foam insulation products resist moisture and last the lifetime of a building if undisturbed. When buildings are renovated, fiberglass batts and foam insulation can be removed and reused, making them one of the rare re-usable forms of insulation.
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Quiet
Unhealthy levels of noise can interrupt otherwise quiet activity on a daily basis. According to a recent survey conducted by Owens Corning, three out of four respondents indicated they are disturbed by noise inside their home at least a few times per week. In response to growing homeowner concerns over invasive noise, Owens Corning developed a new category of structural noise control solutions under its QuietZone® product line which, when used together, can reduce noise transmission up to 85 percent.