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"Fluorocarbons: Balanced Solutions for Society"
Foam Insulation . . . A Working Example
A Worldwide Perspective
There are 14 major types of insulating foams produced globally
that are primarily used for appliance insulation, residential
and commercial building insulation and specialty applications
such as refrigerated stor- age, transport and pipe insulation.
These products have used chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are now
using hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and are expected to use
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), as technology is developed and the
Montreal Protocol is implemented across all nations.
HFCs --- The Balanced Solution
As of March 1999, fluorocarbons (HCFCs and HFCs) have accounted
for 60% of all approved CFC-11 replacement technology projects
in insulating foams.
Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund Project Summary
| |
CFC-11 Tonnes
Replaced |
Replacement Technology
(expressed in M. Tonnes of CFC-11 substituted) |
Sector
(Number of projects approved) |
Impact
M.Tonnes |
HCFCs |
HFCs |
HCs |
Others |
| Rigid Foam (238) |
10938 |
7144 |
58 |
3003 |
733 |
Foam Insulation conversion only (34)
The data does not include refrigerants |
1998 |
636 |
0 |
849 |
513 |
| |
12936 |
7780 |
58 |
3852 |
1246 |
Commercially available throughout the world, HFCs are energy
efficient, low in toxicity, cost-effective and can be used
safely. They are truly useful compounds to manufacturers
providing insulating foams that help save energy and reduce
CO2 emissions.
CFC/HCFC/HFC Blowing Agents In Use Globally In Rigid Foams
The following graph shows the past and predicted global use of
fluorocarbons in insulating foams.
Life Cycle Climate Performance (LCCP)
Insulating foams save energy and reduce CO2 emissions. In 1995,
the building sector consumed approximately 34% of global energy, equating
to 31% of global CO2 emissions. An average increase in global building
energy efficiency of 1% would reduce CO2 emissions by 50-80
million metric tonnes annually.
Foam energy efficiency is heavily influenced by the choice of blowing agent,
HFCs can currently produce 10-20% more efficient foams compared to other
alternatives. Foams produced with HFCs also show superior LCCP. LCCP is
the overall contribution to global warming of the manufacture, use and life
of a blowing agent in a particular application. Energy efficiency
considerations favor HFC use in most insulating foam applications.
LCCP of Foam Boardstock Insulating Sheathing for Residential Wood Walls1
Greenhouse Gases, million metric tonnes
CO2 Equivalent |
U.S. |
Canada |
Extruded
Polystyrene Foams |
Polisocyanurate
Foams |
Extruded
Polystyrene Foams |
Polisocyanurate
Foams |
Plastic mfg - energy
Plastic mfg - blowing agent |
28
41 |
37
55 |
1.8
2.8 |
2.6
4.1 |
| Avoided from annual energy savings |
22 |
28 |
1.1 |
1.4 |
| Greenhouse gas payback period, years |
3.18 |
3.27 |
4.35 |
4.89 |
| Avoided from 30-yr. energy savings |
648 |
848 |
31.7 |
41.3 |
| Net greenhouse gases saved |
580 |
756 |
27.1 |
34.6 |
1Comparative Analysis of HFC and Alternative Technologies, A.D.Little, Inc. August 23, 1999
Manufacturing foam insulation consumes energy. However, these results show
that energy saved far exceeds HFC manufacturing energy consumed, plus the
direct blowing agent contribution.
Industry Principles
The foam industry supports the following responsible stewardship for HFC
technology:
- Provide technically feasible insulation products with favorable LCCP;
- Promote technology and processes that provide financially sound societal investments; and
- Minimize foam insulation manufacturing emissions, based on best available, affordable technology.
Balanced Solutions for Society... Insulating Foams are
a Perfect Example of The Concept.
Energy Efficiency, Reduced CO2 Emissions, Availability, Affordability.
HFCs --- the RIGHT Choice for Insulating Foams.
The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy is a leading industry voice
that coordinates industry participation in the development of reasonable
international and U.S. government policies regarding ozone protection and
global climate change.
The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy
2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 850 - Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (703) 243-0344 - Fax: (703) 243-2874
E-mail: info@arap.org
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