The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded The Dow Chemical Company $2,955,156 to develop the next-generation of advanced insulation for high-performance, energy-efficient wall, roof, and foundation insulation systems.
The funding was awarded specifically to Dow Building Solutions, a business within Dow's Building and Construction business group. It was granted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, with the research expected to lead to the creation of higher performing insulation solutions with a lower carbon footprint and ease-of-use for builders.
"This is great recognition for Dow's focus on efficiency, and our drive to develop technologies that provide building solutions with easy installation and even greater energy savings," commented Torsten Kraef, business group vice president for Dow Building and Construction business.
Bill Jackson, global research and development director for Dow Building and Construction adds, "For the first time, we have been able to partner with the government to support research and development of revolutionary insulation products that will offer superior performance and a stronger sustainability footprint. We are excited by the chance to work closely with the DOE to play a significant role in shaping the future of insulation innovation, and have a key role in meeting the long-term U.S. energy efficiency goals for residential and commercial buildings."
These improved insulating building envelope systems will be designed to cost-effectively meet current and future energy conservation needs and building code requirements. Dow Building Solutions has pledged $2.9MM of additional funding to match the DOE grant, bringing the total research funding effort to $5.8MM over the next three years.
Typically the building envelope accounts for greater than 40 percent of the overall energy use in the United States, half of which is lost through the walls, roofs and foundations. This new insulation will offer up to 50 percent thermal insulation performance improvement over typical insulation sheathings, resulting in a significant reduction of energy losses in both residential and commercial applications. Additionally, it is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, avoid production of volatile organic compounds and have a negligible contribution to global warming.
Source: http://www.dowbuildingsolutions.com/