Insulation |
Cellulose Loose Fill
Primary Contents: Wood fiber, typically recycled newspaper
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 85
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.6
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 0.30
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 10

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 75
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
75
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
58
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
70
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
100
The higher the rating, the better.
Cotton Fiber Batt
Primary Contents: Cotton fiber, typically recycled denim
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 85
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.6
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 0.85
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 10

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 64
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
72
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
56
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
80
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
50
The higher the rating, the better.
Closed-cell Polyurethane Foam Spray
Primary Contents: Foam made out of raw materials of petroleum or other hydrocarbon origins
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 0
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 6.5
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : N/A
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 2

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 62
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
67
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
100
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
60
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
23
The higher the rating, the better.
Sheep Wool Batt
Primary Contents: Sheep's wool
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 0
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.6
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 2.50
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 9

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 61
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
68
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
56
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
100
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
23
The higher the rating, the better.
GreenGuard Certified Fiberglass Batt
Primary Contents: Silica sand, limestone, boron, recycled glass
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 40
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.4
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 0.50
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 4

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 57
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
49
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
53
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
50
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
78
The higher the rating, the better.
Air Krete®
Primary Contents: Cementitous foam (made out of raw materials of petroleum or other hydrocarbon origins)
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 0
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.9
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : N/A
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 2

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 52
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
46
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
64
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
70
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
28
The higher the rating, the better.
GreenGuard Certified Fiberglass Loose Fill
Primary Contents: Silica sand, limestone, boron, recycled glass
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 25
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 0.70
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 4

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 52
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
47
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
50
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
50
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
64
The higher the rating, the better.
Composite Insulating Concrete Form (RASTRA)
Primary Contents: Recycled expanded polystyrene and cement
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 85
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.5
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : $6.00
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 8

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 47
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
62
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
58
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
60
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
9
The higher the rating, the better.
Open-cell Soy-based Polyurethane Foam Spray
Primary Contents: Polyurethane foam made out of plant-based resources
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 0
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.6
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : N/A
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 5

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 46
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
52
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
60
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
50
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
25
The higher the rating, the better.
Fiberglass Batt
Primary Contents: Silica sand, limestone, boron, recycled glass
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 40
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.4
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 0.50
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 2

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 46
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
43
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
53
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
10
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
78
The higher the rating, the better.
Slag Wool Batt
Primary Contents: Iron ore blast furnace slag and/or natural minerals like basalt or diabase
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 75
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.5
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 0.60
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 7

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 45
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
59
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
54
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
10
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
58
The higher the rating, the better.
$63.55
Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) with EPS
Primary Contents: Concrete and EPS foam (made out of raw materials of petroleum or other hydrocarbon origins)
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 0
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 4
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 5.00
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 3

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 45
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
49
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
65
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
60
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
9
The higher the rating, the better.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Primary Contents: Polystyrene foam (made out of raw materials of petroleum or other hydrocarbon origins)
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 0
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 4
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 1.25
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 2

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 44
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
46
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
65
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
50
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
18
The higher the rating, the better.
$638.87
Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) with EPS
Primary Contents: EPS foam (made out of raw materials of petroleum or other hydrocarbon origins)
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 0
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 4
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 4.25
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 2

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 42
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
46
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
65
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
50
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
10
The higher the rating, the better.
Fiberglass Loose Fill
Primary Contents: Silica sand, limestone, boron, recycled glass
Average Recycled Content Percentage: 25
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3
Average Price per Square Foot ($) : 0.70
Material Environmental Impact Score (1-10): 2

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.
 41
Environmental Impact Rating: based on each insulating material's Consumption Rating (see below) and material environmental impact score (the embodied energy used to make the insulating material; the potential toxicity of the material; if the material contains recycled content and/or if it is derived from a rapidly renewable resource; and if the material can be recycled or effectively reused at the end of its useful life). The higher rating, the less-toxic and energy-intensive the material is to manufacture and dispose of; the less natural resources it requires to exist; and the more recyclable it is at the end of its life.
41
Consumption Rating: based on the material's average thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness). The higher the rating, the more efficient the material and the higher its R-value.
50
Toxicity Rating: based on whether the insulating material/technology contains toxins such as formaldehyde, which are hazardous to humans, and/or CFCs, which are harmful to the natural environment. The higher the rating, the less-toxic the insulating material.
10
Price Rating: based on each material’s average price per square foot at R-19, plus the cost of installation. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the price of the product.
64
The higher the rating, the better.
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