Insulation |
Cellulose Loose Fill
Type: Cellulose
Application: Loose Fill
Application Score (1-10): 8
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.6
Primary Contents: Wood fiber, typically recycled newspaper

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
Type: Cotton Fiber
Application: Batt
Application Score (1-10): 6
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.6
Primary Contents: Cotton fiber, typically recycled denim

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
Type: Closed-cell Polyurethane Foam
Application: Spray
Application Score (1-10): 10
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 6.5
Primary Contents: Foam made out of raw materials of petroleum or other hydrocarbon origins

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
Type: Sheep Wool
Application: Batt
Application Score (1-10): 6
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.6
Primary Contents: Sheep's wool

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
Type: GreenGuard Certified Fiberglass
Application: Batt
Application Score (1-10): 6
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.4
Primary Contents: Silica sand, limestone, boron, recycled glass

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®
Type: Cementitious Foam
Application: Spray
Application Score (1-10): 10
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.9
Primary Contents: Cementitous foam (made out of raw materials of petroleum or other hydrocarbon origins)

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
Type: GreenGuard Certified Fiberglass
Application: Loose Fill
Application Score (1-10): 8
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3
Primary Contents: Silica sand, limestone, boron, recycled glass

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)
Type: ICF
Application: Insulating Concrete Form
Application Score (1-10): 10
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.5
Primary Contents: Recycled expanded polystyrene and cement

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
Type: Open-cell Soy-based Polyurethane Foam
Application: Spray
Application Score (1-10): 10
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.6
Primary Contents: Polyurethane foam made out of plant-based resources

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
Type: Fiberglass
Application: Batt
Application Score (1-10): 6
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.4
Primary Contents: Silica sand, limestone, boron, recycled glass

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
Type: Slag Wool
Application: Batt
Application Score (1-10): 6
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3.5
Primary Contents: Iron ore blast furnace slag and/or natural minerals like basalt or diabase

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
Type: ICF
Application: Insulating Concrete Form
Application Score (1-10): 10
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 4
Primary Contents: Concrete and EPS foam (made out of raw materials of petroleum or other hydrocarbon origins)

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)
Type: Polystyrene Foam
Application: Spray
Application Score (1-10): 10
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 4
Primary Contents: Polystyrene foam (made out of raw materials of petroleum or other hydrocarbon origins)

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
Type: SIP
Application: Structural Insulated Panel
Application Score (1-10): 10
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 4
Primary Contents: EPS foam (made out of raw materials of petroleum or other hydrocarbon origins)

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
Type: Fiberglass
Application: Loose Fill
Application Score (1-10): 8
Average Thermal Resistance (R-value per Inch of Thickness): 3
Primary Contents: Silica sand, limestone, boron, recycled glass

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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