Why should you consider vacuum insulation panels when building a sustainable home? When it comes to building a sustainable home, vacuum insulation panels (or VIPs) are one of the best solutions.
While sustainable energy resources are still an option for homeowners (instead of a legal requirement), more and more are reaping the benefits of vacuum insulation panels.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of vacuum insulation panels and why they are an asset to sustainable homes.
Why Are More Sustainable Homes Being Built?
As there is global strife over environmental challenges, many are actively trying to reduce their carbon footprint and make sustainable changes to their everyday lives. One of the most promising solutions, which is growing in popularity, is sustainable homes.
Despite an apparent need for change, the demand for non-renewable energy resources is ever-increasing. Those who are opting now to invest in self-generated power sources could be considered ‘ahead of the curve’.
While the weight of ‘cost of living’ punishes homeowners across the country, many are attempting to make energy-efficient choices in a bid to reduce utility costs. Sustainable homes are proven to result in economic savings.
Due to their desirability, the real estate market is valuing sustainable homes higher, ensuring long-term financial returns for homeowners.
There are many factors to consider when building a sustainable home from energy-efficient lighting to water conservation – but where does insulation come into it? In building and construction projects, more and more companies are looking for more efficient ways to insulate homes.
This is where vacuum insulation panels come in.
Understanding Vacuum Insulation Panels
Homeowners are starting to consider vacuum insulation panels when building a sustainable home.
The panels are constructed with a microporous insulation core, which is encapsulated in an ultra-low permeable barrier film and sealed under a vacuum. It is described as a ‘gas-tight enclosure surrounding a rigid core’, from which air has been vacuumed. The construction of VIPs helps to achieve a high insulation performance.
For building and construction, vacuum insulation panels are used as an exterior and interior solution to improve their energy efficiency. However, vacuum insulation panels can be utilised for other purposes or industries, such as
- Temperature controlled packaging
- Appliances, such as heating systems
- Oil and Gas
- Transportation (marine, rail, automotive, aerospace)
To learn more about how vacuum insulation panels are used in other industries, follow this link.
Environmental Benefits Of Vacuum Insulation Panels
Other than the obvious reduction of non-renewable energy, there are many other environmental benefits to vacuum insulation panels.
- Material Efficiency
Unlike conventional insulation methods, such as fiberglass or foam boards, VIPs require fewer materials yet still provide the same (if not more effective) performance. Therefore, it is more sustainable to produce and manufacture VIPs, as it reduces overall resource consumption.
- Space Optimisation
When installed, VIPs require less space than competing insulation methods. This means construction of buildings can factor in their designs a thinner insulation build-up, allowing for more interior space. Larger rooms would typically come at the cost of heating, yet VIPs do not sacrifice the quality of insulation for space.
- Recyclability
Designers may differ on the materials they use to manufacture VIPs, but for the most part, VIPs are recyclable. At present, conventional insulation materials are not recyclable. With VIPs, the materials can be repurposed, instead of contributing to landfill.
- Lower Embodied Energy
Against its competitors, VIPs have a recorded lower embodied energy score. This means that the total energy to produce, transport, install and dispose of the material is markedly lower. VIPs can achieve this due to their high insulating efficiency, and lightweight nature.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint
Currently, the majority of homes are heated by either natural gas or electricity. Natural gas heaters release greenhouse gases during combustion. While natural gas is considered a ‘greener’ option, it releases nitrogen oxides, which are known for causing respiratory issues and smog. VIPs lower a building’s greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
Other Benefits Of Vacuum Insulation Panels In A Sustainable Home
While this blog has already covered why vacuum insulation panels are necessary when building a sustainable home, there is still a list of benefits we have not yet covered.
From builders to transporters and homeowners, VIPs are commended for their ease of use, longevity, and high performance.
- Extremely low thermal conductivity
- Reduced energy bills
- Longer storage time and safer transportation conditions in cold-chain transport
- High thermal resistance
- Light in weight
- Excellent resistance to compression
- A wide range of sizes available to order
- Thermal shock resistant
- No harmful respirable fibres
- Resistant to most chemicals
How Can Siltherm Help Build Your Sustainable Home?
We hope this blog has now answered why you should consider vacuum insulation panels when building a sustainable home.
It goes without saying, that vacuum insulation panels are the answer to building a sustainable home. And at Siltherm, we have our own leading design.
The Siltherm VacuPanel is self-supporting, pressure-resistant and easy to use. Our innovative formulation enables the Siltherm VacuPanel to deliver outstanding thermal performance and long-term durability.
At Siltherm, we are committed to helping industries reach their carbon neutrality and energy efficiency goals faster, along with improving their economic, environmental, and social competitive positions. Follow this link to read more about our values.
If you would like to learn more about what we do at Siltherm or would like to make an enquiry about our products, please contact us today.