Technical insulation materials made from flexible elastomer (FEF) and polyethylene (PEF) foams are among the few industrial products that save more energy during their service life than is required for their manufacture. They prove their effectiveness both in heating and plumbing systems and in air conditioning and refrigeration applications. In doing so, they help deliver the EU’s targets for reducing energy consumption in buildings.
Europe has set the course for the “Green Deal”. The construction sector plays a key role in achieving these climate goals, as it is one of the most resource- and energy-intensive industries. Currently, buildings account for around 40% of total energy consumption. For this reason, EU Member States have tightened national requirements for the primary energy demand of buildings. These requirements consider not only the thermal performance of the building envelope but also the efficiency of technical building systems such as heating, ventilation and cooling. Synthetic insulation materials made from flexible elastomeric foam (FEF) and polyethylene foam (PEF) are particularly suitable for improving the efficiency of such systems. They reduce energy consumption and help maintain these savings over the long term.
Industrially manufactured products require raw materials and energy for their production. In the context of climate change, the question of the extent to which they impact the environment is becoming increasingly important for both manufacturers and consumers. Technical insulation materials represent a special case, as they save energy over the course of their service life. Even if other products consume less energy and generate lower CO₂ emissions during manufacture, FEF and PEF materials can achieve a better overall environmental balance.
Studies by our member companies confirm this. Several CEFEP members carried out analyses of their products over the entire life cycle (life cycle assessment) in accordance with EN 15804. The results show that, thanks to their superior technical properties, FEF insulation materials also make a positive contribution to the overall energy balance of buildings.
Studies clearly show that the thermal insulation of pipwork makes a major contribution to the energy efficiency of buildings. Heating systems in particular offer high savings potential. According to these studies, the energy demand for the supply of domestic hot water and space heating in an average residential building in Europe can be reduced by up to 25% with optimal pipe insulation. Technical insulation materials made from flexible elastomeric and polyethylene foams are recommended due to their long-term performance. Thanks to their closed-cell structure combined with low thermal conductivity, foam insulation materials help to reduce energy consumption in buildings. In many cases, insulating pipes, valves and pipe clamps pays for itself after only a few weeks.
The success of insulation depends on the correct specification of insulation thicknesses — particularly in air-conditioning applications. The surface temperature of the material must always remain above the dew point in order to effectively prevent the formation of condensation. Although this represents the essential insulation function, there are also energy benefits. Due to the small temperature difference, savings are generally lower than in heating systems. However, generating lower temperatures requires more energy than producing hot water. Therefore, investment in technical insulation materials quickly pays for itself. Protection against energy loss and condensation go hand in hand. Worldwide demand for air-conditioning continues to increase and is projected to rise sharply by 2030 and more than triple by 2050.
