Climate Change

Polyurethane is essential to our environment by helping to protect our climate. One of the greatest challenges facing modern society is climate change directly related to the emissions of greenhouse gases, in the form of CO2 from fossil fuel resources for heat, power and transportation.

The increased use of polyurethane as a light-weight insulator is actually helping to protect the climate by saving energy and reducing fossil fuel consumption. The thermal efficiency of polyisocyanurate (polyiso) materials and spray foam insulation is helping conserve the energy required to heat and cool homes and buildings. In automobiles, polyurethane is increasingly used as a light-weight alternative to other heavier materials that helps contribute to fuel savings. These energy savings translate to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a contribution to our efforts to reduce global warming.

At a time when energy use and greenhouse gas releases are major concerns, the benefits of polyurethane insulation are significant. For example, in 1997, it was estimated that 106 million refrigerators were in use. By using polyurethane insulation, approximately 35 million tons of carbon dioxide is avoided each year, the equivalent to saving 551 trillion BTU’s or 50 million kWh of energy per year.

The end-of-life phase of products also offers the possibility of additional energy savings via recycling* and/or the recovery of energy from the waste. In addition, the use of polyurethane waste as an alternative to traditional fuels such as coal for power generation holds the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The continuing use and growth of polyurethanes to enhance the energy efficiency of products plays an important role in helping to reduce some greenhouse gas emissions and moving closer to an environmentally sustainable world.

*Recycling does not exist in all areas. Check to see if there is a polyurethanes recycling facility in your community.

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