The American Institute of Architects’ Conference on Architecture brings together thousands of architects and building and design industry professionals this week in Orlando, with the opportunity to see the latest innovative building products and meet with companies that support the industry. American Chemistry Council members are showcasing products that enable the latest efficient, durable and […]
The key to building energy efficiency? A sound building envelope
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation can increase the energy-efficiency of a home by creating a sound building envelope, which shields the home’s living areas from the outdoor environment. Homes can lose as much as 40 percent of heating and cooling energy through cracks and gaps in the building envelope. SPF acts as an effective barrier […]
Spray foam insulation brings ambitious sustainability goals within reach
In September, California Governor Jerry Brown signed ambitious climate change legislation that set an even higher bar than previous laws – California would now have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. This integrated plan to address climate change includes doubling energy efficiency savings at existing buildings. Along with other […]
Plastics reduce environmental cost by nearly four times compared to alternative materials
The results of a new study are disrupting “conventional wisdom” about the sustainability of plastics. The study, conducted by Trucost, found that the environmental costs of using plastics in packaging and consumer goods is nearly four times less than they would be if plastics were replaced with alternative materials. While the environmental costs to produce […]
What do a solar panel and pacemaker have in common?
From solar panels to medical devices to sports safety equipment to personal care products, silicones are used in thousands of products. This family of high performance materials is crucial to countless industries, including medicine, construction, transportation, fashion, and sports. A recent socio-economic report released by the Global Silicones Council underscores just how important silicones are […]
Spray foam insulation and California’s goal for zero net energy
Residential and commercial buildings together in the United States account for about 40 percent of total energy consumption – a greater share than either the industrial or transportation sectors. Furthermore, residential energy consumption exceeds commercial, accounting for 22 percent of total primary energy consumption. California has been a leader in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse […]
Spray foam gives energy efficient boost to award winning home designs
Homebuilders consider many factors when designing new homes and one of the most important is choosing energy efficient materials to control heating and cooling use in the home. For insulation, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) offers unique benefits that can help lower energy costs* and strengthen a home’s structure while also achieving energy efficiency goals and […]
Natural gas helps shape future of U.S. manufacturing
Natural gas continues to play a starring role in our nation’s energy story, revitalizing the chemistry industry and spurring manufacturing growth. Just yesterday, Royal Dutch Shell announced that Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC has taken the final investment decision to build a major petrochemical complex, comprising an ethylene cracker with polyethylene derivatives unit, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. […]
EE Global 2016: Remarkable gains, significant potential for energy efficiency
The Alliance to Save Energy’s 9th annual Energy Efficiency Global Forum (#EEGlobal), held May 11-12, showcased the many ways energy efficiency drives productivity and profitability across the economy. Industry professionals, policymakers and members of academia reflected on the significant gains achieved to date and “next steps” for efficiency efforts. In exciting keynotes, Senators Rob Portman […]
What “hulk” Mark Ruffalo doesn’t understand about trade policy
If you’ve listened to some of the discussions on trade policy during the Presidential primary season, you’d be forgiven for thinking that trade deals have had a negative impact on the U.S. economy. That’s far from the case. Indeed, it’s been a frustrating few months for those in favor of rational, evidence-based debate on U.S. […]
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