There are numerous challenges facing the commercial real estate market. The need for creating sustainable, energy-efficient structures is at the top of the list. In addition to government regulations, consumers and clients are increasingly looking to partner with enterprises that prioritize eco-friendliness. This makes insulation a top priority in commercial building design. Keep reading as we explore some of the best ways to enhance commercial real estate with energy-efficient insulation.
Create a Comprehensive Insulation Infrastructure
It is fairly common knowledge that improving the R-value of the building envelope via insulation is one of the best means of improving energy efficiency in a structure. However, too many buildings focus on insulating vertical walls and neglect other key areas. While highly-insulative walls are a great place to start, equal attention should be given to the roof and below-grade areas of the structure. In addition, look into sealing window-to-wall transitions and applying spray foam insulation into hard-to-reach crevices of the framing.
This type of comprehensive insulation requires a lot of product. When comparing insulation products for commercial buildings that must cover significant surface area, the conversation usually starts with eps vs xps. While these products are generally affordable and offer decent R-value, they have some limitations. Specifically, as thermoplastics, they will soften and melt when exposed to extreme heat and fire, putting the structural integrity of the building at risk.
A better option lies in rigid polyiso board. This is an ideal insulation material for commercial buildings because of its elite R-value-per-inch. A relatively thin layer of polyiso insulation provides the same R-value as heavier fiberglass batts, making it a safer choice for high-rises that need to insulate rooftop decks and walls without adding a lot of weight to the frame. In addition, polyiso chars instead of melts when exposed to fire and extreme heat, making it a safer choice over standard thermoplastic insulation.
Build With Insulative Materials
Added insulation will be the backbone of a well-insulated building. With that said, accenting the insulation with insulative materials is also important. For example, low-E window glazing reduces heat transfer into and out of the building. Insulated concrete forms (ICF) use precast blocks to form building walls that are set with concrete, creating a continuous, double-insulation layer for the frame. Innovative rainscreen cladding creates a vapor barrier for the exterior walls that limits air and moisture diffusion through the building envelope.
Prioritize Commercial Sound Insulation
Although mitigating heat transfer is the first thing that comes to mind when discussing insulation, industrial sound insulation is not to be dismissed. In fact, most municipalities have strict codes on the amount of noise pollution a commercial plant can create.
But avoiding fines is not the only reason to prioritize sound insulation. A tranquil environment is essential for ensuring worker productivity and health.
There are numerous steps to help control noise in a commercial setting. Sound absorbing products, such as acoustic wall panels, sound absorbing blankets, and attenuators for machinery, can help limit the noise that enters and leaves the facility. Sound controlling principles, such as the strategic layout of the building via machinery and work floor placement, can mitigate the impact that noise has on the work environment.
Use Sustainable Insulation When Possible
Choosing insulation with a high R-value is just one consideration in the creation of sustainable structures. Increasingly, architects and designers are looking to source insulation materials that carry a low embodied energy rating. This involves looking at how much energy was required during the manufacture and transport of the insulation product. If a material consumes a lot of energy during fabrication, many of its energy-efficiency benefits in application will be offset. For this reason, sustainably-sourced, recycled, and non-toxic insulation products are being used in commercial structures. Some of the most trending materials along this front include hemp, sheep’s wool, and recycled denim batts.
Properly Insulate All Piping
Pipe insulation is essential for the ongoing health of the sewage system. It can help avoid any freezing and/or cracking that will cause disruptions that put the building out of commission.
However, for many industrial facilities, the sewage pipes are just one piece of the puzzle. There must be adequate insulation for steam pipes to ensure that these energy-carrying vessels can operate efficiently.
Steam is used for a variety of industrial purposes, such as power generation, manufacturing, and commercial heating. It is usually kept between 215 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit during normal operations. By using an industrial pipe insulation product, less thermal shock is placed on the downstream preheating equipment and boiler. According to the US Department of Energy, pipe insulation will reduce energy loss by up to 90% and ensure proper steam pressure at plant equipment.
Enhance Comfort and Performance with Energy-Efficient Insulation
In an economy that prioritizes sustainability, the need for energy-efficient commercial structures has never been greater. From establishing a comprehensive framework to insulating all industrial piping, choose from any of the ideas listed above for the most energy-efficient insulation for a commercial building. For more of the latest trends in commercial real estate, explore the resources at CHRE for ideas and inspiration today!
Author Bio:
Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise in residential and commercial real estate, as well as engineering, construction, and business. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
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