by Subramanian N E, Managing Director, Saint-Gobain India - Insulation Business
With the rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and increasing energy costs, thermal insulation is becoming essential for Indian homes, buildings and factories. But beyond reducing energy bills, sustainable insulation can help achieving minimal environmental impact and indoor well-being, contributing to reducing global warming and comfortable spaces.
Sustainability of any product needs to be seen at every stage of the product life cycle as below:
- Raw Material Sourcing
- Product Design & Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Product Performance at Site
- Dismantling and Recyclability
Here are 5 essential questions one should ask:
Is your material locally sourced and environment friendly?
In India, sustainability begins with the supply chain. Many insulation manufacturing processes are energy intensive in nature. As a buyer, one should look for the following:
Raw Material: The sourcing of raw material is also essential. Products such as foam insulation source their raw materials as petroleum by-products which have high carbon footprint and calorific value.
Water Consumption: Efficient water consumption in insulation manufacturing reduces environmental impact and supports sustainable resource management.
Use of Recycled Materials: How often insulation is manufactured using recycled materials. Products such as glass wool insulation boasts using up to 80% recycled glass which reduces the embodied energy. Similarly, polyester in India is manufactured using PET bottles.
Certifications: Certifications or Eco-Labels helps us identify the sustainable products in the market such as Greenpro by IGBC, GRIHA, SGBC and more.
Is the insulation material locally sourced?
It is important to also look how the insulation used is procured. If it is imported from a foreign country. The amount carbon emissions per unit of material will be higher, implying lesser sustainable product. Conversely, if the material is regionally manufactured and supplied, then the amount carbon emissions per unit of material will be lower, improving the overall sustainability of the product. Sustainable packing is also something that needs to be looked into. Post material usage these are thrown into the landfills. Hence, the industry should follow a standard of using biodegradable.
How does it perform across India’s diverse climate zones?
Insulation based on the environmental conditions need to be curated accordingly following the guidelines from the ECBC or the Energy Conservation Building Code (2017) and the NBC or the National Building Code 2016.
ECBC provides the guidelines for the thermal insulation requirements and making the system energy efficient.
Always consult local building codes and regulations when selecting thermal insulation, as requirements can vary based on climate zones, building types, and energy efficiency standards.
India being a subcontinent has diverse climatic conditions. Conforming to the latest ECBC and building standards is essential to have a high-performance building ensuring conformance to safety standards.
Is it safe and non-toxic in nature?
Sustainable insulation should be healthy for everyone. Many insulations release different kinds of compounds or degrade over time into microplastics.
- Insulation should be safe as per the global standards (EUCEB, WHO and more)
- Insulation should have minimal or no VOC emissions
- Insulation should be anti-fungal and pest-resistant properties, especially in hot C humid conditions
- Insulation should not release microplastics over a period of time. Materials such as plastic and foam-based materials release microplastics when they degrade due to UV exposure, thermal or chemical abrasions and impact.
One should be aware of what material are they using for their insulation applications? Microplastics is an issue which most people are not aware of but is of a great concern in today’s date.
Does it reduce energy consumption over time?
Thermal insulations are designed to ensure that the energy consumption is lowered. It should reduce the energy consumption of the system. Hence, higher R-value products are generally. ECBC or the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 acts as a guideline for the target values we should be looking out for. For example, for an HVAC system with the ducts above the false ceiling, the R-value should not be less than 0.6 m2.K/W. However, there are other factors also which should be looked after when choosing your insulation not limiting to:
K-Value (Lambda) of the insulation: lower the K-value, higher the thermal resistance per unit thickness and thus better thermal performance.
Lifespan: Insulation ideally should be long-lasting, almost as long as a building life. Inorganic insulations such as glass wool insulation, being inorganic degrades at a much slower pace than the other materials giving the performance promised over time.
Choosing the right thermal insulation is not just about reducing energy bills—it’s about making a long-term commitment to environmental responsibility, health, and safety. By asking the right questions about sourcing, performance, toxicity, and energy efficiency, we can ensure our choices are truly sustainable. In India’s diverse climate, locally sourced and certified materials that meet ECBC and NBC standards are key to building a greener future.
