House Insulated with Dow Products Reduces Energy Consumption by 92%
At a Glance: The Passive House, one of the world's leading standards in energy efficiency, calls for housing with a dramatic reduction in energy consumption and zero carbon emissions. Recently, a home in Italy was remodeled to achieve these stringent standards using Dow products.
August 2007
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How can we address energy and greenhouse gas issues?
We can start with Passive House Standards for energy-saving construction, knowing that Dow products help make it happen.
A concept that started in Northern Europe, Passive Houses are buildings which assure a comfortable indoor climate in winter without the need of a conventional heating system.
Passive House standards call for housing with dramatic reductions in energy consumption and zero carbon emissions.
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Dow products enhance Passive House
Recently, a home in Italy was restructured to achieve these stringent standards, turning the dream into reality. Dow products were used to:
- Insulate the housing shell, from the foundation to the roof using STYROFOAM™ brand insulation and STYROFOAM ROOFMATE™ insulation;
- Reduce energy loss at joints, jams and sills with STYROFOAM™ brand insulation; and
- Protect the roof with ROOFMATE™ VP-N, a highly breathable, waterproof membrane and insulate with ROOFMATE.
As a result, the Italian reference project complying with the Passive House standards achieved a 92 percent reduction in energy consumption, compared to 1970s construction standards, and zero carbon emissions.
Saving energy is a necessity of life
“Saving energy and reducing pollution is no longer a matter of preference, but a necessity of life,” says Sergio Benetello, engineer and owner of the building. Other improvements included in the construction were: highly insulating windows and doors, wall radiator systems, ventilation systems and alternative energy supplies – like solar power.
Dow is always ready to face the challenge of change. Meeting high standards is what we do everyday to ensure that our products deliver – contributing to the global cause of reducing emissions and energy use. At Dow, sustainability begins at home. Our dedication to energy efficiency and product innovation can make your home sustainable, too.
Related Links:
• Italian Solar Infocenter
• Dow Building Solutions
• Dow’s 2015 Sustainability Goals for Energy and Climate Change
• The Human Element website
