Deploy Alternative Insulation Materials
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Provided by: Project Drawdown|Published on: January 9, 2023
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
9101112AP
Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article describes insulation as a cost-effective way to significantly increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions for both new buildings and older buildings.
- The analysis quantifies the potential reduction in emissions, the implementation costs, and the long-term savings that could result from adding insulation or using low-carbon materials.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Economics, Engineering
Authors: Project Drawdown
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The resource provides action steps readers can take to support the improvement of insulation and other climate solutions.
- The methodology of the analysis is outlined to show students how the numerical values were determined.
Prerequisites
- This is a technical resource that is best suited for high-level students who are already very comfortable with climate-related topics.
- There are limitations to this analysis mentioned in the discussion section, but the implementation percentage estimated is also very small, making the possible impact substantial if more households made improvements. Students should evaluate the limitations, variables, and implementation percentages in the scenarios.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Economics courses can focus on the financial modeling used to estimate the implementation costs and lifetime operational savings of this climate solution.
- Science courses can compare this solution to other similar solutions and identify trade-offs or unique benefits.
- Engineering students can focus on the building, materials, and appliance efficiency improvements and brainstorming ways to further reduce energy and resource waste.
- Physics and engineering courses can dive further into the concept of thermal insulation, types of insulating materials, and how they can be used most effectively.
- Civics classes can discuss ways to incorporate passive building designs that utilize passive solar heating and cooling into guidelines for schools and other municipal buildings that receive public funds.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Project Drawdown
Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “drawdown”—the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown as they look to advance effective climate action. Project Drawdown resources for educators include the database of Drawdown Solutions, educational video series Climate Solutions 101, the Drawdown Stories initiative, and more.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
