The reduction of energy consumption in buildings is becoming more and more important. With the great demands of energy that we have today, this is presented as a finite element. In addition, the production of energy in such quantities, generates most of the pollution of our planet. Achieving sustainable and energy-efficient buildings is one of the challenges that we must face in the near future.

Some of the allies to achieve these goals are, undoubtedly, polyurethane systems. They present the best characteristics that allow to obtain buildings with a great thermal behavior.

Not only should we emphasize that the energy that we consume must be more respectful with the environment, but also use it in a more efficient way. For this, a good insulation of the building envelope avoids most of the losses of energy. There is a wide range of materials used as insulation, but polyurethane systems stand out as being the most efficient ones.

Polyurethane as a sustainable material

One of the factors why many people do not consider polyurethane to be a sustainable material is because of its origin and production, as it produces CO2 emissions. However, if we analyze its use as insulation material in depth, it avoids many more emissions than it produces:

• To obtain 1m2 of Polyurethane, 14kg of equivalent CO2 are produced.
• With 1m2 of it, we are able to achieve a saving of emissions of 1800 kg of equivalent CO2.
• That is, we avoid the generation of CO2 in 130 times.

If we understand sustainability as having economic, social and environmental benefits, then polyurethane insulation systems are a sustainable energy efficiency solution.

The use of polyurethane systems in improving energy efficiency of buildings

The ultimate goal of energy efficiency in buildings is to create passive buildings that do not consume energy or whose consumption is minimal. To achieve this, one of the determining factors is the level of isolation. Continuous polyurethane systems are the most outstanding in this field, since this material has the lowest coefficient of thermal conductivity.

Polyurethane systems are the most efficient, sustainable insulation product with the lower heat transfer through it. With the same thickness, polyurethane has a much higher performance.

Continuous insulation not only isolates the building, but it also seals it, so that there are no cracks through which heat bridges can occur. Thus we get a great comfort, the minimum energy expenditure, and of course, great economic savings.

In addition to its good thermal behavior due its low coefficient of conductivity, polyurethane systems also achieve acoustic isolation and they are an effective solution for the impermeability of facades with transpiration. In short, they involve a constructive solution that brings economic, social and environmental benefits to the building and its surroundings.