Living Smart. Living for the Future. Sustainability.

WHAt is sustainability

The principle of sustainability embodies the intrinsic relationship between humans and nature and represents the responsibility humans have to preserve the natural environment.

According to the EPA, “To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.”

Rmax, a division of the Sika Corporation is dedicated to sustainable development, assuming responsibility to provide sustainable solutions in order to improve energy efficiency within the building envelope. We strives to create value for all its stakeholders with its products, systems, solutions along the whole supply chain and throughout the lifespan of its products. The value created outweighs by far the impacts associated with production, distribution and use.

The building sector is not only the largest energy-consuming sector, accounting for over one-third of global energy consumption, but it also has the largest potential for significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to other major emitting sectors.

The building sector consumes nearly half of all energy produced in the United States, is responsible for half of the country’s carbon dioxide emissions and requires approximately 75% of the United States electricity production.

One-third of consumed energy is lost through conventional building envelopes. The building envelope is key in determining the amount of energy needed for space heating and cooling, which together can account for up to 60% of all energy consumed in a building.

PATHWAY TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE PLANET

Eneref Institute examines how polyisocyanurate continuous wall insulation can help reduce carbon emissions and energy demand of heating and cooling systems. Also how it adds structural integrity and moisture resistance.

Click the image below to download the full report.

Green Buildings. Happy People.

How does this affect you

As cities grow, more and more developments are underway.  There is a need for more commercial buildings, houses, apartments complexes, retail, schools, hospitals, hotels and stadiums.  This causes an increase in energy demand, which not only negatively impacts the environment but also has a negative impact on electricity, gas and oil prices, as well as homeowners.

Moving to a "greener" way of building will be a major benefit to everyone and everything.  Rmax polysio insulation contributes to that initiative as it:

• Lowers energy cost

• Reduces energy use from heating and cooling systems, keeping buildings and homes more comfortable

• Provides multiple building products into a single application - eliminating the need for additional non-sustainable construction materials that produce carbon dioxide emissions. This also saves on the pollution caused by the transportation of the additional materials and eliminates excessive material waste that is disposed in the already overflowing landfills.

As rapid development in new or retrofit constructions continue, Rmax provides architects and engineers with a superior continuous insulation product that is in place for a lifetime. 

What can be done - Follow our lead

Sustainable design is not only the answer to achieving the most significant energy reductions, but it is also the future of the building industry.

Why Polyiso?

What is Polyiso INSULATION

Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) is a closed-cell, rigid foam board insulation consisting of a foam core sandwiched between two facers. The facers are composed of various organic and inorganic materials. It is used in over 70% of commercial and residential markets for both wall and roof applications. 

BENEFITS OF USING POLYISO

• Quality Mark™ certified LTTR-values
• High R-Value per inch of thickness
• Thinner walls and roofs with shorter fasteners
• Excellent fire test performance
• Extensive building code approvals
• Preferred insurance ratings
• Compatible with most roof and wall systems
• Moisture resistance
• Dimensional stability
• Compressive strength

Insulation is the product found to provide the greatest investment return and offer the most carbon abatement. Polyiso – which Forbes considers a “green” insulation – offers the highest R-value in its class, with a 20% - 70% greater R-value per inch than any other rigid foam plastic insulation. 

What Makes us Stand Out

Rmax has always been a leader in energy conservation. In 1978, Rmax began creating insulation solutions based on the latest building science as a response to the energy crisis.

We offer a full line of high quality, polyiso-based roof, wall and specialty insulation products for commercial, industrial and residential applications delivering maximum R-values and minimum environmental impact, with efficiency in installation, cost and design.

Following the recent Sika acquisition, Rmax anticipates even greater energy-saving opportunities and looks forward to further embracing its sustainable culture and expanding its sustainable vision.

Green Building Design.

Insulation is the product found to provide the greatest return on investment and offer the most carbon abatement. Polyiso - which Forbes considers a “green” insulation, is an ideal choice for green building design.
 

What are the Environmental benefits of Polyiso insulation?

Reduced fossil fuel consumption

Well-insulated buildings reduce the need for energy, thereby reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. BOMA currently represents roughly 9 billion square feet of roofing area. Reducing energy consumption by just 10 percent in these roofs is equal to planting 344,922,103 trees - a huge reduction in atmospheric CO2.

The planting of these trees would also :

Highest thermal efficiency

Polyiso is the most thermally efficient insulation available in the marketplace, as determined using Long Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR) values, a 15 year time-weighted R-value. In addition, Rmax participates in a third party certification program - QualityMark - to validate these predicted thermal values. QualityMark is a voluntary program administered by FM Global, one of the nation’s most dependable testing organizations.

Zero Ozone Depletion Potential

Rmax manufactures rigid foam board with third-generation, zero ozone-depleting blowing agents. All Rmax Polyiso products are HCFC-free and CFC-free.

Zero global warming Potential

Rmax manufactures rigid foam board with third-generation, zero global warming potential blowing agents. This quality is critical as the impact of climate change is acknowledged as a worldwide environmental concern.

Recycled content

Virtually all Rmax Polyiso insulation is manufactured using recycled material and many facers contain up to 100% recycled materials.

Looking for Polyiso Continuous Insulation?

Commercial

Rmax engineered products and systems allow for ultimate efficiency through multiple design options, creating ease of construction and reduced energy usage.

residential

Rmax insulation has been designed and tested to provide homes with superior insulating protection, while meeting the newest codes and requirements.

specialty

Rmax insulation products have superior performance characteristics, making them ideal for many different applications in unique market spaces.

Create Space for Nature. Sustainable Design.

Turning Theory into Practice

A Sustainable Design philosophy is one that encourages decisions at each phase of the design process that will reduce negative impacts on the environment and the health of the occupants, without compromising the bottom line.
Increasing energy efficiency is a crucial component of sustainable design, as well as conserving water, enhancing indoor air quality and favoring environmentally preferable products.
Designing in such a conscientious way incites a positive influence on all phases of a building’s life cycle, from design and construction to operation and decommissioning.

Control Layers are crucial elements of the sustainable design and the building envelope, ensuring that the outside stays out and the inside stays in.
A building’s ultimate performance depends on the performance of the following control layers: thermal, air and moisture. The thermal layer controls the transfer of heat through insulation products and radiant barriers, while the air layer is essential in controlling moisture levels and air quality. Lastly, the moisture layer controls condensation and leaks and is attainable through exterior cladding or roofing along with a Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB).  
Polyiso insulation can meet the needs of each control layer through a single wall solution, thus eliminating the need to use multiple products for thermal, air and moisture protection.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a technique that improves understanding of the environmental impacts and human health of products, processes and activities in order to make more informed, responsible decisions.
Beginning with extraction and concluding with end-of-life management, an LCA evaluates the entire life cycle of a product or process to discover opportunities for reducing environmental impacts, conserving resources and reducing costs.
Conducting an LCA is the first, and most critical, step towards attaining an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) realizes the value of an LCA through its continual investment in up-to-date Polyiso Roof & Wall EPDs.

A Green Building is a building that reduces or eliminates the negative impacts, or creates positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment.
Any building can be green, and there are multiple ways to gain the distinction, such as the following: efficient usage of energy, water and other resources, the use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical and sustainable and fostering a philosophy to reduce, reuse and recycle.  Furthermore, the environmental benefits of LEED certification are greater for green buildings than for non-green buildings.
Polyiso insulation can help a green building obtain LEED certification through the following categories: Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resource, and Innovation & Design Process.

How to Conceptualize Sustainable Design

 Why design with Continuous Insulation?

Continuity is key when ensuring the highest performance of a building. Proper control of the thermal, air and moisture layers is not only desirable but also achievable. Continuous insulation provides control at each layer, through its thermal performance, reduced air infiltration & exfiltration and reduced risk of water condensation and moisture intrusion.

Thermal Imaging: Conventional Construction versus CI Construction

Conventional construction can cause up to 65% reduction in the effective R-value of insulation. Exterior continuous insulation can reduce or eliminate this heat loss.

Air Leakage

Air leakage can contribute to up to 40% of energy loss and be responsible for 30-50% of heating & cooling costs. Effects of air leakage include mold, occupant discomfort and reducing the life span of a building.

Air barrier systems provide a complete and total barrier to air leakage through allowing air to enter and exit buildings only at designed locations for specific purposes. Learn more here more about how the Rmax Envelope First Solution can create an air barrier assembly that protects buildings from the adverse effects of air leakage. 

Rmax ECOMAXci® Wall Solution is evaluated and listed with The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) for use in commercial buildings, a system that meets the most advanced building codes for air, water, fire and continuous insulation. Click here to learn how to use ECOMAXci® Wall Solution in your commercial building today.

Air Sealing Trouble Spots

Moisture Control

Over 90% of moisture that enters a wall assembly is in the form of vapor due to air leaks. Moisture can also enter a wall assembly through bulk water leaks and the transition of vapor through a building material. 

In addition to reducing the effects of cavity insulation, condensed water vapor can lead to mold, moisture and serious health problems. 

Continuous insulation with a water-resistive barrier (WRB) resists condensation build-up by creating a temperature-controlled wall that works in any climate. 

For supreme moisture control, learn how Thermasheath®-3 & Thermasheath®-SI create a fully tested WRM and air barrier wall system

Unsuccessful Moisture Control

Moisture damage can be the result of inadequate condensation control (left) or localized wetting from a leak (right).

How Can Polyisocyanurate be Used as an Air and Water Barrier

Air and water barriers play an important role in protecting a building from the elements. For instance, if not properly protected, water and moisture could pass through a building’s exterior, contributing to rot and mold that erodes performance and sustainability over time. Additionally, in colder climates, warm air inside a heated building can condense into vapor if it passes through a building’s envelope and settles on a colder surface, which can only be prevented by effective continuous insulation.

Many environmentally conscious architects are now designing with polyiso continuous insulation and removing redundant materials like exterior gypsum and spray-applied membranes to reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability. With each added component comes greater costs and a larger environmental footprint. For example, 40,000 square feet of wall space on a commercial building might include approximately 100,000 pounds of unnecessary gypsum board, which is typically covered with petroleum-based chemicals.

Continuous Insulation Project Types

Aiming for Zero

Net Zero Buildings are buildings that are able to produce as much energy as they consume over the course of a year. Through energy efficient products and sustainable infrastructure, net zero buildings can significantly reduce energy consumption within the building industry.

Net Zero Building Features

NET-ZERO COMMERCIAL: 

• Superior Air Sealing & Insulation

• Computers & Office Equipment

• Day Lighting

• Efficient Kitchen Equipment

• Energy Management System

• Energy Recovery Ventilation

• High-Efficiency Fluorescent or LED Lighting

NET-ZERO RESIDENTIAL:

• Double Insulation

• Exceptional Air Sealing

• Efficient Lighting

• Energy Management

• Low-Flow Water Fixtures

• Heat Pump

Sustainable Design Initiatives: Net Zero in Action

Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home

A DOE Zero Energy Ready Home is an energy-efficient home containing a renewable energy system that can offset all or most of its annual energy consumption. Representing a new level of performance with rigorous requirements, these homes ensure outstanding levels of energy savings, comfort, health & durability.

Since 2013, the Housing Innovation Awards recognize the best, most innovative Zero Energy Ready homes around the country. Each year, polyiso insulation remains a consistent feature among the winners. 

Case Study: United Way of Long Island, Deer Park, NY
DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2016 Grand Winner – Innovation in Affordable Homes

Shelter Dynamics & Green Builder Media: Net Zero Tiny Houses

The tiny house movement exemplifies a growing awareness of the consequences of global consumption and the need to reduce one’s own carbon footprint. As the tiny house market grows, innovative builders and organizations are raising the bar in terms of creating housing that combines sustainability, functionality and artistry.  

Case Study: Arc House – A Resilient Prototype
By Shelter Dynamics, Green Builder Media, Align 3D & Kitcheneering 

Featuring:
- Two layers of polyiso insulation
- Acrylic roof coating
- Built-in awnings
- Efficient HVAC & appliances

Plastics Make It Possible: A Tiny House That’s Big on Energy Efficiency

Zero Energy Project

This non-profit educational organization offers tools, resources & information on zero energy for residential and commercial buildings.  Through taking meaningful steps towards building net zero energy homes, Zero Energy Project envisions a time when homes and buildings are able to produce more energy than they consume.

Case study: West Tisbury, MA
Zero Energy Renovation Project – White Claw Farm

Featuring: 
3” polyiso wall insulation
Photovoltaic solar panels
Energy Star appliances
Three/fourths ton ducted heat pump
Heavily insulated and sealed ducts
Ventilation at 90%
LED lighting
Low-flow showerheads

Sustainable Design Initiatives: Planning for Success

The American Institute of Architects: AIA 2030 Commitment

The AIA 2030 Commitment supports Architecture 2030’s ‘2030 Challenge’ by providing simple metrics and a streamlined set of confidential data to the firms that have pledged their participation to this initiative that seeks to create a carbon-neutral society by 2030. 

2017 Progress Report:

• The 2017 savings over the 2030 baseline is 17.8 million MT CO2e/year and $3.2 billion in annual operating costs (6.7% and 11% greater than in 2016, respectively).

• Total gross square feet (GSF) grew by 13% compared to 2016.

• The number of projects reported in 2017 grew by 21 percent.

• 135 firms had projects that met their targets.

• 560 projects met the target

• 11 firms achieved energy savings of 70%

• 99 net-zero projects were reported

RESULTS / GSF grows

More than 3 billion GSF

Total gross square feet (GSF) grew by 13 percent over last year to more than 3 billion GSF. This is a more than sevenfold increase since the 2030 Commitment launched in 2010.

BENEFITS OF LIVING IN A NET ZERO HOME

Desire to do more?

It is never too late to invest in tomorrow. 

Sustainable Design Initiatives

The building sector has two options moving forward:

Continue to run business-as-usual regardless of any consequential environmental damage that may result OR become a leader in the global shift towards climate change mitigation and adaptation.

What can you do

Whether you are a homeowner, builder, customer, all of the above, or none of the above, you have the potential to be a pioneer in the sustainability movement. Remain ahead of the game by learning more about the innovative initiatives taking place in an effort to transform sustainable dreams to a reality.

Sustainable Design Initiatives: Build Smart. Build Green.

Department of Energy’s Building America: Bringing Building Innovations to Market

The Building America Program conducts innovative research, development & deployment projects in residential buildings in order to improve industry standards and building codes. Through a collaboration of DOE national laboratories, building science teams and leading industry players, Building America is able to develop and demonstrate technical solutions while overcoming market barriers. Since 1995, households across the nation saved up to $54 billion and avoided the emissions of 500 million tons of carbon dioxide. 

For optimal success based on historical data and current market needs, Building America focuses on the following three housing technology areas: 

1. High Performance Moisture Managed Envelope Solutions

2. Optimal Comfort Systems for Low-Load Homes

3. Optimal Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Solutions

The following are examples of innovative solutions achieved by Building America:

1. Increased insulation in homes by 50% through alternative construction techniques

2. Improved the efficiency of home heating and cooling systems by up to 30%

3. Improved the indoor air quality of homes

4. High R-value walls

5. Developed solutions for insulating and sealing attics and basement crawl spaces

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in approximately 70 countries around the world to support people and families in need of a decent and affordable home. 

Habitat is committed to sustainable – or “green” – building, which they define as designing and constructing houses that are efficient and durable, that use fewer resources, are healthy to live in and are affordable. 

Not only does Habitat considers walls fundamental to the ability for a building envelope to effectively insulate, seal air and control moisture, but it also finds foam sheathing to be superior in terms of energy and cost savings, ease of installation and protection against condensation. 

sources

Intertek Sustainability Certified
Clean Air GOLD

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Intertek’s Clean Air program independently tests and certifies products to regulated sustainability initiatives including, but not limited to, BIFMA e3, California CDPH, LEED, and WELL.

Becoming Certified ensures our polyiso insulation products are manufactured to maintain a minimum concentration level of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions. This creates more sustainable products with the health and safety of consumers, space inhabitants, and builders/fabricators in mind.

Defining VOc Emissions

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.

Trusted Standards. Trusted Products.

Clean Air GOLD Certification

This certification proves our credibility in providing safe, reliable, and eco-conscious polyiso insulation products.

States conformance to ANSI/ BIFMA e3 standard credits 7.6.1, 7.6.2 and/or credit 7.6.3, which includes California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.2 01350 (2017), as well as conformance to low-emitting materials for WELL and LEED.

Information provided by, www.intertek.com and epa.gov

ALDI FOODS - VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

EDGEWOOD TAHOE RESORT - STATELINE, NEVADA

ELMHURST 255 - ELMHURST, ILLINOIS

FLOWER MOUND SENIOR CENTER - FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS

GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH SENIOR CARE CENTER - GUNNISON, COLORADO

HUMBOLDT GENERAL HOSPITAL - WINNEMUCCA, NEVADA

LEVI'S STADIUM - SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA

LIBERTY WAREHOUSE - DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

MCCADAMS ATHLETIC CENTER, LIPSCOMB ACADEMY - NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL -DANVILLE, CALIFORNIA

SHILOH HOUSE - CENTENNIAL, COLORADO

STANFORD RESEARCH PARK - PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA

THE DOOR CHURCH - LEWISVILLE, TEXAS

TWELVE BRIDGES HIGH SCHOOL - LINCOLN, CALIFORNIA