When it comes to sustainable building, insulation isn’t just about thermal performance; it’s also about embodied carbon. This refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing a material, from extraction to manufacturing. 

The chart in the photo shows the carbon impacts of various insulation materials. At the top of the list is extruded polystyrene (XPS), which has the highest embodied carbon of all the options shown. That means choosing XPS significantly increases a building’s carbon footprint. 

Alternatively, lower-carbon options include hempcrete, strawbale, cork, and dense pack cellulose, which have minimal carbon impact and even carbon-storing potential in some cases.

If you’re planning a sustainable build or renovation, take a moment to consider your insulation; it could make a big difference in your project’s environmental impact. And if you are building a patio on top of rigid foam, consider using Envirospecs PAVE-EL pedestals for a durable, eco-conscious solution.