Numerous studies have demonstrated that insulation is the most effective and cheapest approach to optimize energy efficiency in buildings.
On Sept. 22, Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined a labor union podcast to discuss the effects of climate change and how improving mechanical insulation can ease heating and cooling costs.
Ielmini said the labor movement will be pivotal in the fight against climate change. Addressing global warming will involve countless good paying union jobs as the country addresses its infrastructure needs and braces for the impact of climate change. Many of these jobs will be in the construction industry.
According to multiple studies, roughly 10 to 30 percent of America’s buildings are not properly insulated, Ielmini stated. Any serious fight to address climate change must begin by addressing mechanical insulation. Insulation can help boilers and air conditioning systems run more efficiently and emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, he said.
The beauty of insulation is that improvements pay for themselves within six months to two years. The energy savings accrued over several years can be quite substantial, Ielmini added.
Far too many building owners and facility managers are missing the boat on Mechanical Insulation. They neglect to properly insulate their system and buildings, essentially throwing energy dollars out the window.
The Mechanical Insulators LMCT has made it a priority to get the word out about the importance and cost-saving benefits of insulation. Most people do not consider insulation to be a problem if a building is comfortable — if it stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But they forget the increased costs required to maintain those mild temperatures without the benefits of proper insulation, said Ielmini.
Mechanical Insulation happens to be one of the easiest, most effective but too often overlooked tools to curb greenhouse gas emissions. It is also one of the cheapest — the savings pay for investment costs and yield substantial dividends over time, he added.