SPRAY FOAM INSULATIONGOES GREEN:
Next Generation Spray FoamContinues to Provide Superior
Insulation—Now With a Smaller
Environmental Footprint

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In this whitepaper, you’ll learn how the next generation of closed cell
SPF can shrink your carbon footprint, enhance your building’s energy
efficiency, and even garner LEED certification.

Spray Foam Insulation Goes Green: Next Generation Spray Foam Continues to Provide Superior Insulation

Understanding Closed Cell SPF
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) offers many long-lasting benefits that other insulations simply cannot. From lowering energy costs withsuperior air sealing to providing long-lasting durability that won’t sag as it ages, the SPF performance difference is significant. And
beyond insulating properties, new closed cell SPF insulation formulations also have far-reaching environmental benefits.
In order to focus on the benefit of closed cell SPF, it’s important to first understand the difference between open cell and closed cell
SPF formulations.

Open Cell SPF

Closed Cell SPF

Open cell SPF is a lower density foam insulation that utilizes
water as its blowing agent. This comes with both positive andnegative consequences. On the plus side, the use of a water
blowing agent has minimal global warming potential (GWP).
However, the lower density of open cell SPF, and its reliance on
air as the insulation gas, equates to a lower R-value. With an
R-value around 3.7 per inch, open cell spray foam performs only
slightly better than traditional fiberglass insulation.

Closed cell SPF uses a higher density and insulating gas, whichleads to superior insulation—with R-values that can exceed 7per inch. This efficiency results in a lower carbon footprint thanopen cell on an equal thickness basis. The challenge? It comeswith a higher upfront cost and its blowing agent has historically
had a higher GWP. However, closed cell SPF offers a quick
return on investment, and changes to the chemical formulationsof blowing agents have led to fourth generation closed cell
technology that offers ultra-low GWP—making modern closed
cell SPF the smarter choice for your building and the planet.

2Spray Foam Insulation Goes Green: Next Generation Spray Foam Continues to Provide Superior Insulation

Over 99% GWP Reduction
A structure that is both energy efficient and good for theenvironment benefits the builder, architect, homeowner or tenant,and community at large. Recent scientific breakthroughs havesignificantly reduced the GWP of the critical blowing agent inclosed cell SPF.
While many early closed cell spray foams were made withhydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blowing agents—with a GWP potentiallyover 1,000—fourth generation closed cell SPFs leveragehydrofluoroolefin (HFO) technology instead. The switch from HFC
to HFO may seem minor, but it’s a game changer. The GWP of an
HFO blowing agent, such as Opteon™ 1100 foam blowing agent,is less than 2—reducing GWP by over 99% compared to HFC
blowing agents (e.g., HFC-245fa)¹.
How substantial is this environmental impact? An HFObased closed cell SPF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by approximately 60,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO₂)
compared to traditional HFC-based spray foam insulation overthe life of the building². Multiply that by the number of houses in acommunity, city, or state, and the reduction in CO₂ emissions has
the potential to grow exponentially.

In addition to lowering GWP, HFO blowing agents in closed cell SPF
reduce waste by providing life-long insulation solutions, minimizing
the need for replacement. And HFOs break down into water, salt
and fluoride—unlike HFCs, which can linger in the environment foryears. All of these characteristics make next generation closed cell
SPF the sustainable choice for insulation.

CO₂ Reduction Potential of Closed Cell SPF

1House100
Houses100,000
Houses1,000,000
Houses= 60,000 kgof CO₂
reduction= 6 Million kg
of CO₂
reduction= 6 Billion kg
of CO₂
reduction= 6 Trillion kg
of CO₂
reduction

Based on the assumption that each house is 2,400 sq-ft.

¹ https://www.chemours.com/businesses-and-products/fluoroproducts/opteon-1100-foam-insulation/² Estimates are based on spray foam wall insulation containing high-loading (9-12 wt%) HFO blowing agent (Opteon™ 1100) compared with walls with sprayfoam formulated with a conventional HFC blowing agent (HFC-245fa) for a 2,400 square-foot home. Cradle-to-grave, over a 60-year time horizon.

3

Spray Foam Insulation Goes Green: Next Generation Spray Foam Continues to Provide Superior Insulation

Saving Energy (and Money)
Beyond minimizing the environmental impact of your insulationmaterial, closed cell SPF insulation can play a key role in reducing
a building’s lifetime energy consumption. Unlike rolled fiberglassor rigid foam boards, SPF can fill even the smallest cracks, gaps,
and seams to form an air-tight layer of protection. With this levelof control and closed cell SPF’s increased R-value, installers caninsulate a building more effectively.
The higher quality of this insulation means better protection
against moisture penetration, dust and pollen infiltration, and,most importantly, the air leaks that can put a strain on HVACsystems. Up to 70% of the energy used in American homes canbe attributed to heating and air conditioning, and air leaks accountfor more than half of the energy loss in these buildings³. If all ofthese homes were insulated with closed cell SPF, it could result ina nationwide energy savings of up to $33 billion annually⁴.
Along with lower energy bills, tax rebates and credits are also offeredto builders, architects and homeowners who install SPF insulation.
Insulating with closed cell spray foam is an important investment;
while it may have a higher up-front cost, the reduction in energy
required to heat and cool a building lead to significant lifetime
savings and end-user value.

³ http://nepaenergysmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ResidentialEnergyPDF.pdf
⁴ https://dii.americanchemistry.com/Why-Spray-Foam-Infographic/

Comparative
Thermal Performance
Insulation MaterialR-value per inch

Batts and rolls

R-2.9 to R-3.8

Rigid foam board

R-4 to R-6.5

Structured insulatedpanels (SIPs)

R-3.6 to R-7

Loose fill and blown-in

R-2.2 to R-3.8

SPF

R-3.7 to R-7+

Closed cell SPF offers an R-value perinch of R-6.5 to R-7.0, making it themost energy efficient choice among topinsulation technologies. SPF is ideal foruse in walls, attics, under floors, roofs,
and small, cramped spaces.

4Spray Foam Insulation Goes Green: Next Generation Spray Foam Continues to Provide Superior InsulationBetter for the Environment: Cradle-to-Grave
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is an internationally acknowledged way
to measure a product’s environmental impact over the course of its
lifetime, or “cradle to grave”. In the case of spray foam insulation,
this includes manufacturing, installation, term of use, and end-oflife disposal.
Scientists and researchers at Chemours, inventors of Opteon™
1100, performed an in-depth study to evaluate the cradle-tograve GWP of next generation closed cell SPF insulation (madewith HFOs) compared to traditional closed cell SPF insulation(containing HFCs)⁶.
While the manufacturing of all closed cell SPFs proved comparable,
the data in this study showed that emissions from next generation
closed cell SPF insulation are virtually non-existent frominstallation to end-of-life incineration.
While environmental concerns may prevent some builders andarchitects from selecting SPF insulation, newer closed cell SPF
technology eliminates this environmental concern—along withnearly all greenhouse gas emissions. This combination of low GWP
with high insulation characteristics prove that modern spray foam
can have a big impact while leaving a small footprint.

Spray Foam Sustainability Earns
LEED Credits
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED) certification is vital for any builder or architect
looking to establish industry leadership and acompetitive advantage. Aside from the recognition asa “green construction” innovator, LEED certification
comes with many other benefits. Certification can leadto zoning allowances and tax incentives for builders
and architects. And for homeowners, LEED-certified
houses often increase a home’s value and can lower
insurance premiums⁵.

The reduction in GWP and increase in energy
efficiency means the use of closed cell SPF
insulation can contribute to LEED certificationcredits in the following areas:• Energy and Atmosphere• Innovation in Design• Materials and Resources• Indoor Environmental Quality

⁵ https://www.constructiondive.com/news/building-to-leed-could-raise-a-homes-resale-value/446778/
⁶ https://www.chemours.com/Formacel/en_US/microsite/index.html

5Spray Foam Insulation Goes Green: Next Generation Spray Foam Continues to Provide Superior Insulation

Cradle to Grave Climate Change Potential*
249

203

196

This graph shows there

EOL Blowing Agents &Incineration Emissions

is a significant reductionin GWP emissions during144

use and disposal of next

Use-Phase Blowing
Agent Emissions

generation closed cell
SPF, such as those madewith Opteon™ 1100

Blowing Agent Emissions
During Installation

1816

16

foam blowing agent,compared to traditional

ManufacturingMid(5-9 wt%)
HCFC-141b

Low(3-5 wt%)Mid(5-9 wt%)
HFC-245fa

High(9-12 wt%)Low
(3-5 wt%)Mid(5-9 wt%)

High(9-12 wt%)

closed cell SPF.

Opteon™ 1100

*R-20 Basis Excludes Energy Savings of Insulation (kg CO₂ eg/m² foam insulation)6

Spray Foam Insulation Goes Green: Next Generation Spray Foam Continues to Provide Superior Insulation

About Opteon™ 1100 Foam Blowing Agent
Opteon™ 1100, formerly Formacel™ 1100, is a foam blowing agent that offers superior
thermal performance and energy efficiency compared to other blowing agents.
Named the 2017 Polyurethane Innovation Award winner, Opteon™ is addressing
the growing need for high-performance products with reduced environmental impact.
Opteon™ 1100 is a nonflammable, sustainable alternative for the polyurethane foam
industry with ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) and low ozone depletion potential.
Closed cell SPF with Opteon™ 1100 foam blowing agent is the optimal choice due toits many benefits:
 ow GWP Solution:
L
Sustainable choice for the environment.
Superior Air Seal:
Ideal air and moisture barrier, improving
indoor air quality, keeping out pollen, dust,insects, and preventing mold growth.
 igh R-Value:
H
Superior thermal performance and lower
energy costs.

 reater Chemical Stability:
G
Outstanding application performance, bothunder extreme conditions (hot or cold) and onepass installations relative to other spray foamproducts.
 eets Changing Regulatory Requirements:
MUltra-low global warming potential withimproved insulating performance.

For more information, please visit Opteon.com/SPFGoesGreen orcontact an Opteon™ 1100 technical expert at 1-866-205-1664.

The information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and based on technical data that Chemours believes to be reliable. Chemours makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and assumes noliability in connection with any use of this information. Nothing herein is to be taken as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe on any patents or trademarks.
© 2018 The Chemours Company FC, LLC. Opteon™ and any associated logos are trademarks or copyrights of The Chemours Company FC, LLC.
Chemours™ and the Chemours Logo are trademarks of The Chemours Company.