If the cost of the energy saved by using a particular insulation is less than the total energy used in its manufacturing, plus that used to recycle it, then it is not cost effective. The amount or cost of pollution avoided by using a certain type of insulation throughout its service life should be greater that the cost of pollution resulting from its use. By carefully weighing all the factors and costs involved in the above two relationships, a particular insulation's overall environmental profile or environmental balance might be determined. Cellular glass insulation consists exclusively of minute sealed glass cell, formed by reacting ground glass at a high temperature. All the raw materials used to make glass are naturally occurring substances, commonly found in nature.
None constitute a danger to man or the environment.
This process produces CO2, which becomes entrapped in the tiny glass cells of the material. No additional foaming agents, HCFCs, organic binders or potentially harmful substances are used that might contribute at atmospheric pollution. In the finishing stage, rough blocks of cellular glass are cut and trimmed to their desired dimensions. During finishing, a certain amount of crushed glass or glass dust is produced as well as quantities of cell gasses. The glass dust is relatively heavy, so it is classified as a nuisance dust.