Nov 13 2009
Results introduced at the GreenBuild 2009 tradeshow in Phoenix, Arizona
BASF Wall Systems today announced the results of an Eco-Efficiency Analysis comparing brick, stucco and Senergy Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). The detailed Eco-Efficiency Analysis was performed to determine the balance of environmental burden and life cycle costs associated with the construction, use and disposal of commercial exterior wall claddings in the United States.
The analysis considered the ecological impact of processes involved in the extraction, conversion, maintenance and disposal of each component used in the three wall claddings. The performance of each cladding was evaluated in six key environmental categories: energy consumption; emissions; toxicity potential; occupational illness and accidents; resource consumption; and land use. The ecological assessment was combined with a Lifecycle Cost Analysis (LCA) of the three claddings, creating a comprehensive assessment of both cost and ecological impact.
Findings of the Study
The study's results show that:
- Senergy EIFS has the smallest ecological footprint in every category of environmental impact. Both brick and stucco construction are more material-intensive than EIFS. Stucco provides an environmental impact that is greater than EIFS, but less than brick.
- The lifecycle cost of Senergy EIFS and stucco were much lower than brick. Brick was more expensive in all three phases: production, use and disposal.
- Brick provides the least eco-efficient wall cladding due to its higher cost and larger ecological footprint.
The study was based upon a comparison of a 3,000 square foot, eight story wall section clad with either EIFS, stucco or single-wythe brick built on steel stud infill construction with gypsum sheathing. The walls were equally insulated (U-0.077) and were supported at 12' intervals. A 50-year service life was selected, based on published data and methods outlined in the Canadian Standards Association S478-95 Guideline on Durability in Buildings standard.
Eco-Efficiency Analyses are conducted to enable identification of efficient production processes and creation of products and services that reduce resource use, waste, and pollution along the entire value chain. From a construction industry perspective, Eco-Efficiency Analysis can help designers understand the implications of design decisions with a level of confidence that was not previously available.
Source: http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/