Filed under: Alternative Energy, cellulose insulation, News & Information | Tags: Alternative Energy, cellulose insulation, energy savings, green buildings, insluation, News & Information, Retrofit Insulation
It is certainly no secret that energy costs are rising for U.S. households and businesses. While the estimates vary, studies in the past few years have put the average energy cost for the typical household ranging from 10 to as much as 20 percent of after tax income–hitting lower income families the hardest.
With the impact on families and businesses so high, it’s really no surprise that the discussion around the water cooler, and on Capitol Hill, continues to be on how to save energy and reduce costs. As the search for solutions and alternative energy continues in earnest, one sure solution is better insulation. Understanding the cost/benefits and options for increasing and improving insulation in homes and businesses is a critical component to reducing the cost of energy today and into the future.
The Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association and its producer members maintain the most current information on cellulose and other insulation products. In addition to hosting its website and publishing the Greenest of the Green blog, CIMA staff and members make informational presentations to many groups and organizations annually.
A professional presentation by CIMA includes the latest information on energy efficiency, insulation properties, how to properly install insulation and the unique benefits associated with using cellulose in homes and buildings. CIMA routinely updates a PowerPoint program that is used by its members when making presentations. This program offers a wide range of information and technical data presented in easy-to-understand visuals and graphics.
If you have a group interested in learning more about insulation, contact CIMA Executive Director Dan Lea at cima@cellulose.org to inquire about how to schedule a presentation.
Filed under: cellulose insulation | Tags: cellulose insulation, energy savings, insluation
Electric cooperatives (co-ops), unlike other types of electric utility companies, are beholden only to their members. Essentially each customer is a member and “owner” of the company. As such, electric co-ops have always tended to be progressive and aggressive in finding ways to reduce energy consumption to deliver electric at the best possible value to their members. These companies really know all about the importance of saving energy. They have to in order to keep “themselves” as satisfied customers.
Nu-Wool President Mark Henderson(R) with Doug Rye on his nationally-syndicated radio program.
Electric co-ops have long been on the forefront of energy efficiency. Most of these are smaller companies highly interested in finding ways to conserve energy in order to reduce the cost of providing electricity. In many cases, electric co-ops often identify and recommend products like cellulose insulation that are highly effective in saving energy. In fact, my co-op, Pioneer Electric Cooperative, in western Ohio, has partnered with CIMA member Nu-Wool to sponsor appearances by Doug Rye on the benefits of the product, and in an energy-efficient demonstration home that was insulated with cellulose.
We have seen other such initiatives by electric co-ops recommending cellulose insulation, among other energy saving products, to their members. A story this month on Craighead Electric Cooperative in Arkansas is one of many examples where co-ops have identified the value of cellulose insulation in home energy saving programs.
Post a comment and let us know if you are aware of examples where electric cooperatives are recommending cellulose insulation. We are also happy to help any cooperative partner with a CIMA Producer Member company to develop consumer oriented programs similar to those right here in my backyard of Western Ohio. We share the goal of finding ways to save energy and reduce the cost of heating and cooling homes across the nation. Visit CIMA’s website as always to learn more about cellulose insulation.
Dan Lea, CIMA Executive Director
cima@cellulose.org
