Eco-Efficiency Analysis of Wall Systems Confirms: Smallest Ecological Footprint Belongs to EIFS
Results introduced at the GreenBuild 2009 tradeshow in Phoenix, Arizona
PHOENIX, ARIZONA, November 11, 2009 -- 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.
BASF has conducted more than 400 Eco-Efficiency Analysis studies worldwide on an array of products and services, since the methodology was developed in 1996.
Additional Information
BASF offers an illustrated eight page brochure that provides additional information about the study and its results. The brochure can be downloaded from www.wallsystems.basf.com or requested by calling (800) 221-9255. Richard Martens, LEED AP, BASF Wall Systems' Nonresidential Market Manager and Kent Stumpe, Marketing Communications Manager, can also be reached at that number for additional comments.
BASF's Construction Chemicals division is the leading supplier of chemical systems and formulations for the construction industry. Continuous innovation and tailor-made solutions ensure its customers are more successful. Its Admixture Systems business unit specifically helps customers in the ready-mix, precast, manufactured concrete and underground construction industries. The Construction Systems unit offers a wide range of products for sports and industrial flooring, external renders and wall systems, expansion joints, wood preservatives as well as specialist repair mortars, tile adhesives and waterproofing membranes. The division operates production sites and sales centers in more than 50 countries and achieved sales of 2.2 billion with approximately 7,700 employees in 2008.
BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy.
We make a lot of the products you buy better.®
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $17.5 billion in 2008. For more information about BASF's North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than 62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
Contact info:
Kent Stumpe
Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: (904) 996-6145
kent.stumpe@basf.com
Richard Martens
Nonresidential Market Manager
Tel: (904) 996-6101
richard.martens@basf.com
