As governments across Canada introduce stricter green building standards and environment-focused regulations, there is a growing need for energy-efficient building materials.
With the rise of these green construction trends, insulated metal panels have emerged as one of the most popular options for builders. By combining high-performance thermal insulation with lasting structural performance, insulated panels can help reduce energy costs, lower a building’s overall carbon footprint, and support the country’s long-term climate goals. This guide will explain how.
Why Does Carbon Reduction Matter in Canadian Construction?
Buildings account for a significant portion of Canada’s overall carbon footprint. In fact, according to Natural Resources Canada, the buildings sector is responsible for roughly 13% of national emissions, and that number jumps to 18% if you include electricity used by those buildings.
With the Government of Canada aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, a huge focus has been put on reducing emissions from new construction and existing buildings.
At the same time that government regulations are being introduced to ensure buildings are carbon neutral, energy prices are rising. Since Canada experiences cold winters and hot summers, the rise in energy costs has driven a much higher demand for energy-efficient buildings.
This combination of government requirements and growing green building demands means the construction industry in Canada has a strong desire for materials that can enhance building envelopes and provide better thermal performance.
Since insulated panels address these priorities while also lowering installation and material costs, it makes sense that their popularity is spreading across Canada’s construction sector.
How Do Insulated Panels Reduce Carbon Footprints?
To help you understand why insulated panels are really at the forefront of green building trends, here are just a few of the ways they can reduce emissions and operating costs.
Continuous Insulation Reduces Energy Use
Unlike walls that consist of multiple components, insulated panels provide continuous insulation across their entire surface.
Since the panel contains evenly distributed insulation, thermal bridging is minimized. Given that this is one of the main causes of energy loss in conventional building materials, reducing this type of heat transfer means insulated panels can greatly reduce the energy required to heat and cool an indoor space.
Airtight Design Reduces Thermal Bridging
Another major cause of energy loss for buildings is air leaks and gaps. Since insulated panels have a uniform, non-porous surface and are designed to be positioned snugly against each other, air leaks are minimized.
This means more stable interior temperatures and less strain on HVAC systems. Again, this means the panels’ design helps reduce energy use throughout the year.
Reduced Waste Means a Lower Carbon Impact
Green construction isn’t only about reducing the energy required to heat and cool a space; it also includes the lifespan of the building materials.
High-quality insulated panels help reduce a building’s carbon footprint by reducing the need for repairs and replacements.
This is because insulated panels are made from high-strength materials, like steel. So, not only do they offer lasting thermal performance, but they are also resistant to moisture damage and physical impacts.
On top of all that, the lightweight, prefabricated design of these panels means they require less energy during transportation. They reduce construction waste through their long service life and help lower emissions when they are brought to a construction site.
Choose Canadian-Made Panel Solutions from Structural Panels Inc.
Structural Panels Inc. is one of the only 100% Canadian-owned and operated manufacturers of high-quality insulated metal panels. Our panels are Canadian-made and designed specifically to deal with the harsh climates of even Canada’s most remote locations.
If you are looking to reduce carbon waste while also enjoying the numerous practical and financial benefits of installing high-quality panels, ISOWALL Insulated Panels and ROCKWALL Fire-Rated and Insulated Panels are two of the best options.
Thanks to their unique Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core, ISOWALL Panels deliver consistent thermal performance and an incredibly high R-value. Their airtight design and durable steel facings ensure these panels can withstand the challenges across a huge range of industries.
If you also want to enhance safety, ROCKWALL Panels feature a mineral wool core that improves insulation and provides up to three hours of certified fire resistance.
Both options can help reduce your carbon footprint while reducing operating and installation costs. On top of that, they can help your business meet net-zero regulations, as well as your own environmental aims.
Start Meeting Your Carbon Goals Today
Investing in insulated panels is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and slash your energy costs for years to come.
If you’re ready to take the first steps, reach out to Structural Panels Inc. today and discover your options.