The Green Cocoon has a passion for efficiency, not only in our daily operations, but also in the projects that we choose to work on. We have been fortunate enough to work on everything from small renovations and existing attics to energy positive, net-zero and our favorite, the Passive House.

What is a passive house? The term passive house (Passivhaus in German) refers to a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, reducing its ecological footprint. A continuous, balanced supply of fresh air ensures unparalleled indoor air quality. Operable windows connect indoors with out. Super-insulated walls hold warmth in the winter and cool in the summer. Special windows and a building envelope consisting of a highly insulated roof and floor slab as well as highly insulated exterior walls keep the desired warmth in the house – or undesirable heat out. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling.

Currently in the U.S. there are less than 100 certified passive houses in existence, and we have worked on 4 of them. In the fall we will be starting another passive house in Rhode Island. We like to think of ourselves as the "go-to insulation company" for highly energy efficient projects.

To learn more about this project and passive house building in general, click here.

When it comes to reducing our carbon footprint and making our homes more efficient, the phrase "The more insulation the better" is often used.  While all insulation materials reduce greenhouse gas emissions (by saving energy and reducing our use of fossil fuels), insulating with thick layers of spray foams often results in long “payback periods” for the global warming potential of the insulation, mainly due to the most commonly used blowing agents.  Now, don't get the wrong idea.  The long-term benefits of spray foam greatly outweigh the possible environmental impact of the initial application of the material, but in the pursuit of energy efficiency and the reduction of green house gas emissions, companies are always trying to make the manufacturing process and installation as environmentally safe and efficient as the final product.  Honeywell has found a solution to this problem. They have created a new blowing agent called Solstice that has a GWP (Global Warming Potential) that is 99.4% less than the most currently used blowing agents.  To give you an idea of ratings, the current blowing agents have a GWP of 725 and an atmospheric life of 10.8 years.  The new Solstice LBA has a GWP of 1 and an atmospheric life of only 26 days.  We are very excited to be installing spray foams with this new technology.  Now, not only will you lower your carbon footprint by having an air-tight and well insulated home, but you can rest assured that the initial application of the product will not harm the environment.  For more information on blowing agents, take a look at the websites listed below.  Do you want to know how spray foam can help your home or commercial building?  Contact us via email or call us at (978) 462-0082.

http://www.honeywell-blowingagents.com/products/solstice-liquid-blowing-agent/

http://www2.buildinggreen.com/article/avoiding-global-warming-impact-insulation-0

Do you live in Southern Maine and are looking to upgrade your existing insulation? If so, Efficiency Maine is currently offering rebates and incentives for energy improvements. This includes air sealing and insulation through the Home Energy Savings Program, which can give you tax and rebate incentives.

Inadequate Insulation

Efficiency Maine data indicates that the majority of Maine homes have inadequate insulation. Furthermore, insulating to recommended levels in Maine attics, basements, and walls can cut heating costs by 40 percent or more.

Qualified Insulation Partner in Maine

The Green Cocoon is proud to be a Qualified Insulation Partner with Efficiency Maine.  Go to their website today to find out if you qualify for the program.