Icynene

The castor plant is the basis of this month�s Featured Product, Icynene, which is a renewable based spray foam insulation and air barrier material. I was introduced to Icynene by a presentation by Mike Petty, South Florida Sales Representative for Icynene Corp at the 2009 South Florida �Green, Energy & Climate� Conference and Expo on March 9-12, 2009 at the Palm Beach Convention Center, FL.

Mr. Petty explained how the castor oil from castor plants is a renewable content and is a net carbon absorber. From the castor oil is produced the Icynene insulation product. Insulation is an integral component of green building and it seems that Icynene has many factors in its favor as listed in the company�s website www.icynene.com  The spray foam insulation helps to reduce reliance on petroleum-based polyol. The website also states that being 100% water blown, the insulation does not contain synthetic blowing agents such as HFCs. The product states that it is Class 1 fire rated without the use of PBDEs.

Icynene as an insulator forms an air barrier which locks out dust and pollutants from entering the building. It also forms a thermal barrier which helps reduce energy use. The website claims that Icynene provides up to 50% energy savings. Another characteristic of this product is a �real R-value� as the product claims that it does not sag or settle over time so the R-value is maintained.

Because of the positive attributes of Icynene products, it qualifies for credits in Energy & Atmosphere, Innovation & Design, Materials & Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality credit areas for LEED for Homes and New Construction. The website is user friendly and provides references for local authorized dealers.

Can it get any better? Under the recent federal initiatives, �the bailout�, energy-efficient upgrades may qualify for tax credits of up to $1,500. Living in South Florida where our summers are hot, I am looking into adding Icynene as insulation in my attic to reduce air conditioning energy consumption in the summer. Then I plan seeking advice to see if that expenditure qualifies for a tax credit. Icynene seems like a product that really makes sense on many levels.