Midwest Eco-Design - Your home for eco-friendly construction, remodeling & housing choices including prefrabricated homes, cabins and other sustainable material choices.

Foam board insulation products are quite popular with some aspects of today’s green construction. If you’re looking for some information on these products then check out: Foam Board Insulation Types and R Values.You may not think foam board insulation is green. However, recent studies from insulation manfucturers suggest that polystyrene insulation is manufactured with as much as 24% less energy compared to fiberglass insulation.Some manufacturers are even offering recycled foam board products. The nice thing about recycled foam board is any off gasing is most likely completely finished and you’re recycling a product that is already quite green.

Foam board insulation products are quite popular with some aspects of today’s green construction.

You may not think foam board insulation is green. However, recent studies from insulation manfucturers suggest that polystyrene insulation is manufactured with as much as 24% less energy compared to fiberglass insulation.

Some manufacturers are even offering recycled foam board products. The nice thing about recycled foam board is any off gasing is most likely completely finished and you’re recycling a product that is already quite green.

To achieve an EPA zero-VOC rating, paint must have fewer than 5 grams per liter.  For a low-VOC rating, paint must contain 5 to 250 grams per liter for latext paint, or 380 for allkyd (oil-based) paints.

In addition to the federal government, private-sector building and trade groups have started certifying products.  For paints, look for materials certified by Greenguard, Green Seal, Scientific Certification Systems, or the Master Painters Institute’s Green Performance Standards.

Environmentally friendly wood treatments and preservatives can be applied at the factory.  These treatments can circumvent the need for mold and termite protection on-site.

This spring (2009), Benjamin Moore will begin distributing its new No-VOC line of paint. Natura premium interior waterborne paint is a zero VOC, virtually odorless formula that doesn’t compromise on performance. It dries fast, has excellent adhesion and provides a durable finish with an unlimited color selection.

Most low or no-VOC paints come in a limited amount of colors, but the Natura line has perfected a no-VOC base, which means it can be tinted to ANY COLOR.   The options are endless and this is a huge step for more eco-friendly projects for your home or office.

A couple weeks ago, Natura was selected as a 2008 Top-10 Green Building Product by BuildingGreen.