ALEXANDRIA, Va. - A new independent study was released that measured the cost effectiveness of increasing insulation in the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The report, conducted by ICF Consulting, an international management, technology, and policy-consulting firm which works closely with EPA Energy Star, found that in every climate zone there is a cost-effective, energy-saving insulation wall scenario that meets the 2004 IECC. The final report concluded that the levels of insulation in the 2004 IECC will lead to increased savings and create more affordable housing by decreasing utility costs immediately and over the life of the home.

ICF conducted the study on behalf of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) and the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA). Simulating the annual energy consumption of single-family homes, ICF tested homes configured with one of four wall insulation scenarios using a combination of common insulation materials that either met or exceeded the proposed code requirements. This data was then compared with homes designed with insulation that falls short of the 2004 IECC.

"The ICF study conclusively demonstrates the value of the 2004 IECC," said Charles Cottrell, vice president, technical services for NAIMA. "The updated codes are a necessary step towards energy conservation since so many homes and buildings are built to the minimum code requirements. The increased levels of insulation represent sound building practice."