Sustainability, also known as Sustainable Development, is a concept of growing international importance that recognizes the interconnected impacts of building construction, including environmental, economical, health, safety, energy efficiency and societal needs. According to the World Commission on the Environment and Development (WCED), sustainability “…is a form of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

For manufacturers in the 21st century, success can be measured by a “triple bottom line” consisting of 1) economic prosperity, 2) environmental responsibility and 3) corporate social responsibility. But, sustainable development goes far beyond simply creating products that benefit consumers in terms of cleaner air, cost savings and durability. Effective sustainable development should illustrate a thorough understanding of a full-systems approach of products in their environment and interaction with other products, as well as their effects on many other factors. For example, a systems approach determines the energy requirements of a product. This means determining energy consumed at each stage of a product’s life cycle, beginning at the point of extraction from the earth, through processing, manufacturing and fabrication, end-use, and disposal. End-use can account for as much as 90 percent of a product’s impact on the environment. Transportation of materials and products through each process step should also be calculated.

In support of a systems approach to sustainable development, the CPI supports the following guidelines for building design, systems and products:

  1. Environmental considerations and energy efficiency should be part of building design and purchasing criteria, balanced appropriately with other important criteria, such as product safety, price, performance and availability.
  2. Energy efficiency and environmental performance should be evaluated using a “systems” approach, focusing on how individual components interact within the building system and identifying options with the greatest potential for improving energy efficiency and reducing overall environmental effects.
  3. Any process for establishing “sustainable” building/product criteria should be science-based, transparent, open to all stakeholders, and should consider any new and significant information.

Polyurethanes are found in all facets of building construction from product manufacturing to solving critical application needs on the job. They are used as insulation, adhesives, sealants and binders in a variety of construction products and in numerous other uses. But not all of the sustainable factors are applied to every type of foam.

CPI, together with its member companies, is committed to the principles and goals of sustainability through participation in the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® program, its own Product Stewardship Issues Management Group and the Alliance For Responsible Atmospheric Policy. The polyurethane industry supports sustainable development progress and plays a central role in engaging closely with its members, customers, stakeholders and public authorities.

Working towards sustainable development, CPI advocates a responsible phase-out of CFCs and other ozone depleting compounds through a safe and rapid transition to safer alternatives. We participate in guiding government efforts on many regulatory issues, serve as a sponsor for an annual conference for discussion on policy and technology developments and disseminate information to our members on ozone depletion.

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