WASHINGTON (December 3, 2020) – An economic study released today by the American Chemistry Council (ACC) on the contributions of insulation to the U.S. economy in 2019 shows that the insulation industry — including the manufacture, distribution and installation of insulation — generated more than 564,000 jobs in the U.S. and more than $36 billion in payrolls that support families and local communities around the country. The study demonstrates that these energy efficiency sector jobs provide a positive impact on the U.S. economy and will serve as a critical component of our nation’s continued economic recovery.
Products represented in the report include cellulose, expanded and extruded polystyrene, fiberglass, mineral wool, polyisocyanurate, spray foam, and other types of insulation. Various applications of insulation include: residential insulation, commercial and industrial buildings, appliances, motor vehicles, and equipment and mechanical systems.
“The benefits stemming from the insulation industry extend far beyond monetary contributions,” said Stephen Wieroniey, director of ACC’s Center for the Polyurethanes Industry. “The use of insulation has valuable environmental benefits, as reduced energy consumption translates directly into lower emissions of greenhouse gases.”
By lowering energy consumption, and thus energy bills, insulation helps make businesses more competitive and gives households more spending power. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program estimates that by adding insulation and sealing air leaks, the average household could save 15% on heating and cooling costs.[1]
“The insulation industry is made up of businesses large and small, rooted in every community in America,” said Curt Rich, president and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. “Our workforce takes pride in the fact insulation is the most cost effective step we can take to address the climate change challenge. We are particularly encouraged that the Biden Climate plan identifies improving the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses as a priority.”
The insulation industry provides significant contributions to the U.S. economy. Insulation manufacturing is a $17.5 billion business and directly employs more than 39,000 people across 45 states. Indirectly, through its purchases of supplies, raw materials, equipment, and services, insulation manufacturing supports an additional 56,400 jobs in supply-chain industries. Through the household spending of the wages and salaries paid to workers in insulation manufacturing and their suppliers, an additional 64,000 payroll-induced jobs are supported.
To read ACC’s “The Contributions of Insulation to the U.S. Economy in 2019,” visit: https://polyurethane.americanchemistry.com/Products-Resources-and-Document-Library/Contributions-of-Insulation-to-US_2019.pdf.
To learn more about types of insulation and uses, visit: https://www.insulationadvocacy.org/.
[1] https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_methodology