The Institute for the Building Envelope (IBE) is applauding the efforts of the Utah state legislature and Governor Spencer Cox for their roles in getting a key measure passed that is a victory for both builders and homeowners when it comes to home energy efficiency, savings, and comfort.
SB 518 recognizes the superior energy performance of spray foam insulation. Because spray foam insulation is so effective at keeping homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer, the bill establishes new R-value (a measure of a home’s thermal performance) requirements for wall assemblies that use spray foam. Since spray foam insulation can achieve efficacy in a smaller wall cavity space compared to other types of insulation, the bill allows builders that utilize spray foam in the home to maintain 2×4 wall studs (standard in home construction) when framing a house. For housing construction that doesn’t employ spray foam insulation, builders may have to move to more costly 2×6 wall studs. This bill goes a long way to address home affordability.
Last year, Utah passed a proposal IBE supported, HB 0532, a bill that updates the state’s residential energy requirements.
“Utah has taken yet another step to address home affordability and energy challenges with the signing of this bill,” said IBE Board Member Doug Brady. “The innovative properties of spray foam insulation help to address these two pressing issues at the same time, benefitting builders and homeowners alike.”
IBE commends Governor Cox and the Utah state legislature for their steadfast work to strengthen public policy that promote innovative building materials which reduce energy bills, increase resiliency, and improve home comfort.
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