Dr. “Sherry” Rowland would approve of High-Performance Builders because they offer Environmentally Friendly Solutions!
Who Discovered this Hidden Danger….and why it matters to homeowners?
F. Sherwood “Sherry” Rowland (1927-2012)
Who, along with Dr. Mario Molina, theorized that the chlorine from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) could lead to ozone depletion.
In 1974 they Unveiled the Impact: What CFCs Did to Our Ozone Layer
Up until this time, CFC’s were heavily used in spray foam insulation
Their groundbreaking research on ozone depletion led to a global movement that halted the use of CFCs in building homes, protecting the environment for future generations.
They were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995.
We still have a long way to go, but HFCs replaced CFCs
But HFCs are problematic, too…
- HFCs are not as harmful as CFCs for the ozone layer
- But they pose a significant threat to climate change
- Where CFCs have a GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 1,430, HFCs can have GWPs of up to 9,200.
- This means that although HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer like CFCs, they contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere
It is crucial to address the use of HFCs to mitigate their impact on climate change.
Dr. “Sherry” Rowland would approve of High-Performance Builders because they offer Environmentally Friendly Solutions!
- They generally avoid using HFCs in their buildings.
- If they use HFCs in certain applications, such as air conditioning and refrigeration, it is because there are no suitable alternatives.
- They will always try to use the lowest GWP HFCs available.
- They prioritize taking steps to minimize leaks and emissions.
- They increasingly use natural refrigerants, such as ammonia, propane, and CO2, in place of HFCs
- They use other materials and techniques to reduce the environmental impact of their buildings, such as mineral wool insulation and airtight construction.
- They create homes that are both environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.
- They allow you to Build Your New England Dream Home and Live the Sustainable Life.
SEON (Sustainable Energy Outreach Network) is a nonprofit organization that will help you find the knowledge and experts you need to build or retrofit your house. (We train the professionals.)