Insulation in Asian contexts
Insulation is relevant in hot regions as well as in cold ones. In cold regions, insulation keeps the warmth inside a building and limits the need for heating whereas in regions with warm climate the same insulation keeps the heat out and reduces the need for air conditioning.
In Asia, changing urban lifestyle and expectation of higher comfort level also contributes to higher energy demand as people become more and more reliant on air conditioners. This means that insulation does not only keep the heat out; it is also an important solution to reduce energy used to cool homes, office and commercial buildings. And it is especially important in the light of the McKinsey/Vattenfall study showing that the usage of air conditioners mainly in China, North America and other developing countries will triple before 2030.
Read more about the use of insulation in hot climate.
Despite the lack of regulations in building codes across Asia, architects and investors have taken on the challenge to pioneer work of designing and building more green buildings – which use less energy and emit less CO2. The various green initiatives implemented in Asia focus the attention of construction market and investors on environmentally friendly solutions. "Green" buildings give a great example to governments across Asia, who hopefully would then follow suit and help improve building legislations in their regions.
Read more about how Asia is responding to these green initiatives.
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