Which statement regarding energy-related benefits of cellulose insulation is true?

• A. It has higher embodied energy than all foams
• B. It uses less energy to produce than some foams
• C. It increases overall energy consumption
• D. It eliminates the need for climate control

Answer: (B)

Energy considerations for cellulose insulation focus on both manufacturing energy (embodied energy) and the energy saved through reduced heat transfer. Cellulose is made largely from recycled paper and uses relatively simple, low-energy processing, so its manufacturing energy is typically lower than that of many foams, which rely on energy-intensive petrochemical processes and blowing agents. This makes the statement that it uses less energy to produce than some foams true. It doesn’t imply all foams have higher energy, but many do, and cellulose often wins on production energy. In addition, insulation helps cut heating and cooling demands, lowering overall energy use, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for climate control.