Upping Estimated 60 Million Under-Insulated Attics to DOE Guidelines Could Save 103 Million Barrels of Oil Annually - Enough to Fill 51 Supertankers - and Help Reduce U.S. Dependence on Foreign Oil Adding Insulation is the Single-Most, Cost-effective Measure to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions TOLEDO, Ohio, July 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With Independence Day upon us, Owens Corning (NYSE:OC) , makers of PINK insulation, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are spreading the word about simple, energy-efficient home improvements that can help homeowners save money and strike oil in the attic -- 103 million barrels annually, to be precise. "Approximately 60 million homes in the U.S. are estimated to be under insulated***," said Gale Tedhams, director of sustainability for Owens Corning. "By heading straight to the attic and adding insulation, homeowners can make their homes greener, save money and conserve the energy equivalent of 103 million barrels of oil annually -- enough to fill 51 supertankers." In addition to helping homeowners save oil and reduce their cooling and heating costs, insulation plays another key role in saving the planet. According to a recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute, insulation is the single most cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Many Americans assume that transportation and industry are the largest consumers of energy in the U.S., but it's actually buildings," said Wendy Burt from the U.S. Department of Energy. "The electricity consumed by one single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars. The good news is there are simple energy-efficient upgrades we can make, such as adding insulation in the attic and caulking windows and doors that reduce our energy footprint and save us money." Owens Corning recommends that an attic have between 16 and 22 inches of insulation with a minimum total R-value of 49. To learn more about R-value and reducing home energy consumption go to the Owens Corning energy efficiency microsite at http://www.owenscorning.com/foryourhome/index.asp. Site visitors can also learn about Owens Corning's suite of fiberglass insulation products, which contain the highest level of certified recycled content in North America and is GREENGUARD Certified to meet the strictest standards for indoor air quality. "Energy efficiency is truly the 'first fuel,'" said Tedhams. "A barrel saved is two barrels earned, which means that efficient energy is the cheapest energy anyone can buy."
