The new European standard EN 17956 classifies insulation solutions into energy efficiency classes. paroc Specification & Project Manager Craig Treanor, who was part of the working group that developed the standard, shares insights into its most important benefits for the industry, customers, and the planet.
When you buy a refrigerator, you’re used to seeing an energy label sticker attached to it. If the appliance has an energy class A, you know it’s energy-efficient and will save you money on energy bills compared to, say, an appliance with an energy class E.
Now, with this same simple classification system, you can also specify energy efficiency classes ranging from A to G for industrial insulation.
In December 2024, the new European standard EN 17956 was published. It defines criteria for the energy performance of insulation systems used in industrial applications and categorizes insulation solutions into energy efficiency classes, from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
This classification helps in specifying insulation solutions that meet desired energy performance standards. It’s the most significant step forward I’ve witnessed in my career in Technical Insulation.
Reiterating the importance of the classification Andreas Gürtler, Foundation Director of the European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EiiF), said:
“EN 17956 is the first European standard defining the energy performance of technical insulation systems, independent of materials and solutions. The energy classes, ranging from A to G, also provide information on indicative space requirements, helping plant designers plan sufficient space for the chosen insulation performance."
