New technologies developed for use in applications unrelated to the residential sector can have the potential to significantly enhance the performance of our housing. While they can eventually find their way into residential construction and remodeling, the lag to adoption and widespread use can be appreciable.

Vacuum Insulation is a technology with the potential to improve the thermal performance of housing. A Vacuum Insulated Panel consists of a core material sealed in an evacuated envelope of some impermeable material. It can yield an insulation value approximately six times that of fiberglass batts. This technology is currently being used in applications outside the home building industry.

In response to the opportunity for gains in residential thermal performance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development commissioned a program aimed at accelerating the development of Vacuum Insulated Panel products for home construction, renovation, and remodeling. The effort undertaken represents the first attempt under the PATH program to develop a residential product based on technology from non-residential sectors.

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