This paper addresses the issue: Adequate standard materials are not available for thermal conductance measurements in the field of thermal insulations. The need, scope, and benefits of solving this problem are detailed. The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) Special Reference Materials category was adopted as a possible solution to this problem. The materials selection criteria, the NBS certification process, and the applicable measurement methods are described.

A set of materials was identified as potential candidates for insulation measurement comparisons:

1. Air space

2. High-density molded fibrous glass board

3. AA glass fiber blanket insulation

4. Glass fiber appliance insulation blanket

5. Aged polystyrene foam

6. Silicone rubber

7. Borosilicate glass

8. Closed-cell foam glass

9. Silica aerogel composite block

10. Rigidized silica fiber tile

11. Zirconia fiber board

12. Alumina silicate refractory fiber insulation blanket

13. Mineral rock board

14. Calcium silicate

15. Powder or loose fill insulation

This list is intended to be a point of departure and its dissemination may stimulate testing to identify potential reference materials.