A method for assembling a vacuum insulation panel is provided which includes the steps of: loading a quantity of microporous powder into a gas permeable pouch; pressing the pouch into a desired form; sealing the pouch; heating the powder to a temperature elevated above standard room temperature; inserting the pouch into a gas impermeable bag while the pouch and powder remain at the elevated temperature; evacuating gases from the powder pouch while it is at the elevated temperature; evacuating gases from the bag; and sealing the gas evacuated bag with the gas evacuated pouch therein to form a vacuum insulation panel. The heating of the powder may occur only just before insertion of the pouch into the bag, or may occur both before the powder is loaded into the pouch as well as just before insertion of the pouch into the bag. Further, a trace amount of Helium (at a pressure of approximately 1 mm Hg) may be put into the bag before it is sealed in order to permit testing of the sealed panel for leaks.