eco & green products 41


Choose high efficiency insulation, naturally


Duncan Voice from Insulation Superstore looks at the reasons why construction specifiers are increasingly investing in the benefits of eco insulation products.


G


reen building is not only a wise choice for future environmental sustainability; it is also an essential choice. With the


inevitability of declining fossil fuels and increasing proof of global climate change, reducing our energy consumption is now widely recognised as part of a strategy for our long-term survival. The UK Government has been active in urging eco-friendly practices and materials in construction, including making a commitment to and is committed to integrating green specifica- tions into Building Regulations and codes. As a result, the industry has seen a sharp


increase in the specification of more environmentally sustainable products, with architects and client specifiers transitioning towards sustainable design in a bid to drastically reduce negative environmental impact. Sustainable design is much talked-about but means the application of strategies that focus on renewable resources, minimal environmental impact and forging a connection between people and the natural environment.


Natural solutions to stringent requirements


The broader sustainability issue is that insufficiently insulated homes will see almost half of their heating or cooling wasted, because it escapes from the house. This makes insulation an essential consideration when building a new home or renovating an older one; energy


efficiency and heat loss reduction should be key considerations in the design of every new building. In addition, as thermal insulation requirements – represented by ever more strin- gent U-values – continue to grow, the industry is placed under increasing pressure to achieve them. With a greater focus on sustainability in the


design and construction of new homes comes an increasing demand for eco-friendly options in the insulation market – and the ranges currently available are surprisingly extensive. Online distributor Construction Materials Online lists over 60 products that fall within this category, including naturally-derived options such as wool, hemp and cellulose, and recycled insulation products made from cotton or plastic.


“The growth in sales comes in spite of the fact that eco- friendly choices generally come at a higher initial cost than conventional alternatives”


Sustained growth


In the first half of 2016, we saw an increase in sales of our eco insulation products, up 12 per cent when compared with the same period in 2015. The growth in sales comes in spite of the fact that eco-friendly choices generally come at a higher initial cost than conventional alternatives. While the initial investment may be higher, eco


products can provide an equal level of efficiency, and are still considered cost-effective in the long-run due to the associated reduction in energy bills. With this comes a fall in the amount of fossil fuels required to heat the home as well as other environmental benefits, making eco products a sensible choice for the discerning housebuilder and homebuyer alike. Financially, businesses can also benefit. In a


recent survey 55 per cent of consumers – a number that is rapidly increasing – are willing to pay more for products and services that are supplied by companies committed to creating a positive environmental change. In terms of the different options available,


recycled plastic products are becoming increasingly common choices. With a thermal conductivity of 0.040 W/mK, it is consid- ered highly competitive with other, non-environmentally preferable insulations on the market. Constructed from 85 per cent recy- cled plastic bottles and 15 per cent nylon to hold it together, it is safe to install and free of floating fibres and dust. It is often used to insulate both ventilated and unventilated loft spaces, and timber frame wall applications, between studding, with a weather resident cladding.


Sheep’s wool: shear performance


Sheep’s wool, however, remains the go-to option within the eco insulation market. A very efficient


respond online at www.hbdonline.co.uk


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