Insulation materials often consist of unnatural substances that require considerable energy for production, leaving an impactful footprint both during their manufacturing and disposal.
There are eco-friendly solutions that can help reduce energy usage and your carbon footprint.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper fibers treated with boric acid to repel insects and mold while simultaneously increasing R-value and preventing fires. Cellulose also contributes to building fire safety by restricting oxygen supply that could ignite structural members of a house, contributing to fireproofing measures such as smoke detectors.
This material is very effective at controlling temperatures while simultaneously reducing energy costs, particularly in older homes. It can be installed either when building new houses or retrofitted to existing properties.
Louisiana-Pacific has recognized cellulose insulation as a sustainable material, due to its use of at least partially-recycled materials and lack of harmful chemicals, with less energy consumption in production compared to fiberglass insulation production. Furthermore, manufacturing takes place nearer the home site, which reduces transportation and fuel usage costs; they even offer an incentive program guaranteeing lower heating bills with homes insulated with this product!
Sheep Wool
Sheep wool insulation uses coarse fibers considered too coarse for textile production to produce high-performing sustainable insulation with zero net embodied energy and minimal environmental impact. No heat is required during its creation and no adhesives are utilized during use – making this sustainable solution very low in net embodied energy consumption and minimal in environmental impact. Plus it boasts a long useful lifespan before composting is the solution and prevents it from ending up in landfill.
Sheep’s wool acts as a natural moisture buffer, helping maintain stable temperature and humidity levels within buildings. Additionally, it purifies indoor air by absorbing indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and then releasing them back into the atmosphere – without the need for gloves or masks! * Itch-free * long-lasting and safe handling make sheep’s wool an invaluable addition.
Recent pilot study results demonstrate how using sheep wool for insulation production on a smaller scale can substantially lower production costs without impacting performance – providing greater sustainability benefits and supporting local communities.
Recycled Cotton
Recycled cotton insulation utilizes denim jeans and offcuts that would otherwise end up in landfills to create an environmentally-friendly insulation material, with low energy requirements and R values exceeding 1. Additionally, its production requires no formaldehyde release so as to not cause distress to either respiratory system or skin.
Attic insulation boards provide an effective alternative to styrofoam and other cushioned materials, and are easily installed into homes. Furthermore, the material doesn’t use harmful chemicals in its production and handling by installers.
Garment waste recycled cotton/polyester fiber nonwoven samples were developed and tested to verify thermal insulation properties. The results demonstrated that insulation value increased with rising temperature, leading to greater thermal resistance values and sound absorption capabilities of recycled nonwoven insulation developed from garment waste; further, its superior sound absorption performance makes this type of insulation suitable for various industrial applications that save significant amounts of energy in buildings.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass insulation is an increasingly popular material made from recycled glass that can be molded into blankets or blown into walls to act as an insulator that blocks heat flow while attenuating sound waves. Fiberglass has an R-value between 2.2-3.8 per inch and comes either as batts or foam boards for ease of installation.
With its fire retardant properties and minimal risk of breathing irritation or skin rashes, bamboo flooring makes an excellent addition to any home environment.
Homeowners looking to go green can select formaldehyde-free alternatives like shredded cotton or hemp as insulation solutions that reduce greenhouse gases while providing effective, affordable and safe insulation solutions. Selecting eco-friendly insulation like this could save on energy costs, while contributing towards creating a more sustainable lifestyle – though such types may be harder to locate or more costly than standard fiberglass options.