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Why natural fibre insulation and building materials?

Concern is growing about the environmental impact of many modern building products including insulation. Growing awareness amongst the general public of issues such as tropical deforestation and “Sick Building Syndrome” means that consumers are playing a role in reducing the environmental impact of building materials and insulation. Concern about indoor pollution and allergies is particularly high.

The swing to natural fibres for building materials and insulation is a step in the right direction.

Insulation plays an important role in reducing the environmental impact of buildings and when the insulation is made of natural fibres the reduction is twofold. Insulation reduces the energy required to maintain a comfortable living or working environment. Approximately one third of the total annual energy consumption in the US alone is for the heating and cooling of buildings. This leads to considerable air and water pollution, resource depletion and health risks.

Most natural fibre insulation is 100percent recyclable, so it helps to reduce overall landfill waste.

Standard insulation such as those made from mineral fibre, plastic based sheet insulation, and loose fill insulations such as vermiculite have many disadvantages. 

Mineral fibre insulation such as glass or mineral quilts produce minute fibres which irritate the skin and may have a more damaging effect when breathed in.  There are suggestions that they may increase the risk of skin and lung cancers.

Sheet insulation materials made from polystyrene, polyurethane and polyisocyanurate boards are harmful to humans and the environment.  Many of these materials were until recently, or still are, blown with gases that deplete the ozone layer. These materials also require large amounts of energy to produce, and consequently have high ‘embodied energy’.

Vermiculite loose fill insulations are derived from naturally occurring minerals that are processed at high temperatures using high energy levels.

Natural insulation materials are multifunctional products which can provide cost effective, high performance building solutions.