Vegetable or animal fibre based materials are all the trend. Not only do they provide a solution to environmental concerns, they also have real insulation qualities.
What is green insulation?
Insulation is said to be green when it is made from vegetable or animal fibres, or renewable materials.
Although green insulation is an average 20% more expensive than traditional insulation, it protects the environment and human health.
The different materials
Used for thousands of years, this is the building material of the future. Because it doesn’t require herbicides or pesticides during cultivation, it reduces environmental pollution and improves the soil. It is appreciated for the quality of its fibre as it makes an excellent insulating material. Naturally insect-proof, it is applied like glass or rock wool.
Extracted from the cork oak, it has real sound and heat insulation qualities. Rot-proof, able to withstand humidity without deforming, it also resists parasites and other rodents. It is often associated with coconut fibre.
Washed and treated with borax, it has superior fire endurance (B2 class). It is used to insulate roofs, floors, and vertical panels. Very lightweight, it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water without loosing its insulation properties.
Originally from sustainably managed forests, wood wools make very good thermal and acoustic insulating materials.
Moisture-proof, it is a good sound insulating material for walls and floors.
Generally produced from recycled cotton, it is a good thermal insulating material. It must be treated with borax to resist insects, mould, and fire.
It is an acoustic insulating material. Like cotton wool, it must be treated with borax.
Very good thermal and acoustic insulating material, it is produced from recycled newsprint. It must be treated to resist insects and fungi.
To keep it stable, this insulating material contains 70% washed and dried feathers, 20% synthetic textile fibres, and 10% hygienically treated sheep wool. It can absorb up to 70% of its weight in water while retaining its insulating power. Quite flammable, it is also quite allergenic.
Bales are used to fill wood-frame walls. As it isn't very moisture resistant, it must absolutely be aired to ensure proper insulation.
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