The topic surrounding the cause of global warming is constantly debated in corporate and government circles, but there are also simple measures that homeowners can do to reduce their impact on the environment.
Insulation, by reducing the amount of energy required to heat or cool a building, is environmentally friendly, but don’t be fooled into thinking all insulating materials are equal. There are many companies touting that their products are more beneficial or less harmful to the environment than they really are.
Cellulose fibre insulation is proven to use up to 40 times less energy than normal batts and it’s also been voted most environmental insulation available in the world by both Greenpeace and Planet Ark. As an insulation solution, it’s one of the greenest products in the world because its production uses far less energy than fibreglass or foam energy, a process known “embodied energy”, and its high R-Value offers excellent thermal resistance making it a high performance, environmentally-friendly choice. According to the Australian standard, the R-value any insulation product claims should be the one it achieves in the long term, so a reputable installer will quote the R-value of the product when it has settled.
Where does cellulose come from? Cellulose is one of many polymers found in nature. Wood, paper, and cotton all contain cellulose. Cellulose is an excellent fibre. Wood, cotton and hemp rope are made of fibrous cellulose. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newsprint and other paper sources – paper that might otherwise end up in landfills, releasing greenhouse gases as it decomposes.
Cellulose insulation can only be used in roof and ceiling spaces, so it is a good option if your roof space is difficult to access. Cellulose can reduce up to 66% of sound between rooms, making your living environment substantially quieter as well!
Locally made and installed cellulose insulation (which we at Sustainable Man only ever use) also has a clear advantage over inferior imported batt-type insulation, which is cut off-site and sometimes doesn't fit as snugly in the spaces between ceiling joists. This installation problem is known as thermal bridging or thermal short-circuiting, which can substantially reduce insulation batts' effectiveness. Fibreglass insulation – which is used in about 70% of all Australian insulations - is sadly an inferior product and widely made overseas (so your rebate actually doesn’t go back into the Australian economy at all). It is also sparking debate in response to health concerns.
Visit the Federal Government's Energy Efficient Homes Package website for more information.
Insulation, by reducing the amount of energy required to heat or cool a building, is environmentally friendly, but don’t be fooled into thinking all insulating materials are equal. There are many companies touting that their products are more beneficial or less harmful to the environment than they really are.
Cellulose fibre insulation is proven to use up to 40 times less energy than normal batts and it’s also been voted most environmental insulation available in the world by both Greenpeace and Planet Ark. As an insulation solution, it’s one of the greenest products in the world because its production uses far less energy than fibreglass or foam energy, a process known “embodied energy”, and its high R-Value offers excellent thermal resistance making it a high performance, environmentally-friendly choice. According to the Australian standard, the R-value any insulation product claims should be the one it achieves in the long term, so a reputable installer will quote the R-value of the product when it has settled.
Where does cellulose come from? Cellulose is one of many polymers found in nature. Wood, paper, and cotton all contain cellulose. Cellulose is an excellent fibre. Wood, cotton and hemp rope are made of fibrous cellulose. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newsprint and other paper sources – paper that might otherwise end up in landfills, releasing greenhouse gases as it decomposes.
Cellulose insulation can only be used in roof and ceiling spaces, so it is a good option if your roof space is difficult to access. Cellulose can reduce up to 66% of sound between rooms, making your living environment substantially quieter as well!
Locally made and installed cellulose insulation (which we at Sustainable Man only ever use) also has a clear advantage over inferior imported batt-type insulation, which is cut off-site and sometimes doesn't fit as snugly in the spaces between ceiling joists. This installation problem is known as thermal bridging or thermal short-circuiting, which can substantially reduce insulation batts' effectiveness. Fibreglass insulation – which is used in about 70% of all Australian insulations - is sadly an inferior product and widely made overseas (so your rebate actually doesn’t go back into the Australian economy at all). It is also sparking debate in response to health concerns.
Visit the Federal Government's Energy Efficient Homes Package website for more information.
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