Reducing our impact is critical, and as part of our ongoing sustainability initiative we set out to find sustainable materials and construction practices to supplement our tried and tested approaches to achieve and exceed statutory requirements (building regulations etc).
We have researched, explored and educated ourselves on a wide variety of approaches to sustainable building, from the structural components all the way to the paint on the wall.
All of this research led us to a highlight product; Thermafleece (https://thermafleece.com) insulation for walls, floors and roofs. What makes this insulation special is that it’s made of British Sheep’s wool, and in some cases other recycled materials. They have a variety of products to choose from and it is very versatile. Thermafleece provides a fantastic service to support the designer, contractor or homeowner.
The key consideration for us, (after recognising the highly sustainable credentials of Thermafleece) were:
-
How do we achieve the levels of thermal resistance required?
-
Will it change our design approach?
-
Will Contractors be happy using this material?
The answers are as follows:
-
Yes, we can achieve the thermal resistance values (U Values) easily.
-
Yes, in some cases, we needed to revise our details slightly to utilise Thermafleece.
-
Yes, contractors were very happy to use the product.
We have found that Thermafleece can be used alongside other insulations, the emphasis is on reducing the use of petroleum-based products and 'swapping in' Thermafleece. It's easy.
One burning question of course has been does it cost more? Marginally yes, but it really is marginal, and calculated as a whole, supplied and fitted, there isn’t a great deal in it between a petroleum-based slab insulation and say Thermafleece Cosywool. We have been specifying Thermafleece for a few years now and have had very positive feedback from Contractors. We continue to seek more materials and practices that have a lighter impact on our planet to use alongside Thermafleece. There is a myriad of approaches to sustainable design and construction, and this is one very small part, but lots of small parts can make a whole!
Sustainability is a behavioural shift, a change in every-day thinking and we urge people to make small, constant changes to their choices and behaviours as they move toward more sustainable living.