Ecological insulation: natural materials and their properties

Insulation plays a vital role in house construction and can be pivotal in reducing a building’s carbon footprint throughout its lifetime. Choosing high-quality and natural raw materials can also positively contribute to environmental protection from the outset.

Natural insulation materials are in no way inferior to conventional materials and are fast becoming dominant in the construction industry. This guide gives you an overview of the areas of application, properties and costs of different sustainable insulation types.

Benefits of eco-friendly insulation materials

Like other sustainable building materials, natural insulation is characterized by its environmentally friendly nature: materials can be reused, thermally recycled or even composted without negative consequences for either the environment or the health of humans and animals.

• Conserve resources and reduce emissions:

Considerably less energy is used in the production of natural insulation compared to artificial insulation materials. Additionally, most natural materials do not require additional chemical substances to be added. Finally, such environmentally friendly insulation can typically be reused several times, reducing the need for new raw materials to be procured.

• Zero health concerns:

In contrast to many conventional insulation materials, which can have serious health consequences if handled incorrectly or exposed to certain conditions, ecological insulation materials are harmless to both humans and animals. They are also typically suitable for individuals with severe allergies.

• Comfortable indoor climate:

Eco-home insulation is particularly good at absorbing and releasing heat. As a result, they ensure a very comfortable indoor climate for both hot summers and cold winters. Most natural materials are also flame retardant and less susceptible to mould growth, as well as infestation by insects and rodents.

When are natural insulation materials suitable?

Natural materials are suitable for almost all types of insulation, whether that be thermal insulation, sound and impact protection or facade insulation. In fact, natural materials often offer even better insulating properties than artificial insulation materials.

However, you should not use ecological insulation materials for perimeter insulation (areas with low ground clearance which have the potential to come into contact with groundwater). Special insulation, (such as polystyrene sheets) offering greater pressure and water resistance is still required for these areas. For a more environmentally friendly option, you might want to consider using foam glass panels for perimeter insulation.

Ecological insulation: Comparing natural materials

There are many different types of natural insulation, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Which material is right for your application will depend on the type of insulation, heat protection, and moisture balance you are looking for:

The costs of ecological insulation materials at a glance

Conventional insulation materials can cost between £5-10 per sqm on average. One of the drawbacks of eco-materials is they are typically more costly upfront. Those costs are offset by improved performance throughout the insulation’s life cycle, but it is definitely a factor to consider.

In addition to the costs of purchasing the materials, additional costs for transport and install should also be factored in, regardless of insulation type.

When purchasing eco insulation, look out for the ‘KEYMARK label – a voluntary European certification that shows the quality of goods conforms with European standards, as well as attesting to the validity of manufacturer-provided information. Qualification is carried out by an independent organisation.

Ecological insulation made of wood fibres

Wood as a building material is widely used, but the raw material is also ideal as an insulating material. Insulation materials made from wood fibres offer many beneficial properties and are among the most popular eco materials for cavity wall filling and roof/attic insulation.

Read more about insulation made from wood wool.

Natural insulation with sheep’s wool

Sheep’s wool is a by-product of agriculture that does not need to be grown separately to be used specifically as ecological insulation. The raw material has many positive properties, including exceptional thermal insulation, and can be used in a variety of versatile ways.

Eco insulation made of straw

Straw might be most commonly associated with agriculture these days, but it has also long been used as a traditional and low-cost form of insulation for homes. Straw super-insulates homes, keeping out both the heat and the cold. It typically comes in either straw bales or straw panels for insulation purposes.

Natural insulation made from cork

Cork has particularly good heat and sound insulation properties. Cork is obtained from the bark of the cork oak, native to North Africa. Thus, it is not a domestic raw material, and the long transport routes certainly make it less ecologically viable than local alternatives in the short term. Nevertheless, the material can still be considered sustainable under certain conditions and can also be recycled several times, reducing the need to transport more of the material.

Read more about cork as an insulation material.

FAQs about eco insulation