subject: Green Insulation: A Better Option [print this page] Green Insulation: A Better Option Green Insulation: A Better Option
With rapid depletion of energy sources, energy conservation has become the need of the hour. People are looking for better ways to make their living space energy efficient and thereafter, lower their electricity bills. Most of energy consumed by the households & commercial establishments can be assigned to the heating and cooling of the living space. The proper insulation of the buildings not only reduces the energy consumption and electricity bills but increases the overall thermal efficiency. While choosing amongst the different insulation options, green insulation proves a better option. A wide assortment of materials is used for green insulation, such as recycled jeans, wool, cardboard, straw, spray foam, and cellulose. These materials can be installed in different forms, such as batts and loose fill. In addition, these are treated with chemicals to impart resistance against insects, moisture, mold, and fire. The most widely used are the fiberglass wool and cellulose obtained from recycling of organic waste material. The Green insulation not only offers a highly energy efficient mode of insulation but also helps to reduce the carbon footprint considerably. This can be utilized for retrofit insulation of the existing buildings without disturbing the structures and inhabitants much. In retrofit insulation ceilings, walls and floors can be thermally insulated externally or internally as suitable, for prevention of unwanted heat loss or gain. While the external insulation is more suitable for buildings where space is an issue, the internal retrofitting can be done to preserve the exterior of buildings. However, it is wise to take an energy audit before the installation of insulation to identify the specific thermal conditioning requirements of the building. Whether homes or commercial establishments like offices or institutions, green insulation has become today's requirement for a sustainable tomorrow. With more heating and cooling appliances usage to condition the internal environment as per the prevailing climatic condition, huge amount of energy is consumed. This leads to emission of green house gases that adversely affect the environment. However, this can be minimized by energy conservation, which can be done by installing insulation at home. This efficiency insulation and can substantially diminish the energy costs as well as help in conserving the environment.
