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Material To Cradle

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High content of recycled material is one of the positives factors in this category. Also helpful is when the insulation can be reused or recycled. Ideally the material should come from a renewable source. All these factors contribute to low embodied energy, which is the energy used to produce, process and transport the insulation before it reaches the homeowner. Also the use of hydrocarbons or carbon dioxide as blowing agents can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The preferred materials are the ones that don’t require blowing agents at all.

Rigid foam and sprayed foam insulation materials which are shown in table 5, have high embodied energy, meaning the product uses more energy and fossil fuels to be manufactured and …show more content…

They focus on product transparency and promote the use of renewable natural raw materials. One of the certified insulation products in Cradle to Cradle is wood based insulation. The product is rapidly renewable and a high recycled content material. It can come in forms of loose fill, batts or rigid panels. Some wood insulation can provide an R-value of up to 4 per inch thickness.

Aerogel is another certified product in Cradle to Cradle. It is an advanced insulation with the highest R-value that exists in the market, between R8 and R11. It is made of 95% air and gels that prevent heat flow through the material. It is lightweight and available as blankets which makes them easy to install. However, these products are one of the most expensive insulating materials in the …show more content…

There are Red List-free insulation products. They do not use blowing agents at all. They have significantly lower embodied energy than petroleum-based products. Fiber based insulation such as cotton can also have up to 100% recycled content. These materials are non toxic and they can provide sufficient insulation levels with easy installation and are available in stores such as Home Depot and can be used for both new and existing buildings.

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products. It has a very high recycled material content, generally 82% to 85%. The product limits airflow and in most cases, it doesn't requires a moisture barrier and provides an R-value of up to 3.8 per inch. Each fiber in cellulose insulation is treated with a safe fire retardant called borate. This chemical also helps to keep the insects away. It can be used in both new or existing homes, as loose-fill or dense packed in building cavities, walls, ceilings and

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