We all have to save energy together. The heating of our house is one of the biggest energy consumers. That is why we insulate our house better and better. Deservedly!
It is not easy to determine which insulation material is the most environmentally friendly. There are many different types on the Belgian market.
Some sellers advise insulation materials based on renewable raw materials (hemp, sheep's wool, etc.), others swear by the insulation materials based on mineral raw materials (glass and rock wool) or based on petroleum derivatives (EPS, XPS, PUR, etc.).
What does the Federal Public Service of Health, Safety of the Food Chain and the Environment do?
The federal government conducts a study to get more insight into the environmental impact of these different insulation products. We need to review the complete life cycle for this purpose: from extracting petroleum or producing seeds to waste processing. The insulating quality of an insulation product is also important: the less insulating, the more material you will need to insulate your wall reliably. Some materials require extra vapour barriers and other materials must be anchored in a special way. All of this influences the total environmental impact.
The study is conducted by the VITO, the Flemish institute for technological research.
What can you do?
The website www.energievreters.be allows you to evaluate the loss of heat in your house, to choose which new wall and roof insulation is the best to install and to calculate the energy payback period of your investment.