How does insulation relate to environmental sustainability? 

According to the Thermal Insulation Products and Systems Association of South Africa (TIPSASA), it plays a significant role in environmental sustainability by improving energy efficiency and reducing the negative impact on the environment. 

Energy consumption 

First and foremost, thermal insulation reduces energy consumption. By maintaining a stable indoor temperature, insulation reduces the need for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. This leads to a lower energy demand and cost savings on electrical bills. 

Most buildings are powered by electricity or fuel sources that generate carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gasses. Insulated buildings produce fewer emissions by using less energy, which helps combat climate change. 

High-quality, eco-friendly insulation materials, such as cellulose fibre, glass wool or polyester fibre, contribute to green building standards. 

Reduce, reuse, recycle 

Thermal insulation with recycled content uses fewer natural resources, diverts materials from the waste stream and consumes less energy during manufacturing. 

The insulation industry has many good examples of recycled material use: 

• Cellulose fibre uses recycled newspaper by weight – the rest comprises fire-retardant chemicals and, in some products, acrylic binders. 
• Glass wool (also named fibreglass) uses recycled glass but also includes some other ingredients, including sand, soda ash, borax and limestone. These raw materials are weighed and mixed to the required formula, and resin binds the glass wool together. 
• Mineral wool actually refers to two different materials: Slag wool and rock wool. Slag wool is produced primarily from iron ore blast furnace slag, an industrial waste product, whereas rock wool is produced from natural rocks. 
• Polyester fibre thermal insulation is made from the polyester of recycled “plastic” cooldrink bottles (PET bottles) that are heat-bonded. There are 171 500ml PET bottles in a 6kg roll of insulation material. 
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is 100% recyclable and reusable. It can either be mechanically recycled into several applications or chemically converted into other products. 

Glass wool is made from recycled glass.

Environmental compliance 

Therefore, insulation supports environmental sustainability by reducing energy use, lowering emissions and conserving resources. It helps create buildings that are eco-friendlier and more efficient over time.  

This is why it became compulsory with the introduction of the Energy Efficiency Regulations in 2011 and the publication of SANS 10400-X: Environmental sustainability. 

Thermal insulation aids sustainability through energy efficiency, recycled materials and compliance with local regulations. 

For more information contact TIPSASA: 

Tel: +27 12 663 1480 

E-mail: info@tipsasa.co.za 

Website: www.tipsasa.co.za