“Nearly all insulation is “green” depending on how you measure it,” says David Bengert, president of the Built Green™ Society of Canada and the director of purchasing at Jayman MasterBUILT. “All types save energy and therefore lower greenhouse gas emissions.”  

In Alberta, fiberglass insulation manufactured in Edmonton is made of more than 50 per cent recycled glass, such as pop and liquor bottles and a tiny amount of formaldehyde. A manufacturer in Innisfail makes insulation with less recycled glass content, but in a formaldehyde-free process.

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper and treated to be fire resistant, Bengert explains. Meanwhile rigid foam insulation has a higher insulation value than other types but uses non-renewable resource in the manufacturing.

Spray-in-place foam insulation, including urethanes, have an even higher insulation value and many are made from environmentally friendly products however they are the most expensive, he says.

“In Alberta, fiberglass is the dominant product used by builders, probably over 90 per cent of new homes use it,” Bengert says. “In categorizing a product as “green” all factors must be considered. For example, what is it made from, where is it made, how is it made, what is the final cost? After reviewing these factors, a builder can then decide which product to use.”

It’s in the jeans
You may have read about or watched Hollywood environmentalist types like Adrian Grenier, star of the HBO TV series Entourage, using denim in green building projects. They’re likely using eco-friendly Bonded Logic’s UltraTouch Natural Fiber Insulation, made in the U.S. from 85 per cent post-industrial cotton denim, using scraps from the manufacturers. It’s formaldehyde-free, 100 per cent recyclable, VOC-free, and treated with a fire-retardant.

“UltraTouch is incredibly easy to install and 100 per cent safe to humans,” says Kris Friesen, Canadian UltraTouch sales representative. “Besides, it has 50 times better insulating and acoustical (soundproofing) qualities.”

The insulation’s fibres provide sound absorption and maximum thermal performance. UltraTouch does not itch and is very easy for renovators and installers to handle. with an absence of chemical irritants, it requires no warning label, has no VOC concerns and meets the highest testing standards for fire and smoke ratings, fungi resistance and corrosiveness.

“The interest is growing steadily in Alberta,” says Friesen. He adds that an Edmonton company, Pac-west, will be the main distributor in that area. In Calgary the manufacturer is still searching for the right distributors.

Late in 2007, UltraTouch insulation came into compliance with the National Building Code. B.C.-based Twin Maple Group maintains exclusivity in Canada, but the company is setting up distributors across the country.  The market has been responsive, especially in B.C. and Ontario, with potential distributors directly contacting Twin Maple Group. In western Canada, Twin Maple Group has been in talks with Brock White Canada, supplier of construction materials, to carry UltraTouch Natural Fiber Insulation.

Other options
In her national bestseller ECOHOLIC, Your Guide to the Most Environmentally Friendly Information, Products and Services in Canada, Adria Vasil writes about green insulation choices.

“Skip old-school, greenhouse-gas-emitting polyurethane foam, which is also treated with PBDEs (ultra-persistent fire retardants, some of which are being phased out but are still on the market.),” advises Vasil. “Instead go for blown-in cellulose, made with recycled paper. If done right, it’ll keep cold air at bay better than fibreglass, and it takes up to a quarter of the energy to manufacture.”

Vasil recommends BioBase 501, made partly from soybean oil. She says the cheaper, extremely fire retardant insulation was voted one of the Top 10 eco-friendly building supplies by BuildingGreen.com in 2003 and emits very few VOCs. 

Here are other green insulation options available:

So far, soy good
Water-blown and soy-based BioBased insulation (widely used in the U.S. and which distributors hope to attain certification for in Canada in the next year) allows residential and commercial structures to be more sustainable. When installed, the insulation expands to 100 times its original size filling every space and void, stopping air movement. The sealed thermal envelope keeps conditioned air inside, undesirable air outside and reduces airborne noise pollution. This envelope can result in a more energy efficient, healthier, comfortable and durable home.

Ex-cell-ent choice
Weathershfield, a loose-fill, fibrous insulation,  is manufactured from selected paper stock. Qualifying as an “environmentally friendly” product, Weathershield displays Environment Canada’s ECOLOGO symbol. It can be hand-poured or pneumatically placed using a blowing machine and delivery hose.  In new construction and retrofits, the most appropriate method of installation will achieve the desired thermal and/or acoustical effects.

Foam home
Thermally efficient, non-toxic, Air Krete FOAMsolation is foamed into open or closed cavities in walls, roofs and ceilings. When applied, its consistency is like shaving cream that later hardens into stable foam for long-lasting insulation.  Its components are air, water and cement which are cost-effective, safe and high performance.

With a high R-value, Air Krete is fireproof, mold proof and free of CFCs and formaldehyde. NL

On the ’Net

• Built Green: http://www.builtgreencanada.ca
• Twin Maple Group: http://www.twinmaple.com
• Ultra Touch Natural Fiber Insulation: http://www.bondedlogic.com
• Adria Vasil: http://www.ecoholic.ca
• BioBased Insulation: http://www.biobased.net
• Thermo-Cell Weathershield: http://www.thermocell.com
• Air Krete FOAMsulation: http://www.airkrete.com