Set up by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, World Environment Day has become one of the largest global platforms for ‘environmental outreach’. Hence, on June 5th, millions of people worldwide will be taking part in activities and actions in a ‘once in a planet opportunity’ to reduce pollution and tackle climate change. As part of this year’s campaign, businesses and governments are being urged to accelerate waste-reducing solutions and transition to a circular economy.
With sustainable innovation being core to its product research and development, Recticel Insulation is an advocate of the UN’s environmental initiative. This is evidenced by the company’s industry-leading polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation range that is designed to improve thermal efficiency and create comfortable homes that are less impactful to the environment.
A Committee on Climate Change report revealed domestic emissions accounted for 40% of the UK’s CO2 output. Poorly insulated homes are seen as a significant contributor to the country’s carbon footprint. Analysis from the Local Government Association, which represents more than 350 councils across England and Wales, estimates that insulation-deficient properties will leak £12.7 billion of energy between 2023 and 2024. Such an outcome would adversely affect the UK government’s drive for net-zero.
High-performance insulation, as part of a fabric-first building design, remains key to improving domestic thermal efficiency and ensuring properties achieve regulation energy standards. When the composition of a building’s fabric is effectively-planned and its insulation materials correctly installed, it’s considered to be more sustainable than sole reliance on energy-saving technology or expensive renewables.
The government has outlined a fabric-first approach as a key metric in its Future Homes Standard (FHS) report. The FHS sets the parameters for new housing to produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than 1990 levels. Therefore, specifying high-performance PIR as part of a fabric-first design is essential preparation for FHS compliance and energy-efficient homes.
PIR’s structural strength ensures its suitability for fabric-first installation. Unlike fibrous insulation, which deteriorates over time when dampness sets in, PIR’s durability enables a consistent performance that will last for generations.
Simon Blackham, Senior Technical Manager at Recticel, said: “We absolutely align with the World Environment Day’s call to action. We must do all we can to offset the effects of climate change. For our part, we recognise how high-performance insulation, as part of a fabric-first approach can contribute to the fight against global warming. Therefore, we shall continue to innovate products that facilitate a more sustainable built environment for future generations to enjoy.”
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