Publication of the guide "Choosing and implementing bio-sourced insulation"

RE2020, which focuses on the performance of the building envelope and its insulation, has strengthened requirements compared to RT 2012, particularly for the good climate design index and energy efficiency. It incorporates the life cycle analysis of buildings and therefore takes into account the carbon weight of construction products and encourages the integration of low-carbon materials into insulation systems.

Highlights

Generically illustrates the most commonly used techniques, highlighting good practices prescribed in reference documents and reminding people of the mistakes to avoid.
It incorporates all up-to-date reference texts. Easy to access and informative, it is written by a CSTB expert in the field.
Covers the main bio-sourced materials used for building insulation. It describes several implementation techniques according to best practice.

Bio-sourced thermal insulation materials - Specifications and implementation techniques - Thermal performance and carbon impact reduction

When it comes to insulation, bio-based insulation materials are increasingly being adopted by professionals for building insulation. The constantly growing bio-based insulation market now represents approximately 10% of new construction and renovation projects.

This guide describes several implementation techniques according to the rules of the art and the rules defined by the NF DTU standard, the CSTB e-Cahiers, the CPT and the Technical Opinions or Technical Application Documents of the processes concerned. It applies exclusively to premises with low and medium humidity and does not deal with premises with high or very high humidity.

The objective of this guide is to show the points of vigilance to avoid possible impacts on bio-sourced insulation due to unsuitable implementation or non-compliance with rules and good practices.

This guide is not intended to be an exhaustive list of existing techniques. It provides a generic illustration of the most commonly used techniques, highlighting best practices prescribed in reference documents and reminding people of the mistakes to avoid.

To find out more, consult the extract from the guide and order it: CSTBoutique

Author (s)

This guide was written by Hafiane EL CHERKAOUI, evaluation and expertise engineer at CSTB, responsible for the insulation sector.

Summary

Foreword
Bio-sourced insulation: Definition - Origin - The different families of bio-sourced insulation
Overview of bio-based insulation: Wood fibers - Wood wool - Cellulose wadding - Textile fibers from recycled fabrics - Grass - Sugar cane - Straw - Insulation based on mixed compounds - Hemp - Hemp concrete - Wood concrete - Examples of characteristics of bio-based insulation
Assessment of the suitability for use of bio-sourced insulators
Implementation
Summer comfort and carbon footprint
RE2020
The LCA
Glossary
Regulations, standards and other reference documents
Index