Baldseagull
Well-known member
It is nuisancism, highlights the cause, and puts pressure on Governments to address the issues, but shouldn't kill anyone.
I am more pissed off that they are making an overly simplistic demand, insulate homes.
The highest rated insulation products, also create the highest amounts of CO2 in their production. Lower insulation values materials can often be used, but require greater thicknesses to create the same U values, but could actually sequester CO2. A hemp lime render on external walls will add some thermal insulation and sequester the CO2 that the hemp used to grow, and the lime will reabsorb the same amount of CO2 from the air, that was driven off in it's production from limestone.
There is potential off gassing of VOC's in some insulation materials, and a reduction in ventilation that are also an issue for human health, I fear that simply looking at CO2 emissions and adding synthetic insulation could be akin to the advocation of diesel rather than petrol cars a few years ago, yes the CO2 produced will be lower, but particulates and pollution are worse, and are choking people, so these vehicles get banned from city centres and usually end up getting sold
For me, I would be demanding subsidy for the greenest insulation, and proper energy surveyors to advise on where best to place it in homes, so many cowboys installing insulation, and so many homes that have had insulation added are still rated low because of the original construction methods and the way that is factored into the calculations. For all the insulation in the world though, my missus is still going to have the heating on high, and the bedroom window open, because she likes the fresh air, however much I moan at her about that.
I am more pissed off that they are making an overly simplistic demand, insulate homes.
The highest rated insulation products, also create the highest amounts of CO2 in their production. Lower insulation values materials can often be used, but require greater thicknesses to create the same U values, but could actually sequester CO2. A hemp lime render on external walls will add some thermal insulation and sequester the CO2 that the hemp used to grow, and the lime will reabsorb the same amount of CO2 from the air, that was driven off in it's production from limestone.
There is potential off gassing of VOC's in some insulation materials, and a reduction in ventilation that are also an issue for human health, I fear that simply looking at CO2 emissions and adding synthetic insulation could be akin to the advocation of diesel rather than petrol cars a few years ago, yes the CO2 produced will be lower, but particulates and pollution are worse, and are choking people, so these vehicles get banned from city centres and usually end up getting sold
For me, I would be demanding subsidy for the greenest insulation, and proper energy surveyors to advise on where best to place it in homes, so many cowboys installing insulation, and so many homes that have had insulation added are still rated low because of the original construction methods and the way that is factored into the calculations. For all the insulation in the world though, my missus is still going to have the heating on high, and the bedroom window open, because she likes the fresh air, however much I moan at her about that.
