Ecocel is one of the exemplary examples of manufacturing in the circular economy as it takes a waste product — recycled newspapers — and makes an insulation product that saves energy better than many imported products currently used. [Basically due to huge marketing budgets rather than any scientific evaluation ]
To evaluate insulation we need to do the Euro cost to U-value calculation. As Ecocel cellulose is pumped in, it achieves a level of air-tightness not possible with any sheet or roll-out material. Tests show a 20% improvement in air tightness with just “open-blow” cellulose in the attic. Ecocel will last the lifespan of the building and make building safer in event of fire.
Due to its natural fibres, Ecocel creates a healthy indoor air quality and is carbon negative when installed, especially in Cork area as very little transport involved. Its thermal mass also helps with the acoustics in a building.
When it comes to retrofitting, it is often not economically viable to fit an air tightness membrane in most attic retro fits. However, Ecocel can be used without an air tightness membrane (vapour check) and still last the lifespan of the building. It can be also be injected into timber frame walls and sloping ceilings.
In all cases, be it “open-blow ” or injection, if you use the proper scientific calculation Ecocel proves to be the best value. In fact, Ecocel’s EPD (environmental product declaration) shows in the LCA (life cycle analysis) that Ecocel makes 0.3kgs of carbon to make 1kg of insulation.
