Environmental sustainability and energy efficiency are more important now than ever, and homeowners are increasingly turning to eco-friendly options for their homes to save money and the planet. However, one aspect of the home that homeowners often overlook is insulation. There are actually quite a few options when it comes to eco-friendly insulation, and many are even more effective than traditional options like fiberglass.

Here, we’ll explore six eco-friendly insulation varieties that can be used in houses and go over their unique properties, benefits, and considerations for choosing the right insulation to create an energy-efficient, eco-conscious home.

Wool

The same wool that goes into making your sweaters and blankets can be used as insulation in your home. Sheep’s wool proves to be an excellent choice because the densely packed fibers create countless micro air pockets, providing exceptional insulation. Additionally, sheep's wool is naturally water-resistant on the outer layer while absorbing moisture on the inner layer, helping prevent mold growth. In addition, wool is also naturally fire-resistant, helping protect your home on multiple levels.

Some people may have concerns about the ethics of using an animal product like this, but in fact, sheep need to be shorn once or twice a year for their health. Sheep who don’t get shorn risk overheating, can’t move easily and are at a greater risk of myiasis. Regular sheering keeps sheep healthy, and we get to use the excess wool for all sorts of uses, such as clothing, carpeting, or even insulation.

Cotton & Denim

Cotton insulation, also known as blue jeans insulation, is made from recycled denim jeans, giving new life to old clothes that would otherwise go into a landfill. The cotton is shredded and turned into thick batts that can be installed in your walls, just like fiberglass insulation. The cotton is also treated with a borate solution, making it fire-resistant.

Not only is cotton insulation environmentally friendly, but it also has other benefits. It naturally repels insects, contains no formaldehyde, and does not trigger respiratory issues. Plus, cotton insulation is highly resistant to moisture and insect intrusion, which is a common concern homeowners have with other eco-friendly insulation materials.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newsprint and other paper products, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The material easily conforms to various spaces, ensuring a tight seal and minimizing heat loss. 

In addition, cellulose insulation has fire-retardant properties, and it is commonly used in both existing homes and new construction projects, it can be applied as loose-fill insulation, blown into attic cavities, densely packed into walls and floors, or even applied as wet spray in new construction. 

Cork

Cork comes from the outer bark of cork oak trees, so it’s completely natural and recyclable, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. Plus, the cork bark can be harvested from the living tree without harming it, and the tree will regrow new bark.

One of the standout features of cork insulation is its negative carbon footprint, meaning that it can absorb surplus carbon dioxide from its surroundings, making it a valuable material for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, cork insulation is resistant to mold and moisture infiltration, helping keep your home dry and healthy. Cork also has an exceptionally long lifespan, making it a durable and sustainable choice for your home. 

However, cork insulation tends to be relatively expensive compared to synthetic alternatives. Despite its higher cost, many homeowners are willing to invest in cork insulation due to its environmental and thermal advantages. So, if you're looking for an insulation material that’s both eco-friendly and effective, cork insulation is definitely worth considering.

Icynene

Most people haven’t heard of Icynene, but this insulation is one of the best on the market when it comes to effectiveness. Icynene is a spray foam derived from castor oil, a natural product of castor beans.

Icynene's rapid expansion allows it to seal air leaks and drafts easily, forming a tight seal that minimizes heat loss and improves energy efficiency. Like other insulation types discussed already, Icynene is durable and lasts a long time without needing any maintenance, which can ultimately make it more cost-effective than fiberglass insulation which is cheaper to buy but doesn’t last as long. But unlike some insulation options, Incynene creates a barrier against noise, which can be an appeal for increasing privacy in a home.

Aerogel

If you want the best performance available, Aerogel may be the option for you. Aerogel has an impressive R-value of 10.3 per inch, making it one of the highest-ranking choices on the market. It’s made by extracting liquid from silica under high pressure, resulting in a material that is 90% air. This unique molecular structure minimizes the potential for heat transfer through conduction or convection.

One of the advantages of aerogel is its lightweight nature, and it is typically available in the form of sheets or stickers, making installation straightforward. However, it does come at a higher cost compared to other insulation materials, with a price tag of nearly $2 per square foot.

Choose the Right Insulation for Your Home

Choosing the right insulation for your home is not just a matter of comfort but also a significant step toward reducing your environmental impact and saving energy costs. The eco-friendly insulation options discussed in this article offer diverse solutions to homeowners, from natural eco-friendly materials like wool and cork to advanced technologies such as aerogel and Icynene.

By selecting insulation that aligns with your values and specific needs, you can contribute to a greener future while enjoying the benefits of a more energy-efficient and comfortable living space. As the world moves towards sustainability, these insulation choices represent a promising way to make your house both eco-friendly and cozy.

Author: Tony Gilbert

Cover image by Daria Nepriakhina 🇺🇦 on Unsplash