The environmental cost of insulating with chemicals

A post in response to Andreas Herrmann who last week argued for wood fibre insulation in buildings rather than petroleum-derived ones…

Andreas Herrmann makes good points. The Grenfell Tower insulation/cladding contained the energy equivalent of 30,000 litres of gasoline and gave off hydrogen cyanide. (Editors’ Note: The Grenfell Tower fire in London, UK on June 14 killed more than 80 people. Blame is being placed squarely on the flammable exterior cladding that surrounded the 24-storey block of flats.) Other examples of costly mistakes in the pursuit of energy efficiency without due diligence include leaky condos and asbestos and urea formaldehyde insulation. In addition, if in the near future we are able to harness unlimited energy from the sun via technology (Tesla shingles, better batteries) does it matter if homes are super-insulated?

Casey Edge, Victoria Residential Builders Association