Is Cellulose Insulation “Greener” Than Others?

“Cellulose insulation should be a preferred insulation material for environmentally concerned builders and designers.” –Environmental Bldg. News

Insulation is inherently green because it increases the energy efficiency of homes and buildings. But are some insulations “greener” than others? It’s worth a look, especially with the strong interest in environmental responsibility.

• Studies at universities, national laboratories, private research facilities and hundreds of homes and buildings have shown that cellulose is from 20% to 50% more effective than fiberglass.
• If cellulose were used in homes instead of fiberglass, there would be an additional savings of 2.1 quadrillion BTU’s per year – the equivalent of a 51-day supply of gasoline for the entire U.S.
• Cellulose contains from 75% to 85% post-consumer recycled newsprint.
• Cellulose insulation is manufactured in fairly small plants which pass recycled newsprint through a series of fiberizers. This equipment is powered by relatively small electric motors.
• Standing outside a cellulose plant, one can hear humming motors but there are no smoke plumes and no odors because there are virtually zero emissions.

Read the entire Cellulose Insulation article at http://www.applegateinsulation.com/Product-Info/Technical-Pages/249454.aspx