Ecological Building Systems, a leading supplier of natural building products for sustainable construction, has introduced an exciting new type of sustainable insulation to the UK and Ireland.
Gramitherm is the first insulation to be produced from grass, which is sourced from public parks and grass verges, combined with recycled jute fibres, plus a recycled polyester binder, to produce one of the most sustainable forms of insulation on the market and is exclusively available from Ecological Building Systems in the UK and Ireland.
Resistant to mould, Gramitherm has natural hygroscopic properties which helps to regulate humidity within the building envelope and enhance breathability.
The innovative new product has secured an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) which demonstrates that 1kg of Gramitherm sequesters 1.5kg of CO2 , equivalent post production making it a highly efficient and eco-friendly insulation choice.
As well as an EPD, Gramitherm holds European Technical Approval confirming compliance with relevant standards and its sustainability credentials and low environmental impact. As a natural, sustainable product, Gramitherm is carbon negative (cradle to gate) and has achieved A+ ratings in VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emission tests. Highly sustainable, each hectare of grass can produce 200m3 of insulation. Containing over 90% bio-based content, Gramitherm materials are sourced from within 300km of the manufacturer, therefore reducing transport emissions and lowering its carbon footprint. The production process is also highly sustainable, utilising heat from biogas, a by-product of grass fermentation, for drying.
Niall Crosson, Technical Director at Ecological Building Systems, explains: “Natural insulation materials are becoming increasingly popular and there’s nothing quite like Gramitherm on the market. It has impressive environmental credentials, plus strong thermal and acoustic performance to match. Gramitherm represents the perfect combination of technically high performing insulation with minimal environmental impact. Materials such as Gramitherm have a key role in the future of insulating more sustainable buildings.”
Gramitherm is extremely versatile and can be installed in rafters, joists, walls, ceilings and floors. The insulation is both flexible and rigid, ensuring a snug fit, without settlement. It has a high density of 40 kg/m3 due to the unique fibrous structure of grass.
Gramitherm’s breathability and thermal performance make it an excellent choice for both new builds and retrofits. With athermal conductivity of 0.041 W/mK and high heat storage capacity, Gramitherm keeps buildings warm in winter and cool in summer, due to its high specific heat capacity. This makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious builders, specifiers, self-builders and home renovators.
It is extremely straightforward to install and safe to handle. Gramitherm is available in 390mm and 580mm widths at various thicknesses and can be easily cut to size.
Gramitherm has excellent acoustic properties, absorbing 99 per cent of sounds at 1000 hertz, therefore reducing noise transmission. This makes it compatible with creating quiet and comfortable indoor environments.
Ecological Building Systems was established to help self-builders, home renovators and construction professionals to achieve 'Better Building' by adopting a 'Fabric First' approach to design, using more natural materials to optimise building performance and durability.
The company is renowned for supplying a variety of resource efficient, natural materials to optimise building performance and durability. Over the last few years, the business has grown significantly through supplying innovative, sustainable, high quality ecological building materials, backed up by expert advice and product training.
Ecological Building Systems researches, stocks and supplies high-performance sustainable products with unrivalled technical support.
Ecological Building Systems was set up in County Meath, Ireland in 2000, the UK division was established in 2007 and is based near Carlisle in Cumbria. Ecological's parent company is MacCann & Byrne, a family-owned company steeped in history having been established on the same premises in Athboy since 1906.
For more details email info@ecologicalbuildingsystems.com or visit www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com.
