Insulation - Building Renewable

A photograph of a building site in Burkina Faso where adobe is being used to build. There are partially-complete buildings in the background and the foreground has a worker carrying a ball of adobe mix. There is a scroll and quill pen in the bottom left to indicate history, and an eco-friendly symbol in the bottom right showing two leaves in a green circle. Across the top are the words, "What is Adobe Building and Its History? Is It Eco-Friendly?"

What is Adobe Building and Its History? Is It Eco-Friendly?

ByJim Pritchard May 17, 2023January 13, 2025

Adobe building is an eco-friendly construction technique that’s been around for millennia. This article explains what adobe building is and its historical significance worldwide.

A photograph of a woman holding a piece of sheep's wool insulation on the left side of the image and a photograph of a worker installing batts of pink fiberglass insulation between wall studs on the right. Across the top of the image are the words, "What Is the R-Value of Sheep's Wool Insulation (vs. Others)" In the lower center of the image are the letters "VS.

Wool Healthy Buildings Insulation Sustainable Architecture

What Is the R-Value of Sheep’s Wool Insulation (vS Others)

ByJim Pritchard May 3, 2023October 13, 2024

Sheep’s wool is a great way to insulate your home in a sustainable, eco-friendly manner. But what is the R-value of sheep’s wool insulation, and how does it compare to other types of insulation? This article reveals all.

A photograph of a worker handling bundles of sheep's wool insulation in the factory, next to a second photo of a lamb in a field. Across the top of the image are the words, "What Is Sheep's Wool Insulation (Why Should We Use It)?"

Wool Energy Insulation Sustainable Architecture

What Is Sheep’s Wool Insulation (Why Should We Use It)?

ByJim Pritchard May 2, 2023May 17, 2024

Is sheep’s wool insulation a viable alternative to standard insulation materials, like fiberglass and rockwool? This article looks at the characteristics of sheep’s wool insulation, how it is made, and its advantages and disadvantages.

A photograph of shredded plastic bottles ready for recycling with a drawing of a blue roll of recycled plastic insulation and a photo of three plastic bottles overlain. The plastic bottles are arranged in a circular "recycling symbol" shape. Across the top of the image are the words "All About Recycled Plastic Insulation (Should You Use It?)"

Recycled Plastic Insulation Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

All About Recycled Plastic Insulation (Should You Use It?)

ByJim Pritchard March 31, 2023October 13, 2024

Recycled plastic insulation is becoming more popular by the day, but should you use it in your home? In this article, we tackle all the pros and cons of recycled plastic insulation and answer the most common questions about its use.

A large green house icon with multi-colored plastic pellets in the background. The pellets are arranged in vertical stripes of the same color going from gold on the left, through orange, green, pink, white, and yellow on the right. There are orange bricks along the bottom and the words "The Real Costs of Recycled Plastic Homes (3D and Bricks Too)"written at the bottom of the image in white letters on a semi-transparent orange background.

Recycled Plastic Insulation Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

The Real Costs of Recycled Plastic Homes (3D and Bricks Too)

ByJim Pritchard March 30, 2023October 13, 2024

Recycled plastic is popping up in more and more building products, making it possible to build a house entirely from recycled plastic. In this article, we look at the costs of recycled plastic homes, including 3D printed homes and homes built using recycled plastic bricks.

A segment of cork insulation sitting atop a full sheet.

Cork Insulation Sustainable Architecture

Your Ultimate Guide To Cork Insulation: All You Need To Know

ByErin Shine March 27, 2023October 13, 2024

Cork is an excellent alternative to bulkier insulation materials such as fiberglass and rock. As it is easily attainable, cork is an eco-friendly option for insulating the modern home. So what do you need to know before using cork insulation to increase your home’s energy efficiency?

A picture of a house drawn as a simple shape with a pitched roof and two windows in the front. The background image of the shape is a jumble of plastic bottles that can be recycled in the home such as detergent bottles and drinks bottles. The background to the image is a green field with short grass and a bright blue, cloudless sky. Across the top of the image are the words "Is Making a Building From Recycled Plastic Possible?" in pink fuchsia letters.

Recycled Plastic Insulation Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

Is Making a Building From Recycled Plastic Possible?

ByJim Pritchard March 20, 2023October 13, 2024

Plastic has hit the headlines in recent years due to its accumulation in massive quantities in the environment, notably in the oceans. In this article we ask “Is Making a Building From Recycled Plastic Possible?” The answer might surprise you.

A bamboo roof viewed from the inside. It is light yellow in color and has a complex system of trusses, rafters and beams. Across the top are the words "Bamboo Roofs: Everything You Need to Know (Pergolas Too)."in the bottom left are the words "Did you know?" and in the bottom right is a picture of a bamboo grove, showing live plants.

Bamboo Insulation Sustainable Architecture

Bamboo Roofs: Everything You Need to Know (Pergolas Too)

ByJim Pritchard March 8, 2023August 24, 2024

Bamboo roofs are an eco-friendly and sustainable way to provide shelter from the wind, sun, and rain. But how do they perform, how do you install them, and can you use them on pergolas? This article covers all the angles to help you get the full picture.

A straw bale house under construction. It has the roof on and the frame built. There is a stack of straw bales on the inside to protect them from the weather. Across the top are the words "Straw Bale Building - Everything You Ever Wanted To Know", and there is a cloud of question marks overlain in the center of the image, with a puzzled-looking man and woman in the bottom corners.

Straw Bale Insulation Sustainable Architecture

Straw Bale Building – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

ByJim Pritchard March 6, 2023October 13, 2024

Straw bale building has a low environmental impact, so many people are interested in learning more about it. What is it exactly, how much does it cost and what are its pros and cons are just a few of the questions covered in this article.

A partly-built straw bale house. There are straw bales stacked inside the post-and-beam structure and the roof is installed but the walls are not yet filled with straw bales. The words "The Pros and Cons of Straw Bale Building (Should You Use?)" are written across the top and there is a box in the bottom left of the image with a green tick and red cross and the words "pros" and "cons" next to them.

Straw Bale Insulation Sustainable Architecture

The Pros and Cons of Straw Bale Building (Should You Use?)

ByJim Pritchard March 5, 2023September 15, 2024

It’s important to understand the pros and cons of straw bale building before diving in to this construction method for your next project. This article takes you through all the advantages, disadvantages, and things to look out for before choosing this as your approach to building your home.