Innovative insulation
Building supplier Carters and Knauf Insulation have teamed up to provide a sustainable and innovative solution for meeting the H1 regulations for new home insulation.
“In July 2021, just before the new H1 changes were announced, a Climate Action Tracker study revealed that the carbon emissions from New Zealand buildings were overall seen to be highly insufficient,” says Steve Smith, Knauf Insulation's Product and Systems Manager for the Asia Pacific region. Climate Action Tracker is an independent international scientific project that tracks government climate action and measures it against the global Paris Agreement aim of holding warming well below 2°C, and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) sees these new Building Code regulations as a step in the right direction, and called for these changes in their 2020 Building for Climate Change programme. If New Zealand is to achieve its climate change goals, the building and construction sector must play its part.
To see just how much of an increase in energy efficiency the MBIE is calling for with the new regulations, see the summary on the right. This shows how much the R-values have increased in the three insulated areas of the home:
The total building needs to reach a much higher level of thermal performance. This would mean installing a double-layer system, which is likely time-consuming, costly and complex. Carters has found a solution for this through a partnership with Knauf Insulation, manufacturing specialists in glasswool for EcoInsulation®.
Steve says, “Knauf Insulation has developed an advanced single-layer solution to meet new H1 compliance standards. An easy single-layer ceiling insulation solution saves time and money and is easy to install. A range of insulation products and solutions can be mixed and matched to allow homeowners and builders to increase their energy efficiency levels and reduce energy bills.”
EcoInsulation® Glasswool provides flexibility for builders and designers when using calculation methods of design. Available through Carters, the Knauf Insulation range offers solutions for ceilings, skillion roofs (cathedral ceilings), walls and underfloor insulation. These will assist in meeting R-values for various applications, which differ in varying climate zones.
These solutions are part of Knauf Insulation’s desire to provide customers with innovative products to meet the growing demand for more sustainable construction materials. EcoInsulation® Glasswool is manufactured using a bio-based binder – Ecose® Technology – in its manufacture. The glasswool contains no added formaldehyde, has low product emissions and low embodied energy. “Lower levels of embodied carbon will become a requirement of insulation in the future,” says Steve.
Glasswool is a durable material that can help ensure buildings are well-insulated, reducing the need for maintenance for many years to come. Ensuring the proper insulation is installed from the start is crucial, as it’s more expensive to upgrade a building’s insulation over its lifespan.
EcoInsulation® glasswool products are made using up to 80 per cent recycled glass, are non-combustible, and feature TwinTech® Technology, a dual-forming technique that produces a smooth finish on both sides.
Whether compliance is calculated via the Schedule Method, more detailed Calculation Method or the completely comprehensive Modelling Method, Carters can provide technical help to guide you through your next project and give you the tools and products to help you meet the H1 standards with confidence.
For more information on meeting the updated H1 standards, you can find more details and videos on the Carters website.
carters.co.nz/H1-roadshow
vimeo.com/754987830/70354bea4d
0800 227 8377 | carters.co.nz
0800 562 834 | knaufinsulation.co.nz
