29 May 2009
Home insulation should be a woolly idea
Federated Farmers is embracing the $323 million home insulation package announced in Budget 2009. It is not only good
for New Zealanders but by using poorer quality coarse wools, could also be good for the ailing wool industry.
“I’m walking the talk having installed wool insulation in my house last year and it’s a fantastic solution,” says Bruce
Wills, Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairman, an environmental award winning Hawke’s Bay farmer.
“We need to get wool into the insulation mix, having heard reports that Fletcher Building is increasing production of
its glass fibre insulation. Federated Farmers is currently checking with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Authority to ensure wool insulation is on the list of approved products.
“Wool insulation meets the New Zealand Building Code and offers outstanding insulation properties proven in laboratory
testing. It easily matches the thermal efficiency of man-made products with a similar life expectancy too.
“Unlike glass fibres however, wool doesn’t represent a health hazard during installation so you don’t need masks or
gloves. That’ll make DIYers and professional installers happy as well. But being a natural product, wool insulation
comes with the added bonus of having great sound insulation properties.
“Wool insulation cannot burn and is treated to make it vermin proof. It’s an impressive product.
“Federated Farmers believes there is much to recommend wool insulation, especially if people care about the environment.
It demands less energy during the manufacturing process and is largely sourced from a natural and renewable resource,
sheep.
“New Zealand’s wool industry has been suffering of late but potentially, this insulation package could give it a shot in
the arm by using poorer quality coarse wools. Trading off our ‘clean green’ image, it could offer new export potential
too.
“We believe insulation is a positive Green policy backed by the Government. It makes homes dryer, warmer and healthier
and that makes sound economic sense.
“If we are making a long-term investment in healthier homes, it could make for a healthier wool industry too,” Mr Wills
concluded.
ends