The building stock is responsible for around 30 per cent of Germany’s CO₂ emissions. Ever-rising heating costs are placing a strain on residents’ finances and often lead to ‘energy poverty’.
- To tackle heating energy consumption in buildings, thermal insulation of the building envelope is the most important technology (closely followed by high-quality glazing and airtightness). Only well-insulated buildings are ‘low-temperature-ready’ and suitable for efficient and cost-effective heating using heat pumps.
The best-known – and also most important – insulation method is the external thermal insulation composite system, or ETICS for short. However, there are over 60 other insulation methods available for existing buildings, most of which are little known. The Insulation Atlas aims to provide guidance here.
One of the best-known insulation materials is polystyrene (also known by the brand name ‘Styropor’). It is a very good and cost-effective solution for the ETICS mentioned above. However, there are a further 99 different insulation materials. Twenty-six of these – ranging from cellulose, rock wool and perlite to SLS20, calcium silicate boards, right through to high-performance insulation materials such as aerogel products and the world’s best insulation material, vacuum insulation – are also described here, with their technical, environmental and other properties presented in detail.
Given the shortage of skilled tradespeople, the question arises as to who can install these insulation materials correctly in and on the house. Some insulation methods can also be carried out by experienced DIY enthusiasts. Detailed examples of how to use them are provided.
Enjoy exploring the ‘world of insulation’ – or:
yes, we insulate!
And for anyone who’d like to hear more about insulation, here are a few podcasts:
https://youtu.be/nr0UA2HDh5o?si=lLyWGXgUtyttSXlC