Is insulation of buildings playing a role in reducing energy usage?

The insulation of buildings is an important factor in saving energy in buildings. This is because it helps to maintain an appropriate indoor temperature throughout the year and significantly reduces the energy required for heating and cooling. As a result, there is a reduction in household energy bills and in the overall carbon footprint of buildings, which contributes significantly to mitigating climate change. All these benefits make the European energy efficiency and sustainability targets achievable. 

Source: www.freepik.com House insulation set

What is the current state of building insulation in Europe?

Climate diversity and different building traditions are factors that influence the materials and strategies for insulating buildings in Europe. The most common materials include:

  1. Mineral Wool (Glass and Rock Wool) for its important acoustic properties and improved fire resistance
  2. Polystyrene (EPS and XPS) for its resistance to moisture
  3. Polyurethane foam for insulation in small spaces
  4. Cellulose, a green solution from recycled paper for fire and pest resistance
  5. Natural materials such as wood fiber, cork, and sheep's wool, which are particularly popular for their environmental benefits

Rapid advances in materials technology can offer improvements in building insulation, such as recycled materials with better thermal resistance and adaptability to changing environmental conditions.