Efficient insulation is the cornerstone of energy saving in buildings in order to minimise transmission losses from either cooling or heating. Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Insulation saves money and energy resources. It can also make the building more comfortable by helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house. Walls, ceilings, and floors will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Insulation can also act as a sound absorber or barrier, keeping noise levels down. It is possible to add insulation to almost any house, for example in unfinished attics or under the floor over an unheated space. The amount of energy you conserve will depend on several factors: your local climate; the size, shape, and construction of your house; the living habits of your family; the type and efficiency of the heating and cooling systems; and the fuel you use.

Insulation Priorities:

• Insulate your attic to the recommended level, including the attic door, or hatch cover.
• Provide the recommended level of insulation under floors above unheated spaces, around walls in a heated basement or unventilated crawl space.
• Use the recommended levels of insulation for exterior walls for new house construction. When remodelling or re-siding your house, consider using the levels recommended for new construction in your existing walls.

Demonstration Projects:
Low-income housing with reduced energy costs, Houtvenne, Belgium
Improving efficiency of urban energy supply systems, France - Grenoble
Leamington House – Highly efficient heating system for improving thermal performance in Portsmouth, UK
A new "tune up" of innovative technologies, Italy - Brescia
Introduction of local district heating in spain, Spain - Vilanova Ila Geltru
Energy efficient technology to control costs of modern architecture, Finland - Kuopio
High-tech preservation of architectural heritage, Greece - Volos
Renewable energy supply to a "Green Region", Italy - Abruzzo

Technology Producers
www.rockwool.com