The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products and the ASBP Natural Fibre Insulation Group hosted an opening event of the inaugural Natural Fibre Insulation Week.
The format for this year’s Natural Fibre Insulation Summit was a lively debate session taking place on Monday 14th October, 1-2pm, online. At this hour long lunchtime event we discussed the key issues facing the construction, housebuilding and retrofit sectors, and debate how natural fibre insulation (NFI) can be a key part of the solution.
Panellists
- Richard Broad, Director, ASBP (Chair)
- Mark Lynn, Chair, ASBP / Managing Director, Thermafleece
- Jasper Meade, Director, PYC Group
- Laura Brain, Research Associate, Welsh School of Architecture
- Ran Boydell, Vice-Chair, SEDA / Founder, Ecohus
- Anna Gidman, Architect and Senior Lecturer, Manchester School of Architecture / ACAN Natural Materials Group
Recording
Webinar summary
The third annual Natural Fibre Insulation Summit discussed the benefits and challenges of using natural fibre insulation in the UK. Key points included the need for better quality homes, with a focus on insulation, and the potential for natural materials to reduce embodied carbon. The panel debated the government’s target of 370,000 new homes per year, emphasising the importance of retrofit and the role of local supply chains. They highlighted the need for training, policy changes, and public sentiment to support the growth of natural fibre insulation, aiming for a market share of 10% within five years. Suggestions included tax incentives and education to promote sustainable building practices.
Introduction and Overview of the Event and introduction to ASBP and Upcoming Events (00:00-04:54)
Discussion on New Build Housing (04:55-18:22)
- Richard raises the question of how many new homes should be built, considering carbon budgets and quality issues.
- Ran argues that the focus should be on quality rather than quantity, emphasizing the need for more insulation.
- Mark defends the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes by the end of the parliament, highlighting the need for a long-term strategy.
- Mark and Anna discuss the importance of resource efficiency and the need for thicker architecture to accommodate natural materials.
- Jasper and Laura emphasize the need for high-quality construction and the role of social housing in addressing housing shortages.
Challenges in the Retrofit Market (18:23-30:55)
- Richard introduces the topic of retrofitting the most energy-inefficient housing stock in Western Europe.
- Mark highlights the importance of resource efficiency and the need for proper workmanship in retrofits.
- Laura discusses the challenges posed by government grant schemes and the need for a shift in testing and certification.
- Ran and Anna emphasize the importance of detailed, accredited information and the need for local supply chains and traditional building skills.
- Jasper and Laura discuss the potential for natural fibre insulation to reduce risks of mould and compensation issues in retrofits.
Opportunities and Barriers in Scaling Up Natural Fibre Insulation (30:56-48:44)
- Richard asks about the steps needed to scale up natural fibre insulation in the UK.
- Anna emphasizes the importance of training and education in construction and architecture.
- Mark discusses the need for the market to understand the value of natural fibre insulation and the challenges posed by big business.
- Ran and Laura highlight the potential for rapid supply-side ramp-up and the need for demand-side initiatives.
- Jasper and Mark discuss the importance of government support and the need for a political mandate for change.
Government Policy and Public Sentiment (48:46-59:33)
- Richard asks the audience to suggest initiatives or policies that could support the growth of natural materials.
- Mark proposes a scheme for tenants to purchase properties from buy-to-let landlords to encourage better retrofit.
- Anna and Ran emphasise the need for a carbon tax and the importance of public sentiment in supporting sustainable housing.
- Laura and Jasper discuss the need for policies that support labour-intensive processes and provide incentives for better insulation.
- Mark and Anna highlight the importance of educating people to behave in a more sustainable way and the need for seasonal living.
Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks (59:34-1:01:55)
- Mark shares a personal anecdote about the importance of using the right ingredients in cooking, drawing a parallel to sustainable construction.
- Richard thanks the panellists and audience for their contributions and encourages everyone to check out the Natural Fiber Insulation Week events.
- Richard reiterates the importance of natural fibre insulation and the need for continued collaboration and education.
- The session concludes with a reminder to visit the website for more information and to sign up for upcoming events.
Transcript
If you would like the verbatim transcription please email larry@asbp.org.uk