July 2, 2025
There continues to be a significant push to create more sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials, especially in areas like construction and HVAC. Part of this push is that heating and cooling are among the most significant contributors to energy consumption, meaning they directly contribute to a large percentage of the carbon emissions released into the atmosphere.
This push has led to the development of new construction practices and building materials that allow buildings to be much more energy efficient and cost less to heat and cool. It’s also led to the development of more energy-efficient HVAC equipment and a move towards all-electric HVAC systems instead of systems that run on fossil fuels.
One of the more recent developments is the increased use of bio-based insulation materials rather than traditional synthetic materials. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common organic and bio-based insulation materials and their pros and cons, and discuss the impact insulation has on HVAC efficiency.
Common Types of Bio-Based Insulation
Companies nowadays produce bio-based insulation from a wide variety of natural materials. One option that’s long been popular as an alternative to fiberglass is cellulose insulation made of plant fibers. Most cellulose insulation is made using recycled paper, making it an excellent option for environmental friendliness.
Some cellulose insulation is made from raw wood fibers from the scraps left over by the lumber industry. The production and use of hemp insulation has also significantly increased in recent years. Cotton, flax and even wool continue to grow in popularity. Companies also produce bio-based insulation using agricultural by-products like grain husks, straw, olive pits, fruit stones, avocado seeds, nut shells, etc.
Pros and Cons of Different Types of Bio-Based Insulation
Not all bio-based insulation materials are equal in terms of performance and sustainability. For instance, when considering materials like hemp, flax, and cotton, you need to account for the space it takes to grow the crop and how water-intensive it is.
It takes around 100 gallons of water to produce a single pound of cotton, meaning that growing cotton solely to produce insulation isn’t sustainable. However, some manufacturers are now producing cotton insulation containing a relatively high percentage of cotton from recycled clothing to make the product much more sustainable.
Growing hemp to produce insulation is much more sustainable than many other crops. That’s partly because it isn’t as water-intensive and has a high yield per acre. Both of these reasons are why hemp is considered a carbon-negative crop. Cork is also a carbon-negative product and highly sustainable. The most sustainable types of bio-based insulation are those made from agricultural by-products. Still, many of these products don’t provide the same level of insulation as cellulose, wood fiber, cotton, wool, and hemp insulations.
Are bio-based insulations sustainable?
It’s a matter of debate about how sustainable wool insulation is due to how much water it takes to grow the crops that feed the sheep. As with cotton, it’s estimated that it requires around 100 gallons of water for every pound of wool produced. The counterargument is that the sheep industry in some of the biggest sheep-producing countries like New Zealand and Ireland is mainly geared toward meat production instead of wool production. That means there’s an abundance of wool that’s viewed chiefly as a by-product and can be repurposed to make insulation instead of being used for clothing.
All types of insulation have an R-value, which expresses how much of a thermal barrier they create and thus how well they perform. Most wood fiber, hemp, and wool insulation has an R-value of around R-3.7 per inch, which is about the same as fiberglass and other traditional insulation materials. Cellulose insulation doesn’t always perform quite as well, but it can still be about as effective as fiberglass. In terms of performance, blown-in cellulose consistently outperforms cellulose batts, but this is also the case with fiberglass.
What are the drawbacks of bio-based insulations?
There are also some potential drawbacks when deciding whether to opt for bio-based insulation and which material is the best choice. One is the potential cost, as options like hemp, wool, and cork can cost quite a bit more than traditional insulation. Materials like wood fiber and cellulose can have issues with moisture retention and potentially start rotting in more humid environments. Wool can also retain moisture and potentially have issues with mold growth. Cellulose and wood fiber insulation have a tendency to settle over time, resulting in decreased effectiveness.
Another factor that you need to consider in terms of sustainability is that many types of bio-based insulation aren’t naturally fire resistant like fiberglass insulation is. That means the products must be treated to make them fire resistant, which can involve using environmentally harmful chemicals. While this is something to consider, the fact is that many types of bio-based insulation materials are still far more sustainable than traditional insulation materials. Bio-based insulation also has a major advantage in that most materials are recyclable. While it is possible to recycle fiberglass insulation, it’s rarely done due to the high cost. Additionally, it’s not a sustainable practice due to the amount of energy it requires. These issues mean that most fiberglass insulation just ends up in landfills.
The Role Insulation Plays in HVAC Efficiency
Having sufficient insulation in your exterior walls and your attic is one of the biggest keys to ensuring that your HVAC system performs efficiently and keeping your carbon footprint as low as possible. Insulation creates a thermal barrier that blocks heat out during the summer so the house stays cooler. In the winter, insulation blocks out cold and traps heat to keep the house warmer.
Without adequate insulation, your HVAC system will have to do much more work to cool or heat your house and won’t perform as efficiently. That means your energy bills can be substantially higher than they normally would. In fact, a poorly insulated house with numerous air leaks will usually cost at least 20-30% more to cool and heat. This is where reinsulating your home, especially your attic, can be extremely beneficial due to the amount of money it can save you.
How does insulation help with HVAC efficiency?
Whether traditional or bio-based, insulation also helps to reduce the strain on an HVAC system. Properly insulated homes typically experience far fewer issues with their heating and cooling and require fewer HVAC repairs. The reduced strain typically results in the HVAC system having a longer lifespan as well.
Work with HVAC Experts to Stay Comfortable at Home
Since 1976, Scott-Lee Heating Company has been providing exceptional residential and commercial HVAC services to customers throughout the St. Louis area. We respond to all service calls within 24 hours and are ready to help day or night, 365 days a year. Whether it’s repairs, maintenance, or installation, you can trust our technicians to do quality work and go the extra mile to make sure you’re fully satisfied.
Our team can work on all types of equipment from any brand and will ensure you enjoy efficient cooling and heating all year long. To schedule service for your home or business, contact Scott-Lee Heating Company today.