Knauf Insulation has donated its Earthwool insulation products to two projects in Bootle, Liverpool, assisted by CRASH, the construction and property industry’s charity for the homeless.
Both projects involved the conversion of existing accommodation into self-contained flats for the homeless by the Bosco Society.
The Bosco Society is a small charitable organisation that provides supported accommodation to homeless adult men, with a main house in Bootle consisting of 13 rooms, as well as five semi-independent managed flats and five fully-independent managed flats in the local community. Residents of the main house are encouraged to move into the flats when they feel ready.
The Bosco Society previously managed the 10 flats on behalf of private landlords. When the Bosco Society had an opportunity to purchase the properties, which were in extremely poor condition, they didn’t think twice, even though they would need help with the refurbishment costs.
Sheila Howard, Manager of the Bosco Society approached CRASH for its help in refurbishing the flats. She said: “Tenants complained that the properties were extremely noisy and constantly cold. The main objective of the refurbishment was to achieve a high level of insulation, to improve comfort levels and also dampen sound pollution, to provide quieter living. We therefore approached CRASH for its help, as we were aware of Knauf Insulation’s support.”
Knauf Insulation donated 19 rolls of Earthwool® Loft Roll 100mm and 32 rolls of Earthwool Loft Roll 170mm to the projects, improving thermal and acoustic performance of the buildings.
The lightweight and economic insulation provides an outstanding thermal and fire performance due to its thermal conductivity of 0.044W/mK and its fire rating, which is classified as Euroclass A1 to BS EN ISO 13501-1. Earthwool Loft Roll also has a low impact on the environment – it is classified as having Zero Ozone Depletion Potential and Zero Global Warming Potential, and is also free from CFC’s and HCFC’s.
Additionally the insulation rolls are manufactured with the revolutionary ECOSE® Technology, benefiting from a formaldehyde-free binder based on rapidly renewable materials instead of petro-based chemicals - which is up to 70 per cent less energy intensive - enhancing its environmental credentials without affecting the thermal, acoustic or fire performance.
Sheila Howard concludes: “Our clients have noticed a big improvement in noise reduction, and are looking forward to feeling the benefits of the installation come winter time. Additionally, the building contractors who installed Knauf Insulation’s products confirmed that the insulation was the best quality they have ever used.”
Steve Mceneany of G Mceneany Building Services said: “We enjoyed working with Knauf Insulation’s products on this project, as it was extremely easy to handle and install. The quality of the insulation was also outstanding - I look forward to installing more of Knauf Insulation’s products in the future.”