Hello everyone,
I am really not a fan of "construction documentaries," as they mostly consist of entertaining horror stories based on real cases (I know quite a few productions) ... but tonight it’s worth checking out a public broadcasting program; here on WDR1.
At 8:15 p.m., there will be a report about who really benefits from external wall insulation. Here is a brief description of the program:
If you want to protect the climate and save money at the same time, you absolutely have to insulate your house walls. At least that is what politicians and the industry claim.
A little over a year ago, WDR presenter Dieter Könnes started researching the topic of external wall insulation. He quickly developed serious doubts about the above statement. Dieter Könnes was able to prove that the savings promises from the industry are exaggerated and that the commonly used material—polystyrene—can be dangerous. In the event of a fire, polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, is very difficult to extinguish.
Following his first film on the subject of external wall insulation, there were strong reactions from insulation manufacturers, who legally challenged the research and the film. This was another reason for Dieter Könnes to continue exploring the insulation of house walls and to find out: What are we actually sticking onto our walls? Do the materials deliver what the industry promises? How has the industry managed to establish such a controversial product on the market? Who profits from the massive consumption of polystyrene insulation boards? The environment? The consumers? Or just the industry?
In his new film, Dieter Könnes meets industry insiders who provide insights behind the scenes of the insulation industry and its questionable business practices. He also questions the role of politics: Why is a single, highly controversial measure subsidized with billions in taxpayer money when it saves far less energy than promised?
Dieter Könnes reveals how closely industry, politics, and lobby groups cooperate regarding thermal insulation. Is everyone really fighting for the climate—or just for their own profit?
So definitely tune in—at least those of you who are considering masonry + ETICS (external thermal insulation composite system).
Best regards, Bauexperte
I am really not a fan of "construction documentaries," as they mostly consist of entertaining horror stories based on real cases (I know quite a few productions) ... but tonight it’s worth checking out a public broadcasting program; here on WDR1.
At 8:15 p.m., there will be a report about who really benefits from external wall insulation. Here is a brief description of the program:
If you want to protect the climate and save money at the same time, you absolutely have to insulate your house walls. At least that is what politicians and the industry claim.
A little over a year ago, WDR presenter Dieter Könnes started researching the topic of external wall insulation. He quickly developed serious doubts about the above statement. Dieter Könnes was able to prove that the savings promises from the industry are exaggerated and that the commonly used material—polystyrene—can be dangerous. In the event of a fire, polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, is very difficult to extinguish.
Following his first film on the subject of external wall insulation, there were strong reactions from insulation manufacturers, who legally challenged the research and the film. This was another reason for Dieter Könnes to continue exploring the insulation of house walls and to find out: What are we actually sticking onto our walls? Do the materials deliver what the industry promises? How has the industry managed to establish such a controversial product on the market? Who profits from the massive consumption of polystyrene insulation boards? The environment? The consumers? Or just the industry?
In his new film, Dieter Könnes meets industry insiders who provide insights behind the scenes of the insulation industry and its questionable business practices. He also questions the role of politics: Why is a single, highly controversial measure subsidized with billions in taxpayer money when it saves far less energy than promised?
Dieter Könnes reveals how closely industry, politics, and lobby groups cooperate regarding thermal insulation. Is everyone really fighting for the climate—or just for their own profit?
So definitely tune in—at least those of you who are considering masonry + ETICS (external thermal insulation composite system).
Best regards, Bauexperte
Hm, we also insulated the basement walls with polystyrene, but honestly, I’m not too worried about fire safety. The fire tends to spread upwards, and there’s no polystyrene there—just a wooden facade. That probably burns even more easily than polystyrene.
Since the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) was installed, I’ve noticed a huge difference, especially around the windows. Before, it felt like sitting in front of an open freezer (which wasn’t due to the windows themselves, but the hollow space below where the wall didn’t fully extend up to the window). Now it’s much better, and the damp smell in the basement has completely disappeared.
Since the external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) was installed, I’ve noticed a huge difference, especially around the windows. Before, it felt like sitting in front of an open freezer (which wasn’t due to the windows themselves, but the hollow space below where the wall didn’t fully extend up to the window). Now it’s much better, and the damp smell in the basement has completely disappeared.
B
Bauexperte17 Nov 2014 14:59Hello,
Take a neutral look at the program if you have time, and we can continue the discussion here afterwards 🙂
Best regards, Bauexperte
DerBjoern schrieb:Not all of them, certainly; I never claimed that anywhere. But I don’t see any logical reason not to trust tonight’s report. I listened to an interview with the reporter this morning, and what was said finally matched my experience—without, among other things, the usual hiding behind terms like “flame retardant.” That alone was the reason I recommended the report.
Do you really consider all evening program reports on public broadcasters to be reliable? I wouldn’t have expected that from you... 😱
DerBjoern schrieb:That distrust is already being sown regarding the content before the report is even aired; see my reply to Yvonne. But you’re not arguing with the chemical industry’s slogans—you’re using ratings as your argument.
What do you want to express with that?
Take a neutral look at the program if you have time, and we can continue the discussion here afterwards 🙂
Best regards, Bauexperte
D
DerBjoern17 Nov 2014 15:12I admit, when I see the name Konrad Fischer mentioned as an expert on this topic beforehand, it becomes difficult to view this post without bias. But then again, you’re probably not watching this film objectively either 😉
Well, before anyone even questioned the film here, in post 3 you had already preemptively labeled all contributions that don’t align with your beliefs as lobbying.
That’s true – distrust about the content is already sown before the post is even broadcast; see my reply to Yvonne. But you’re not arguing with the slogans of the chemical industry, you’re arguing with ratings.
Well, before anyone even questioned the film here, in post 3 you had already preemptively labeled all contributions that don’t align with your beliefs as lobbying.
B
Bauexperte17 Nov 2014 16:14Hello,
Regards, Bauexperte
DerBjoern schrieb:Suspicious and a bit grumpy 😀
Well, before anyone even doubted the film, you already dismissed all contributions that didn’t match your views as lobbying in post 3.
Regards, Bauexperte
D
DerBjoern17 Nov 2014 21:08Bauexperte schrieb:
Hello,
Suspicious and also a bit moody 😀
Regards, BauexperteSuspicious, yes, but you haven’t seen me moody yet 😉
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