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
Umbau-Susi17 Nov 2014 21:12Actually a case for the public prosecutor, or rather an entire team of public prosecutors. I wonder if anything will come of it?
It was mentioned at the end that the competition authority is investigating this mess.
In my opinion, a similar mess exists with heat pumps as well. Manufacturers, lobbyists, and lawmakers are busily working on a heat pump–friendly energy saving regulation, while ecology and the economy (of the consumer!) are being neglected.
In my opinion, a similar mess exists with heat pumps as well. Manufacturers, lobbyists, and lawmakers are busily working on a heat pump–friendly energy saving regulation, while ecology and the economy (of the consumer!) are being neglected.
W
Wanderdüne18 Nov 2014 00:17The post could have been shortened to 20 minutes without the spooky music, self-promotion, and predictable storyline.
It would have been interesting to see the actual figures from the studies and how big the difference really is. One result in the list looked like 0.036x, but what was the insulation class (the left hand was "coincidentally" in the way)?
It would have been interesting to see the actual figures from the studies and how big the difference really is. One result in the list looked like 0.036x, but what was the insulation class (the left hand was "coincidentally" in the way)?
“Interesting” report.
However, different aspects should be distinguished.
On one hand, whether insulation is useful – on the other, the economic entanglements and conflicts of interest. The latter are probably no exception in times of American predatory capitalism and can be applied to almost all areas.
The important question for homeowners and renovators is the success of the insulation measure – also in economic terms.
For an old house from the 1960s, insulating only the façade would certainly be the wrong approach and not targeted – unless, perhaps, the façade was in significant need of renovation and had to be replaced. A new heating system, windows, insulation of the roof or the upper floor ceiling, the basement ceiling, etc. – together with exterior wall insulation certainly makes sense. Many reports in forums have shown clear energy savings here that pay off after a certain number of years.
One must not forget the aspects of value preservation – and, of course, living comfort, especially in an owner-occupied property. Bringing the house up to current energy standards, preserving the building fabric – this way, another 40 years can pass.
Despite all the calculations: no one knows exactly how energy prices will develop – but the costs for all energy sources will likely rise. And for example, using 30 years or more less energy...? Just look at the price trends of the last 20 years.
In the 1980s, some builders who used 4cm (1.5 inches) of insulation were laughed at. Over the decades, this measure has more than paid off in practice.
@Wanderdüne:
The results of the list interested me as well. I think I also saw the 0.036x figure mentioned. If I assume it refers to a thermal conductivity class 035, it would be a deviation of 0.001. But whether this justifies the scare tactics or if the deviation falls within an acceptable tolerance? No idea.
Many aspects were neglected in this report. The level was more like RTL & Co. and less like public broadcasting...
However, different aspects should be distinguished.
On one hand, whether insulation is useful – on the other, the economic entanglements and conflicts of interest. The latter are probably no exception in times of American predatory capitalism and can be applied to almost all areas.
The important question for homeowners and renovators is the success of the insulation measure – also in economic terms.
For an old house from the 1960s, insulating only the façade would certainly be the wrong approach and not targeted – unless, perhaps, the façade was in significant need of renovation and had to be replaced. A new heating system, windows, insulation of the roof or the upper floor ceiling, the basement ceiling, etc. – together with exterior wall insulation certainly makes sense. Many reports in forums have shown clear energy savings here that pay off after a certain number of years.
One must not forget the aspects of value preservation – and, of course, living comfort, especially in an owner-occupied property. Bringing the house up to current energy standards, preserving the building fabric – this way, another 40 years can pass.
Despite all the calculations: no one knows exactly how energy prices will develop – but the costs for all energy sources will likely rise. And for example, using 30 years or more less energy...? Just look at the price trends of the last 20 years.
In the 1980s, some builders who used 4cm (1.5 inches) of insulation were laughed at. Over the decades, this measure has more than paid off in practice.
@Wanderdüne:
The results of the list interested me as well. I think I also saw the 0.036x figure mentioned. If I assume it refers to a thermal conductivity class 035, it would be a deviation of 0.001. But whether this justifies the scare tactics or if the deviation falls within an acceptable tolerance? No idea.
Many aspects were neglected in this report. The level was more like RTL & Co. and less like public broadcasting...
Manu1976 schrieb:
Too bad, I missed the post. I would have been interested – even though we are building without insulation because we trust our architect, who said, "insulation is nonsense because.......better to use thicker masonry"This was about external wall insulation on existing buildings, not new constructions. Here, you can compare the costs precisely, for example, thicker masonry without external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) or thinner walls with them...
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