Low Embodied Carbon Materials

EcoBatt Insulation is free of formaldehyde, acrylics, and artificial colors. This insulation combines sand, post-consumer recycled bottle glass, and Knauf’s ECOSE Technology. It can be used for walls, ceilings, sound control, floors, attics, and mid-floor applications. This product is Declare Red List Free. It has also achieved a Greenguard Gold Certification, which ensures that it meets strict standards for VOC emissions.

Per EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon - thanks in large part to its use of recycled materials. Knauf currently has 27 production across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. When specifying this product be sure to consider the distance it will travel to your site.

Ecobatt's R-value range is declared between 8-49.

Knauf Insulation Jet Stream ULTRA is an unbonded, fibrous glass blowing insulation that is designed to be used in attics or with the BIBS system (Blown-in-Blanket System). This product is Declare Red List Free, and meets the strict VOC emission standards for the Greenguard Gold Certification. Additionally, it is made with over 60% post-consumer recycled glass (cullet) content.

Per Knauf's product-specific EPD, Jet Stream Ultra meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. Knauf currently has 27 production across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. When specifying this product be sure to consider the distance it will travel to your site.

Jet Stream's R-value range is declared between 11-60.

Safe is batt insulation made from mineral wool that provides acoustic dampening and is non-combustible. Safe N Sound is similar to Rockwool's Safe product but is primarily for interior applications. It is Greenguard Gold Certified, meaning it meets strict requirements for VOC and formaldehyde emissions.

This product meets HML's low embodied carbon standards per Rockwool's EPD for its stone wool insulation. Production facilities are located in the US and Canada. For shorter transportation, the North American Market is therefore preferable. Rockwool's Ontario location uses a substantial amount of recycled material.

*NOTE: This product contains phenol-formaldehyde. According to the manufacturer: "Phenol formaldehyde is allowed in rigid mineral wool insulation for exterior applications (such as rain screen assemblies or foundation insulation). While rigid mineral wool insulation does contain some formaldehyde, most of the formaldehyde is eliminated in the production process through a chemical reaction and high heat. Rigid mineral wool insulation installed on the exterior of the building possess less risk to humans and ecosystem than rigid foam insulation products, which almost always contain HFRs and use blowing agents with high global warming potential."

Roxul's R-value range is declared at 4.2/inch.

Gutex Thermofibre is a blow in insulation made of two components only: regionally sourced pinewood fiber and ammonium salts which act as a flame retardant. As a result, the product Thermofibre is made from natural, biodegradable materials. It is suitable for stud, rafter and ceiling insulation. It holds a European Natureplus certification that sets strict standards for material health and complies with REACH standards.

According to Gutex's EPD which covers their wood fibre insulation, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. Gutex is based in Germany making this a better option for projects based in central Europe.

Thermofibre's R-value range is declared between 0.5-6.3.

Marmoleum Imagine is made from natural materials and uses an Aquajet cutting technique to create the unique designs. The product has a low carbon footprint, and is free from toxic materials such as phthalates. The designs can be customized on request which allows for endless design possibilities.

Per Forbo's product-specific EPDs, these Marmoleum flooring system meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

mafi is an Austrian company that specializes in the production of three-layer wooden planks that can be used as flooring, walls, or ceilings. mafi floors are finished using natural oils. Instead of creating a seal-like more typical lacquers, the oil soaks into the wood and protects it from the inside out. Because it does not create a barrier, the oil finish on mafi’s wood floors allows the material to breathe and to help regulate the interior climate and improve indoor air quality. The natural oil finish is also free of toxic solvents. All of the wood used in mafi's flooring is grown in Austria, within 12km ( 8 miles ) of the factory.

Per Mafi's product-specific EPDs, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Graphenstone has updated traditional lime paint formulas with their product by adding graphene, a material made from carbon. Graphene lends the paint extreme strength, durability, and washability. Additionally, the use of lime creates a paint that is not only free of harmful substances, but one that also actively improves indoor air quality by absorbing toxics and CO2. The white interior and exterior paint have a Cradle to Cradle Gold certification.

This product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon in part because of its use of renewable energy and CO₂ absorbing ingredients. As the product is produced in Spain, shipping can negate it's low emission score.

*NOTE: Recently, researchers have raised health concerns about graphene. According to the manufacturer, Graphenstone uses Nano Fibers of Graphene (NFG), which has a larger structure that is not harmful to human health.

Clayworks clay plasters are blends of unfired clays mixed with natural minerals and pigments. They provide a 100% natural alternative for gypsum plaster and paint wall finishing. Clayworks clay plasters are non-toxic, avoid synthetic additives and emit zero VOCs or formaldehyde. They are free of heavy metals and can be composted.

The clay plasters help regulate indoor relative humidity and temperature, absorb toxics and odors, and are easily repaired. They are made in the UK and supplied in a dried form, ready to mix with water and apply with conventional plastering tools and skills. The BM-1 hazard on the HPD relates to respiratory protection. The clay plasters also contribute to WELL and LEED certifications.

Per Claywork's product-specific EPDs, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Kährs's 3-layer flooring product is made up of a surface layer, a core layer, and a backing. All of their surface treatments are naturally free from solvents, formaldehyde and isocyanate, and the floors carry a FloorScore emissions certification. The Multi Layer Flooring can be installed floating on a level surface as opposed to being glued down. This allows you to avoid potentially unhealthy adhesives in addition to allowing for future disassembly and reuse.

*NOTE: This product is ULEF as opposed to NAF, meaning it contains ultra-low emitting formaldehyde.

Per Kahrs's EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Marmoleum Modular tiles are made from natural materials. The product has a low carbon footprint, and is free from toxic materials such as phthalates. The modular tiles allow you to mix and match to design a unique floor surface.

Per Forbo's product-specific EPDs, these Marmoleum flooring system meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. It contains 100% Biobased Content according to Bioprefered.gov.

Marmoleum Signature tiles are made from natural materials. The product has a low carbon footprint, and is free from toxic materials such as phthalates. The modular tiles allow you to mix and match patterns to design a unique floor surface. They can also be custom designed as long as they fit in one of the modular tile sizes.

Per Forbo's product-specific EPDs, these Marmoleum flooring system meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Impressa has a natural base made from renewable raw materials very similar to linoleum. A state-of-the-art printing technique allows prints directly on the substrate for a range of authentic wood looks. The product composition is free from PVC, phthalates, and styrene. Note: Aluminum Trihydrate is used as a fire retardant to exceed requirements for flame spread and smoke development by international fire testing standards. (see footnote)

Per Forbo's product-specific EPDs, this flooring system meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Durabella Terrazzo flooring is composed of marble aggregates and/or natural stones with a vegetable oil-based binder. This healthier alternative to epoxy flooring is Red List Free and passes VOC emissions standards for the level of Indoor Air Comfort. The production of this product currently requires the use of isocyanates. While the manufacturer avoids the more harmful toluene diisocyanate (TDI), any isocyanate can be hazardous when the product is wet. Therefore, installers should use proper protection. Durabella is customizable and can be applied to interior and exterior surfaces.

Per Duracryl's EPD, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon.

Thermacork is a 100% natural, renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable rigid-insulation material produced from natural cork. Under the effect of pressure and superheated steam, cork granules expand and are agglomerated, originating blocks, avoiding any type of added adhesives. Cork forests benefit the environment, acting as habitats for a diverse range of species and providing a carbon sink that captures CO2 and greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

Per Thermacork's cradle-to-gate EPD for its expanded insulation corkboard, this product meets HML's criteria for low embodied carbon. Like most cork producers, Amorim Isolamentos, S.A. is based in Portugal.

Thermacork's R-value is declared at 4/inch.