What is usually burned to generate energy today could protect houses tomorrow. Researchers at ETH Zurich and Empa have found a way to press sawdust with a mineral binder to create a robust, flame-retardant material. It’s even recyclable.
Those are super neat. I saw a video about how that was sidelined when they made the insulation regulations in the 1900s, which was a real bummer.
One of the things to consider, beyond the dry climate requirements mentioned already, is that you can’t use it as a drop in replacement for fiberglass insulation. You have to plan the building around it because it requires a lot more space, relatively speaking.
*edit
In the USA. Can’t speak for australia, which is what you linked to.
Those are super neat. I saw a video about how that was sidelined when they made the insulation regulations in the 1900s, which was a real bummer.
One of the things to consider, beyond the dry climate requirements mentioned already, is that you can’t use it as a drop in replacement for fiberglass insulation. You have to plan the building around it because it requires a lot more space, relatively speaking.
*edit In the USA. Can’t speak for australia, which is what you linked to.