Organic insulation wins environmental award

Using wool from hill breeds of sheep with coarse wools to produce thermal insulation for buildings has won a prestigious ward for a company in Cumbria. Second Nature of Penrith makes high-quality insulation from this wool under the trade name Thermafleece. As an environmentally preferable alternative to conventional insulation products, it has aroused much interest, particularly in rural areas where renewable products such as wool are a vital part of a sheep farmer’s livelihood. The concept won second prize in the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy, with a £10 000 cash prize. Christine Armstrong, managing director of Second Nature, says, ‘We have turned British wools into a useful quality product with a huge market potential. Regeneration, in its widest context, has been our guideline throughout, so clearly I am delighted with the award. It is a great recognition of our product and all our hard work.’

Related links:

• www.secondnatureuk.co.uk