BauderECO FF: Evolving PIR Insulation for a net-zero economy

BauderECO FF  is an innovation in flat roof PIR insulation, with lower embodied carbon than any other PIR insulation board available in the UK market.

This evolution in PIR insulation comes at a time when the roofing sector is under increasing pressure to deliver higher thermal performance and greater material resource efficiency to meet the goal of net zero UK emissions by 2050.

Insulation plays a central role in reducing buildings’ energy demand and, therefore, emissions. Among the many insulation options available, polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation is the go-to solution for flat-roof specifiers.

So, why is PIR the preferred choice in roof insulation? And how exactly has Bauder improved upon this long-standing favourite?

Why PIR?

For specifiers, PIR offers a proven solution that aligns with both economic and industry-compliant requirements. Reasons why it’s the roof insulation of choice for so many include:

1. Thermal performance at lower thickness

PIR insulation is among the most thermally-efficient materials available on the market today. Its low thermal conductivity allows specifiers to achieve high levels of insulation performance with thinner boards.

2. Cost-effectiveness

For flat roof applications, PIR delivers thermal performance at a lower installed cost compared to alternative insulation types, with its cost-efficiency extending to design, logistics and labour.

3. Lightweight and structurally sound

The comparatively light weight of PIR makes it easier to handle on site and places less stress on the structural elements of a building. This and its high compressive strength make PIR ideal for modern roofs that accommodate environmentally-focused technologies such as green roofs and solar PV arrays.

4. Low-impact manufacturing

PIR insulation typically requires less water to produce, has lower embodied carbon than commercially available alternatives and does not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in situ.

5. Reuse and circularity potential

PIR is inert and does not degrade. When specified and installed correctly, boards can be removed and reused, offering a route toward circularity.

The future of sustainable roof insulation… can we do better?

The benefits of PIR insulation are clear. However, at a time when organisations are held ever-more accountable for their greenhouse gas emissions, it begs the question – ‘As an industry, can we do better?’

The answer is “Yes”, and with Bauder’s introduction of BauderECO FF, the answer is also “We already are!”

The future of PIR insulation is here 

BauderECO FF is an innovation in PIR insulation with lower embodied carbon than any other PIR insulation boards available in the UK market, while retaining the same thermal efficiency.

Up to 80% of raw material feedstock used in the production of ECO FF is sourced from processed renewable biomass and renewable inorganic raw materials, replacing derivatives obtained from fossil sources and thereby reducing embodied carbon.

The biomass balance approach

This carbon reduction is made possible by Bauder adopting the biomass balance approach in its manufacture of ECO FF. The biomass balance approach is a chain of custody model used to track the total amount of renewable organic raw material content through a manufacturing process/supply chain.