Insulation

Sheep Wool Insulation.

Sheep wool insulation has one of the lowest CO₂ footprints among all insulation materials: -3 to -4 kg CO₂-eq/kg. This is due to the high carbon content in the wool's keratin proteins. For comparison: mineral wool emits approx. 1.05 kg CO₂-eq/kg.

Key Figures

Carbon Footprint (GWP): −3.5 kg CO₂-eq/kg
Density: 15–30 kg/m³
Expected Lifespan: 50+ år (ved korrekt montage)

What is sheep wool insulation?

Sheep wool insulation is made from natural sheep's wool — typically wool not suitable for textile production. The wool is cleaned, treated with borates for fire protection and formed into batts or rolls. Sheep wool has a unique ability to absorb and release moisture (up to 35% of its own weight) without losing insulation performance. This provides a stable indoor climate and makes the material very fault-tolerant in moisture-sensitive structures.

Carbon Footprint Compared

Fåreuldsisolering ← this material −3.5 kg CO₂/kg

Hampisolering −1.5 kg CO₂/kg

Hemp insulation −0.56 kg CO₂/kg

Cellulose insulation 0.12 kg CO₂/kg

Mineral wool 1.05 kg CO₂/kg

Negative carbon footprint (green) indicates carbon storage. Data based on EPD averages from ECO Platform and estimates per EN 15804.

Typical Applications

check_circle Exterior walls in timber construction
check_circle Attic insulation (batts and rolls)
check_circle Roof insulation between rafters
check_circle Interior partitions (sound + moisture)
check_circle Moisture-sensitive rooms (bathroom-adjacent walls)

In Renovation

Sheep wool insulation is well suited for renovation of older timber and masonry structures where moisture regulation is critical. The wool's ability to handle moisture makes it fault-tolerant in imperfect structures — which is the reality in most older houses. Ideal for attics, exterior walls and rooms with varying moisture loads.

Questions about sheep wool insulation

Does sheep wool insulation smell?

No, not after proper washing and borate treatment. There may be a slight wool odour in the first weeks after installation, but it dissipates.

Does it attract moths?

The borate treatment protects against moths and insects. Properly treated sheep wool insulation has no documented moth problems. Untreated wool should never be used as insulation.

Can sheep wool be used in bathroom walls?

Not directly in wet rooms, but in walls adjacent to bathrooms. The wool's moisture regulation helps manage moisture diffusing through the wall — but there should still be a vapour retarder towards the wet room.

What is the difference between sheep wool and mineral wool?

Sheep wool actively regulates moisture (up to 35% of its weight), has a negative CO₂ footprint (-3 to -4 kg CO₂-eq/kg vs. +1.05) and is pleasant to work with. Mineral wool is cheaper and more readily available. Insulation performance is comparable (λ 0.035-0.040 for both).

Related Materials

Insulation

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