Healthcare facilities impact the health of their occupants more than any other facility, but until recently there were limited options for green MRI construction. Take insulation as an example. Traditional insulation has a number of drawbacks – including the production of greenhouse gasses and potential health risks. But there is a better option – one that is LEED certified and is just as effective as traditional alternatives. A unique insulation material made from a surprising substance — recycled denim.
Recycled denim insulation—also known as natural cotton fiber insulation — is a high-performance insulation made from scraps and clippings from the manufacture of denim clothing. This insulation is suitable for both residential and commercial use in the same places that traditional fiberglass or mineral wool batts would be used — between open roof rafters, ceiling joists, and wall studs.
For those looking for a green alternative, recycled denim insulation in MR suite construction is a good choice for many reasons.
Performance
The performance of recycled denim insulation meets or exceeds previous materials. Denim insulation’s acoustic ratings are about 30 percent higher than those for traditional insulation. The fibers used to make the insulation contain inherent qualities that provide for effective sound absorption; therefore, airborne sound transmission is greatly reduced — an added bonus in a MRI suite environment.
Recycled denim insulation is also much cleaner in the suite environment. It contains no harmful airborne particulates eliminating health concerns regarding particulates in the surrounding environment.
Using recycled denim insulation also results in higher HVAC efficiency and lower energy bills due to its excellent thermal performance.
Improved Health and Safety
Recycled denim contains no volatile organic compounds or formaldehyde, which can pollute a building’s air. It does not contain fiberglass; therefore, it does not irritate the skin or respiratory tract during installation. Additionally, the insulation is typically treated with both a borate solution and a fungal inhibitor to heighten fire-resistance and protection against mold and mildew.
Environmental Friendliness
Recycled denim insulation typically contains 85 percent recycled content and is 100 percent recyclable at the end of its usable life, making it very environmentally friendly. Likewise, companies that produce the insulation divert waste destined for landfills, and the manufacturing process to create the insulation requires less energy than that of fiberglass insulation.
For commercial and institutional buildings, sustainability has become an all-important project driver. For commercial and institutional buildings, sustainability has become an all-important project driver. With the continuing push toward economic, energy and environmental sustainability, specifying truly sustainable products is a sound choice.
As a division of the largest dedicated Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Shielding company in the world, IMEDCO America has an established reputation for delivering innovative shielding packages optimized for each individual environment. Recycled denim insulation is just one more example of that innovation.
Talk to us today about why we believe recycled denim insulation should be part of your MRI shielding package contact us or call today at 317-773-8500.
