Exploring Biobased Insulation Materials

In this webinar, we will look at three key types of biobased insulation, the associated carbon savings, design implications, and how to utilize these materials on projects.

Our three speakers will provide guidance on biobased alternatives, drawing upon real projects to share lessons learned and guidance for success on future projects.

Event Outline:

Chris Magwood (Builders for Climate action):

• Straw bale insulation: Material properties, embodied carbon, guidance for success;
• Blown cellulose insulation;

Jeiuing Wang (FP Innovations):

• Wood fibre insulation
• Performance, R-value, embodied carbon factors
• Case study findings

Brandon Cochran (Hempworks Canada)

• Hempcrete insulation overview
• Insulative and embodied carbon properties
• Guidance for use on projects

Event Speakers:

Chris Magwood, Director of Programs, Research & Policy, Endeavour Centre

Chris Magwood is obsessed with helping reverse climate change by making carbon-storing buildings that are also healthy, beautiful, efficient and inspiring and assisting others to do the same.

In 2022, Chris joined the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Embodied Carbon initiative within RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings team.

In 2019, he helped to establish Builders for Climate Action, and has been leading development of the BEAM carbon estimator tool for low rise construction. He is working closely with many levels of government to develop embodied carbon benchmarks and regulatory programs, and helping developers and builders figure out how to reverse climate change with their buildings.

From 2011-2022, Chris was a director and teacher at The Endeavour Centre, a not-for-profit sustainable building school.

Chris has authored seven books on sustainable building and is coeditor of the Sustainable Building Essentials series from New Society Publishers. His new book, Building Beyond Zero: New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture, is co-authored with Bruce King and published by Island Press.

In 1998 he co-founded Camel’s Back Construction, a design-build firm focused on straw bale construction and renewable energy.

Chris has completed an MA at Trent University. His thesis, Opportunities for Carbon Removal and Storage in Building Materials was published in the fall of 2019.

Chris is an active speaker and workshop instructor in Canada and internationally.

Jieying Wang, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, FPInnovations

Jieying Wang is a well-known researcher in the field of durability and building science of wood-based systems. She has focused on research to understand the physical behaviour and performance of light-wood-frame and mass timber buildings from construction to service through field monitoring and laboratory testing, in collaboration with practitioners and academia. She has developed and co-developed over 20 best practice guides related to building envelope design, construction moisture management, energy efficiency and external energy retrofit, and differential movement of wood buildings.

Brandon Cochran, Founder, CEO, Hempworks Canada

(bio to follow)