What Is Red List Free? Pricewise Insulation

In both new and older homes, numerous building materials may pose risks to our health. They can compromise indoor air quality, contribute to long-term health issues, and even have more severe consequences. The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) advocates for the gradual phasing out of these materials from production, citing concerns about human health and environmental toxicity. While there are various items that could be included, the Red List primarily targets those with the potential for significant impact if their use were drastically reduced or eliminated from the building industry. In this article, you will learn more about Red List building materials and how you can select Red List Free materials for your next insulation project.

What is Red List Free?

The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) collaborated with the Healthy Building Network and the Pharos Project to establish the initial Red List in 2006. Products containing chemicals on this list are prohibited in buildings striving for Living Building status. This criterion falls under the Materials petal of the Living Building Challenge (LBC), one of seven performance areas. It aims to ensure that buildings not only conserve energy and minimise waste but also prioritise occupant health.

Development of the LBC Red List

Beyond advocating for the cessation of production and use of Red List chemicals, ILFI aims to encourage the materials industry to adopt practices that prioritise human safety. While many products can negatively impact human health, the Red List focuses on the most egregious offenders.

Red List Building Materials

The LBC Red List remains adaptable based on emerging scientific insights but currently includes:

Asbestos
Cadmium
Chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated polyethlene
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Chloroprene (neoprene)
Formaldehyde (added)
Halogenated flame retardants
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
Lead (added)
Mercury
Petrochemical fertilisers and pesticides
Phthalates
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Wood treatments containing creosote, arsenic or pentachlorophenol

Products seeking to declare certification undergo evaluation against the active version of the LBC Red List during their annual label renewal.

Which insulation products are Red List Free?

This list was last updated 14/04/2024.

Knauf Insulation

All of Knauf’s unfaced glasswool products achieve the Declare “Red List Free” status, due partly to their unique ECOSE® Technology. This bio-based binder contains no added formaldehyde or phenol, which are substances which feature on the Declare Red List.

Wall Insulation:

Ceiling Insulation:

Knauf Earthwool Ceiling Insulation Batts

Floor Insulation:

Acoustic Insulation:

Knauf Earthwool Sound Shield Insulation Batts

For more information, visit www.knaufinsulation.com.au

Pro Clima

A number of Pro Clima products do not contain harmful chemicals identified on the Red List.

For more information, visit www.proclima.com.au

Other Red List Free Insulation Products

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of Red List Free insulation products. If you require assistance sourcing Red List Free materials for an upcoming project, please send an email to sales@pricewise.com.au or give us a call on 1300 729 369.