To Russia with Love: Sheffield-based Social Enterprise is at the Winter Oylmpics 2014
Press Release 14th February 2014
Recovery Insulation (RI) is a Sheffield-based social enterprise that manufactures and distributes natural fibre recyled cotton insulation – a non-itch, high performance “eco” thermal and acoustic insulation made from recycled denim/cotton. Natural fibre recyled cotton insulation has a low embodied energy and can itself be recycled when removed, using 70% less energy in production than inorganic conventional insulation,
Natural fibre recyled cotton insulation was recently installed for acoustic application for a major American broadcasting venue at the Winter Olympic XXII Games in Sochi. The insulation that was sent to Russia was first used at the London Games, 2012. As part of the broadcasting company’s Green Initiative, to avoid creating unnecessary landfill, natural fibre recycled cotton insulation used at the 2012 Games was re-used at Sochi. Natural fibre recyled cotton acoustic insulation is also being used for setting-up home recording studios in Sheffield and elsewhere in UK.
Natural fibre recycled cotton insulation has been installed in a large number of eco projects from 2005-2013:
1. South Yorkshire Energy Centre, Sheffield
2. Anns Grove Primary School Heeley, Sheffield, for thermal and acoustic applications.
3. Genesis Eco-Building – Somerset College of Design & Technology
4. Torfaen (South Wales) Eco Building
5. Hemphill Hall, Nottingham (a listed building refurbishment)
6. The Materials and Engineering Research Institute [MERI], Sheffield “eco-house” project.
7. Barnsley College Think Low Carbon (TLC) Centre
8. Bradford Enterprise Park in conjunction with Modcell
9. In April 2007, natural fibre recyled cotton insulation was featured in the BBC series – “It’s Not Easy Being Green” and featured on BBC – DIY/SOS in November 2010.
For every m2 of insulation sold, RI donates a percentage of profits to the education charity, the Schools and Homes Energy Education Project/Solar-Active – supporting renewable energy, fuel and money-saving activities in local/national schools and community projects.
RI has received funding from The Key Fund (part funded by the EDRF) to aid in the continual manufacturing and distribution process. RI is also seeking investment to aid in developing marketing, employment and training opportunities.
RI has previously been unable to refer to the use of its product at the London Games 2012, because of the strict rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that did not allow companies to announce their involvement in the games unless they were an official sponsor. The fact that small British companies could not use their involvement in the Games to help create growth and sales seems to be at odds with the idea of the Olympics providing an economic legacy for host nations. In January 2013 the embargo was lifted and we were allowed to state that natural fibre recyled cotton insulation was used as the London Games 2012.
Sustainable options, like natural fibre recycled cotton insulation, will save much more than money in the long run.
Contact: , 0114 2587639 or 07968 844891.
Double gold for green insulation
Sheffield Star 20/02/2014 08:27
Eco-friendly insulation produced by a Sheffield firm has made the trip from London to Sochi for a second Olympic appearance.
Recovery Insulation is the Sheffield-based social enterprise behind natural fibre recyled cotton insulation – a high performance thermal and acoustic insulation made primarily from recycled cotton fibres.
The material isn’t only eco-friendly in terms of being made from recycled cloth. Unlike other types of insulation, once it has been turned into rolls and panels it can be re-used time and again. What’s more, installers don’t need gloves or protective clothing to handle it.
The insulation that has gone to the Winter Olympics venue was originally bought as part of a leading US broadcaster’s commitment to going green, when they needed soundproofing for their studios at the London 2012 Olympics. When the studio was dismantled, the insulation, along with other materials, was shipped to Sochi to do the same job there.
Recovery Insulation was founded by David Garlovsky to raise funds for the Schools and Homes Energy Education Project/Solar-Active, an educational charity he set up to raise awareness of green issues and opportunities in schools. Backing from South Yorkshire’s Key Fund and the Sheffield Community Enterprise Development Unit helped to get the company off the ground.