A new product lauded by BULDERSnews Magazine as “Best Products of the Year 2008″ came across my desk from DiggersList user “Tasser Technologies“, and immediately caught the attention of my “green” and “wallet-conscious” sensibilities.  WEKA Sheep Wool Panels are insulated panels made from sheep’s wool and a natural alkaline binder developed by Walter Tasser of Pfalzen, Italy.  According to Tasser Technologies, the insulating material utilizes the properties of wool (wolle) as well as a natural stabilizer (kalk, hence WEKA), which accomplishes the following:

- Saves energy and heating/cooling costs

- Enhances fire resistance

- Improves in-door air quality by absorbing certain air contaminants

- Provides resistance to pests and fungi by its natural ability to draw in moisture

- Lowers impact on the environment due to no thermal treatment or chemical processing and is fully recyclable

- Provides LEED points for contractors:  Thermal Comfort (2pt); Rapidly renewable material (1pt); Innovation and design process: light, recyclabe (5 pt); Optimize energy performance (2pt); Use of local materials

Because these panels can be mounted on existing walls or used in new builds, the need for insulation and dry walling is eliminated, reducing the overall budget of a project.  Besides budgetary considerations, which I always appreciate, the ability for a product to positively affect the environment and its resources is always a list topper for me.  In addition to the aforementioned “green” positives above, the use of wool in this product is providing a new source of income and stability for wool farmers and suppliers, and increasing the exchange of local and sustainable sources of insulation materials.  Now that’s what I call, giving back.  For more information, visit the Tasser Technologies profile on DiggersList.