Why insulation in schools matters
The quality of a learning environment directly affects a student’s ability to concentrate, listen and learn. A quiet and calm classroom makes it easier to focus, just as a comfortable temperature and superior air-quality elevates well-being. Balancing all of these variables can be a tough task, but crucial to protecting the education of generations to come.
‘The Ministry of Education’s Designing Quality Learning Spaces (DQLS) requirements sets out minimum standards for providing quality physical environments that support effective teaching and learning within schools across New Zealand,’ says GreenStuf Account Manager Dan Hoy.
‘Insulation has a direct correlation with the indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics of these spaces and our GreenStuf acoustic wall and ceiling range supports these minimum standards, or higher as required.‘
Creating higher quality learning spaces, greater enjoyment of time spent in the classroom, and greater confidence in kids and teachers.
Year-round thermal comfort
New Zealand experiences a wide range of weather conditions—from hot, humid summers to wet and chilly winters. GreenStuf insulation is an excellent thermal performer, keeping spaces cooler in summer and reducing heat loss in winter to maintain comfortable temperatures all year round.
GreenStuf insulation also helps to control moisture levels, reducing dampness and mould to create healthier, cleaner air that minimises respiratory health risks for students and staff.
Sound insulation softens indoor and outdoor noise
Studies show that poor acoustics can lead to a 20% drop in comprehension compared with a classroom with optimal acoustics. GreenStuf sound insulation, such as Sound Solution Classic® and Sound Solution® Plus, is designed to reduce airborne sound, impact noise and noise transmission to make it easier for students to listen and comprehend. Especially while younger children’s listening skills are developing, a quiet environment means they are less likely to miss words and sounds.
By controlling resonating noise inside the construction cavity, GreenStuf sound insulation minimises noise inside and between classrooms. It also reduces distractions from outside, such as sports, traffic and construction noise.
The result is a quieter, more focused learning environment where students can hear their teachers more easily and work with fewer distractions.
Combining thermal performance, sound management & sustainability
In keeping with New Zealand’s drive toward sustainability, GreenStuf’s entire polyester range is crafted from 100% polyester fibre sourced from PET plastic, incorporating as much as 92% recycled fibre. This incudes Sound Solution Plus (previously ASB), and Sound Solution Classic rolls, now manufactured using 100% reclaimed polyester material sourced from site offcuts and textile material.
Both products reduce a building’s carbon footprint, and all uncontaminated products can be recycled through the GreenStuf Takeback Programme at their end-of-life.
Implementing the right high-quality insulation can also improve a school’s energy efficiency. By reducing the need for heating and cooling throughout the year, it lowers running costs and carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.