Index IntroductionProperties of WoolNatural Part of the Carbon CycleIntrinsic PropertiesProcessing of WoolInteriors of WoolConsiderationsLife Cycle AssessmentFossil FuelsWater ConsumptionClimate ChangeConclusions and RecommendationsIntroduction Designing environmentally friendly buildings and materials is currently one of the most pertinent issues in the design industry. The reasons for environmental design revolve around human health, air, water and soil quality. With common materials, such as low-cost synthetic ones, little or no attention has been paid to the environment due to the high energy consumption for extraction, transportation and production. Common materials also add chemicals that are not in the best interest of human health to improve aesthetic or technical characteristics. Currently, the demand for increasingly sustainable materials has shifted the consumer's personal choice towards the needs of the sector in order to improve aspects such as the environmental behavior of infrastructures and buildings. New approaches to energy saving and sustainable building design focus on reducing energy consumption, but also on the application of natural and/or local materials. This demonstrates not only the importance of reducing energy consumption, but more importantly, being environmentally conscious through intelligent design. The aim of this report is to illustrate how wool industry processes, which show much less harmful effects on the environment than synthetics, could be a sustainable answer for commercially designed materials, such as insulation or sound absorbers. This shows even more possibilities for environmentally friendly initiatives in the construction sector. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Properties of Wool Natural Part of the Carbon Cycle Wool hair is grown directly from sheepskin and is a completely natural protein fiber. Sheep produce new fleece or hair each year from consuming grass and other grazing plants. This is a natural process and part of the carbon cycle, making wool a renewable fiber source. Pure organic carbon makes up fifty percent of the weight of wool, therefore, after its use, wool decomposes easily. Wool releases nutrients into the soil, unlike most synthetic materials. Intrinsic Properties Wool has physical properties without the use of synthetic additives. Its fibers are hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and delivers water vapor. This makes wool an effective insulator as heat is generated through the absorption of water. The material is breathable as it can absorb 30% of its weight in water and release it. The same goes for the absorption and release of sweat, preventing the development of bacteria and the production of bad odors. This moisture retention prevents a high build-up of static electricity and the attraction of lint or dust in the air. The high water content of wool combined with nitrogen also makes it fireproof and self-extinguishing with a high ignition threshold. This prevents melting and sticking to areas, such as skin, and produces less harmful fumes. Wool fibers are strong and can fold on themselves over 20,000 times. Its wavy structure makes it naturally elastic. It can stretch and return to its natural shape, preventing most wrinkles and sagging during use. The structure of wool hair is also unique thanks to its hydrophilic core and alloyhydrophobic outer layer. The attractive water center dyes intensely and is colorfast, without synthetic treatment. The water-repellent and waxy coating makes it naturally resistant to stains and UV rays. Wool processing Four main phases are involved in wool processing. The process begins with shearing, followed by sorting and grading, spinning the thread, and finally weaving the fabric. To remove impurities, such as sand and dust, the wool is washed, dried and then carded. Carding is the phase in which the wool is untangled through toothed wire rollers and the product is arranged in a sheet called a web. Wool applications Wool interiors Sheep's wool as a natural material has traditionally been used in the textile industry for the production of conventional wool products, such as carpets, clothing, curtains, blankets and bedding. Recently, the use of natural and renewable materials with properties similar to those of conventional materials has become more important. Wool is a great example of this. As mentioned, its natural properties make it adaptable to multiple uses, especially for building interiors. As we spend more time indoors, our exposure to volatile organic compounds increases. VOCs are gas vapors from chemical materials that can be easily inhaled. They are common products in the home, such as solvents, paints and thinners. Other causes of VOC emissions are detergents, disinfectants, air fresheners, photocopiers, printers, building materials and furniture. Conventional thermal insulation and limited ventilation in modern buildings lead to deterioration of indoor air quality. VOC concentrations can be two to five times higher indoors. This can result in a feeling of unease within these living spaces, which is classified as sick building syndrome. These VOCs can be absorbed and neutralized by wool. Using wool in the home, such as in furniture, carpets, clothing or insulation, can be an environmentally friendly solution to the problem of indoor contaminants and improving indoor air quality. Wool can also be additional protection from toxic gases, smoke and fumes, all unfortunately common culprits in fatalities in house fires, with fatalities being more likely in rooms with soft furnishings. Wool is more flame resistant than commonly used fabrics (e.g. cotton, rayon, polyester, acrylic and nylon). As mentioned above, wool does not melt or stick to the skin, unlike polyester and nylon. When burning it forms an insulating carbon, this is particularly useful for large quantities of wool within the home, such as blankets and carpets. This can help stop flames from spreading to other materials. It also produces less smoke and less fumes than other synthetic alternatives.2. Building materials The need for environmentally friendly building materials, especially from renewable sources, is growing rapidly. Referring to current progress and attitudes in the field of science and technology, it can be said that thermal insulators made from organic materials will probably become a suitable alternative to those made from different synthetic materials (mineral wool, polystyrene or polyurethane). Although sheep's wool insulation is a relatively well-developed market in Western Europe, there is no manufacturer in Canada. Based on the fact that the natural properties of sheep, including inherent thermal insulation, moisture management and sound absorption, insulation from organic fibers can match the functionsof common synthetic insulating and sound-absorbing panels. Wool performs better than other fibers in average weather conditions due to its ability to absorb and desorb moisture from the air. This ability helps the building breathe and stay cool in the summer and create heat through moisture evaporation in the winter. The use of natural building materials promotes human health. For example, expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a common building material for insulation. Its use has been linked to significant safety, environmental and health problems due to its flammability and production of toxic fumes. The demand for greater environmental regulations in the construction industry and the initiation of green building certifications such as Leading Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), US Green Building Council and Building Environmental Standards (BOMA BESt) have generated a market for sustainable materials. In relation to these attitudes, wool insulation shows real potential as a valid substitute for other more aggressive ones for the environment. Considerations Life cycle assessment Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool that can be used to understand the environmental impact of wool, also known as the “cradle to grave” assessment. Its life cycle begins with the farm and then continues with production, use, reuse and recycling. Within the agricultural sector, the main concerns are land, energy and water use, along with emissions of greenhouse gases and other chemicals. The main greenhouse gas emissions from wool production are carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. It is important to note that there is no unique life cycle assessment for every wool product. For example, as a valuable and long-lasting material, wool is more likely to be resold, donated to charities or passed on as sentiment. These extend the life cycle of wool without involving impacts and resource use for reprocessing. Fossil Fuels Fossil fuel, a non-renewable energy, contributes to climate change and is widely regarded as one of today's major environmental problems. It is also linked to risks to human health and deterioration of air quality. Fuel consumption is quite low for wool production compared to alternative fibres. However, with larger agricultural systems, heavy metals resulting from high fertilizer use on feed crops may contribute to human health, such as cancer. Water use Freshwater use is based on the amount withdrawn and not returned to watersheds, and environmental effects vary based on local availability. The main factors that contribute to water consumption are the use phase (for example washing clothes) and the on-farm phase. On the farm the water is used to produce fertilizers and fresh water consumption by the sheep. Additionally, garment factories can also be large users of water. Climate change The main contributor to climate change from wool products is methane. Methane is produced in the digestive process of sheep and in the production of fertilizers. These are large sources of greenhouse gas emissions on farms. Carbon dioxide emissions from the use of fossil fuels in electricity and transportation also emit greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. 5. Land occupation This impact category represents the damage to ecosystems linked to human use over a certain period of time. Changes between forests, pastures and cropland can result in large changes in carbon levels.