Flammable Insulation was selected for Grenfell Tower, in its project to achieve an eco-friendly environment. Celotex RS5000 was chosen as insulation to meet the thermal performance goal. This was stated by Bruce Sounes. Bruce is the chief architect for Studio E. The aspiring engineers had set the target to test themselves. They had no idea that the result of this insulation would set up a massive fire.
They had set up a U-value =0.15 for insulation. This was the measure for energy efficiency and it exceeded the amount required for the former buildings. This was to be the standard for the homes that were newly built.
An architect from Studio E stated that Max Fordham chose an “ott” U-value, which would help him achieve max credits for the criteria of thermal performance.
The flammable insulation target had disallowed the use of Bruce’s material of rock wool. Bruce considered this to be the safest material in case of a fire. He could not see any particular reason for abandoning the target material.
Bruce did not have any issues with the flammable insulation of Celotex, as it didn’t burn. It was just charred and was safe to use in small cavities. Bruce Sounes had also mentioned that he had previously worked with Max Fordham and stated the fact that he had created sustainable buildings that were exceptional.
Bruce did not find a reason to abandon the 0.15 flammable insulation target as it was in the interest of the project.
The Reason Behind The Use Of Flammable Insulation
The design team was enamored to try and win an award for the most innovative and sustainable building (BREEAM). This over-emphasis on sustenance had fueled the fire that ensued later.
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Stephanie Barwise told the media that the drive to reduce carbon emission was great, but this drive went haywire at Grenfell. The insulation manufacturer, Celotex, used flammable insulation along with the rainscreen cladding. This flammable insulation caused the fire to reach higher temperatures and this resulted in an Inferno at Grenfell.
