Climate scientists predict El Niño will make 2027 the hottest year ever recorded, so using heat-reflecting insulation that doesn’t harm the environment is vital, says insulation specialist Actis
With UN secretary general António Guterres describing the El Niño climate phenomenon as “supersizing before our eyes” and the most extreme heatwave ever recorded hitting Europe this summer, leading to more than 35,000 deaths, the focus must be on minimising the negative effects of extreme temperatures – in a way which doesn’t cause further environmental damage.
That’s the message from Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper.
“We must build homes with sustainably created materials and use products which keep them cool in summer and not just warm in winter, to help reduce the vicious cycle of using air conditioning, which adds to the climate crisis.”
Actis insulation reflects 94% of heat radiation
Using Actis insulation and membranes, which reflect at least 94% of infrared radiation, can help keep homes passively cool, he explained.
“During the summer, the reflective properties of Actis insulation deflect solar heat rather than transferring it indoors. This keeps the interior naturally cooler and significantly reduces the energy required for air conditioning.”
Slowing the pace of climate change with zero-waste policies
Actis has a zero-waste policy and says using products created to minimise their environmental impact helps slow the pace of climate change.
All its products are 100% recyclable, and all offcuts are recovered, crushed and reintroduced into the manufacturing process.
The company recently renewed its commitment to the world’s largest sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiative – the United Nations Global Compact Strategy for 2026 – 2030 for a sustainable future.
The Pacte Mondial is an agreement, currently signed by 23,000 companies worldwide, for businesses and organisations to align their strategies and operations with the UN’s ten principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to take actions that advance societal and sustainable development goals.
It aims to alleviate extreme poverty and reduce environmental risks worldwide.
Actis is determined to advance its sustainability and CSR practices.
It was awarded a silver medal by sustainability and CSR organisation EcoVadis in 2025 and was among the top 15% of performers from 125,000 companies assessed over the previous 12 months.
The assessment awarded marks against 21 criteria in four categories – environment, ethics, labour and human rights and sustainable procurement – in line with EcoVadis’ mission to enable businesses to improve the planet and people’s lives.
And one of Actis’ products, honeycomb-structured insulation Hybris, is Europe’s only Cradle to Cradle Certified® reflective insulation.
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