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Two disparate waste materials were mixed to identify the likelihood of constructing insulation boards. Treebark and Hemp (cannabis) residues were combined in different proportions and with two dissimilar typesof glue. The thermal conductivity (λ) for all boards was measured. Diverse methods of processing the finalboards demonstrated altered thermal properties based also on the different density (low and medium).The results have validated the possibility of exploiting local waste materials to produce an eco-friendly,low priced insulation product with competitive (λ) compared to the market products. All materials werecollected within a small range to the laboratory (< 100 km). The energy requirements and the carbonfootprint of these boards were kept low compared to traditional chemical insulation materials.

The classification systems used by wood flooring enterprises in Greece has been investigated, using a questionnaire. After 56 answers, the results showed that there are deviations in grades and in the criteria currently used to classify wood flooring. There were reported very different grading systems, adopting from three to more than six grading categories. The majority (40 %) adopted five grading categories, but there were also enterprises using main (three or four) and also a number of subcategories. Deviations were also observed among the producers who claim to apply the same criteria and different trade names may be used for the same or similar qualities. Although there are difficulties, it is imperative that common national standard is accepted or conformation with the European standards. Evaluators should be trained to the same standard, in order to achieve this goal.

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