Insulation materials for the building sector: A review and comparative analysis

S. Schiavoni, D׳Alessandro, F., F. Bianchi and F. Asdrubali

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2016, vol. 62, issue C, 988-1011

Abstract: The energy consumption of a building is strongly dependent on the characteristics of its envelope. The thermal performance of external walls represents a key factor to increase the energy efficiency of the construction sector and to reduce greenhouse gases emissions. Thermal insulation is undoubtedly one of the best ways to reduce the energy consumption due to both winter heating and summer cooling. Insulation materials play an important role in this scenario since the selection of the correct material, its thickness and its position, allow to obtain good indoor thermal comfort conditions and adequate energy savings. Thermal properties are extremely important, but they are not the only ones to be considered when designing a building envelope: sound insulation, resistance to fire, water vapor permeability and impact on the environment and on human health need to be carefully assessed too.

Keywords: Building materials; Insulation materials; Thermal insulation; Sound insulation; Life cycle assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (55)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.05.045

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