Web tool for quantitative sustainability evaluation of hygro-thermally optimized insulation solutions

Abstract

This study is part of the EU funded project RiBuild and aims to create a web tool for supporting decisions relating to energy retrofits of historic buildings. The web tool provides a quantitative sustainability evaluation of hygro-thermally optimized insulation solutions through a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions indicator. The study presents LCAs of five insulation systems for installation in historic buildings. The web tool accommodates 160 locations in seven countries and generates 210,180 impact profiles by combining insulation system, installation location, and heating systems. In 2 % of the scenarios, the induced impacts exceed the avoided impacts. Across all analyses, the mineral wool insulation system is the least GHG intensive solution. This study illuminates that the environmental justification of internal insulation depends on the geographical location of installation and the installed heating system in the retrofitted building. To further improve the sustainability performance of energy retrofits in historic buildings, the implementation of insulation recycling solutions and measures for reducing production impacts of insulation systems are needed.