Effect of the integration of hemp wool as an insulation material for the construction of the roof and external walls of a typical Moroccan building

Abstract

This paper deals with the integration of thermal insulation in Moroccan buildings roofs and external walls in order to reduce energy consumption due to the use of air conditioning systems. The insulation material under investigation is the hemp wool, an ecofriendly material whose use allows the storage of the Carbone and help reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In order to assess the dynamic thermal performance of the typical Moroccan insulated building, a life cycle cost analysis is conducted based on annual cooling transmission loads specific to the climate of Meknes, Morocco. Optimum insulation thicknesses, energy savings and payback periods are determined for a building life-span of 20 years. Investigations are carried out based on an implicit finite difference method using a home-made code developed in Matlab.