Abstract
The use of thicker insulation material. e.g. in exterior wall constructions will result in a higher environmental impact during the production phase of a building life cycle. However, a higher thennal resistance means less energy consumption during the operational life span of the building. This decreases the environmental impact of the energy production (natural gas or oil). The result is an environmentally optimal thickness (EOT). Principally speaking, this EOT will be different for every insulation material, depending on the ruling environmental effect. It was found that the resulting functions of the total effect-thickness relations are rather "flat" near the optimum. This means that economics also play an important role when detemtining the environmentally optimal thickness. Furthermore the performance of the insulation materials in their application must be taken into account.
Results of a comparative research study are given in the paper.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Durability of Building Materials and Components |
| Pages | 2033-2038 |
| Publication status | Published - 1999 |
