A study on optimum insulation thickness in walls and energy savings based on degree day approach for 3 different demo-sites in Europe

Abstract

In the last decade, the energy industry has been facing major changes mostly because of concerns about sustainability. Countries worldwide, especially industrialized nations have been forced to improve the energy efficiency in several sectors with high energy consumption. The building industry is a major sector for energy consumption in the world. Using thermal insulation in buildings helps to reduce the reliance on mechanical/electrical systems to operate buildings comfortably and therefore, conserves energy and the associated natural resources. An energy cost is an operating cost, and great energy savings can be achieved by using thermal insulation with little capital expenditure (only about 5% of the building construction cost). This does not only reduce operating cost but also reduces HVAC equipment initial cost due to reduced equipment size required. The use of thermal insulation not only saves energy operating cost, but also results in environmental benefits as reliance upon mechanical means with the associated emitted pollutants are reduced. The use of thermal insulation can reduce disturbing noise from neighboring spaces or from outside. This will enhance the acoustical comfort of insulated buildings, etc. The optimum economic thickness is the value that provides the minimum total life-cycle cost. The thickness depends on the following parameters: the building type, function, shape, orientation, construction materials, climatic conditions, insulation material and cost, energy type and cost and the type and efficiency of the air-conditioning system. This study, based on research conducted under the EU FP7 project, presents optimum insulation thickness calculation assessment for building envelop in three different demo-sites located in Europe. The study provides an economic and energy cost optimization, which has positive effects on reducing the energy demand and GHG emissions. Results show how the retrofitting actions can contribute to low energy and zero emission cities and urban areas, taking into account the technological availability for building retrofitting.