Abstract
This research explores the carbon removal of a novel bio-insulation composite, here called MycoBamboo, based on the combination of bamboo particles and mycelium as binder. First, an attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to define the carbon footprint of a European bamboo plantation and a bio-insulation composite, as well as its ability to remove CO2 along its lifecycle at a laboratory scale. Secondly, the Global Worming Potential (GWP) was estimated through a dynamic LCA with selected end-of-life and technical replacement scenarios. Finally, a building wall application was analyzed to measure the carbon saving potential of the MycoBamboo when compared with alternative insulation materials applied as an exterior thermal insulation composite system. The results demonstrate that despite the negative GWP values of the biogenic CO2, the final Net-GWP was positive. The technical replacement scenarios had an influence on the final Net-GWP values, and a longer storage period is preferred to more frequent insulation substitution. The type of energy source and the deactivation phase play important roles in the mitigation of climate change. Therefore, to make the MycoBamboo competitive as an insulation system at the industrial scale, it is fundamental to identify alternative low-energy deactivation modes and shift all energy-intensity activities during the production phase to renewable energy.
Highlights
Buildings are responsible for a consistent share of total greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and contribute massively to the consumption of natural resources [1,2,3]
CO2”footprint by assuming that were the same amount of two carbon stored in the storage periods—30 years vs years—according to the GWPbio bamboo particles used for MycoBamboo processing is regenerated within seven years afincluded as “Biogenic
Even if the substrate has a low effect on the total carbon emissions, by using bamboo as a substrate, it can store a large amount of biogenic carbon and valorize agricultural wastes according to the principles of the circular economy
Summary
Buildings are responsible for a consistent share of total greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and contribute massively to the consumption of natural resources [1,2,3]. While intense research has been conducted in the field of optimizing GHG emissions during building operations, the embodied emissions related to the materials used in buildings have gained attention only in the past few decades [4]. Embodied emissions are those considered in the lifespan of a material, which are linked to the material’s manufacture, transportation, construction and end-of-life disposal [5]. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing biomasses, and is characterized by a high carbon content [9]; this beneficial effect is limited if the bamboo is imported to Europe [10], since the mode of transport is relevant in terms of emissions [11].
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