Abstract
Hemp-lime composite is a natural material, which is being increasingly used and studied in the construction sector, thanks to its recyclability, hygrothermal comfort and healthiness features. The aim of this paper is to test the benefits in terms of energy efficiency achieved through the use of hemp-lime composite as insulation in a possible refurbishment intervention. With the aim of extending the knowledge about the benefits achieved through from the integration of this natural material into construction production process, a real building in south of Italy was selected and a substitution of the standard gypsum-lime plaster with a hemp-lime one was simulated by means of a specific software (Termus® by Acca Sotware, Bagnoli Irpino, Italy), serving for the assessment of the energy performance. Case study analysis highlighted the good thermal insulation properties of hemp-based plaster, allowing thermal dispersion to decrease in the winter season and improve the summer performance of the walls by approximately 20% compared to traditional plaster. This results in a one-level improvement of the building in energy classification according to Italian regulation.
Highlights
The transition from the linear economy towards the circular economy implies a deep transformation of the productive systems and has significant implications for the economy, society and the environment. [1]
Over the past years, building sustainability and life cycle assessment (LCA) have become crucial topics [7], increasing interest in low- and zero-emission buildings and construction methods that can facilitate the reduction of CO2 emissions [8], fossil fuel consumption and energy intake [9], according to the latest European regulations [10,11]
In order to evaluate the energetic performance of hemp-lime plaster, a refurbishment intervention on a real case study building was simulated, substituting the standard gypsum-lime plaster with a hemp-lime one
Summary
The transition from the linear economy towards the circular economy implies a deep transformation of the productive systems and has significant implications for the economy, society and the environment. [1]. Buildings and other structures entail many environmental issues during construction, operation, maintenance and destruction phases, such as large waste production, huge energy demand and high consumption of raw materials and natural resources [4]. As the use of non-renewable resources is universally considered unsustainable and likely to damage the environment [5], it is necessary to develop alternative strategies to meet human needs from a long-term perspective while safeguarding both people and the planet, considering the life cycle assessment (LCA) of buildings in both new edifications and refurbishment interventions [6]. Up until recently, eco-building has mainly focused on energy efficiency during service life, making use of high-performance insulation [12], renewable energy and rainwater collection, yet continuing to build structures from petrochemical-based synthetic materials. Many building components and insulation products make use of noxious additives like glues, binders and flame-retardants (e.g., brominated artefacts)
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