Abstract
Biomaterials and raw earth have demonstrated a promising potential for improving various thermal properties of plastering mortars used in buildings. The objective of this research was the evaluation of the thermal-energy performances and life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of different mixtures of engineered, bio-based earth mortars composed of bamboo particles, earth, and different cementitious materials. Four mixtures were assessed: mortars without bamboo particles (matrix), and mortars containing 3%, 6%, or 9% of bamboo particles by volume. The bulk density and thermal conductivity values obtained for the matrix and mortars with the highest percentage of bamboo particles (9%) were 1704.13 and 1471.80 kg/m3, and 0.62 and 0.43 W/M·K, respectively. Based on experimental results, thermal-energy simulations were carried out using a social housing project as a case study. The simulations evaluated different climate conditions and applied life cycle GHG emissions assessment methodology. Compared with typical cement and lime plastering mortars, the proposed bio-based earth mortars presented a superior thermal-energy performance and lower GHG emissions, particularly the 9% bamboo particles mixture. GHG emissions reached a maximum decrease of 28%. The main scientific contribution of this research is the presentation of an engineered, bio-based earth mortar that can be manufactured using local raw materials available in most developing countries with significant housing demands. The method used, based on experimental research, thermal-energy analysis, and life cycle GHG emissions, may be used for evaluating other innovative materials. It was verified that even with thin plastering in buildings, it is possible to achieve energy efficiency gains and to reduce GHG emissions.
Highlights
This study aims at performing a thermal-energy analysis and evaluating the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of different wall configurations employing engineered bio-based earth mortars developed in a laboratory and produced with bamboo particles (EMB)
The life cycle GHG emissions of different wall configurations were evaluated by comparing an earth mortar matrix with bamboo particles (EMB) with a conventional mortar (CMS)
The insertion of different percentages of bamboo particles in the beneficial matrix provides a bulk density reduction, thermal conductivity, and an increase in specific heat as in earth mortar matrix thermal properties; The EMB shows a smaller carbon footprint than conventional mortar systems (CMS), even when considering different replacement scenarios; The use of EMB improves the buildings’ thermal performance with lower energy consumption and GHG emissions; The increase of bamboo particles in EMB mixtures decreases its carbon footprint due to a higher carbon stock and a better thermal performance during building operation; The greater differences between EMB and CMS occur for the coldest city—Curitiba—an influence of the higher participation of embodied GHG emissions; The number of mortar replacements severely affects the final results
Summary
Buildings and the construction sector are together responsible for 35% of global energy consumption and 38% of total emissions [1]. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [3] has predicted that, by the middle of this century, the energy use of the building sector will almost double, and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions will increase by 50% to 150%. In this context, more efficient building design will play a crucial role in reducing the negative impacts associated with energy consumption and the emission of pollutants.
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