A carbon-focus parametric study on building insulation materials and thicknesses for different heating systems: A Swiss case study

Abstract To tackle the problem of climate change, Swiss energy strategies aim to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. However, this challenge cannot simply be solved focusing on operational performance and instead, a lifecycle evaluation. Thus, in order reduce sector’s footprint, building stakeholders need consider embodied GHG emissions construction materials. In study, parametric method was developed balance impacts insulation according material heating system choices. The methodology is split into two for computation overall plus system. Firstly, calculation emissions, which relies Environmental Product Declarations different Secondly, product between thermal needs content respective Thereafter, applied case studies: an existing brand-new building. first main finding that, high-carbon materials, there clearly optimal thickness after which, adding would only increase impact For instance, heat-pump equipped installing 35 cm extruded polystyrene (XPS) more harmful towards global warming than 17 XPS. This trend not present low-carbon materials whatsoever. building’s benefitted from their addition up maximum thicknesses studied. conclude, it also important highlight that aimlessly targeting efficiency can step back goal neutrality. Indeed, possible claim efficient buildings, fossil fuel-based should carefully used. study allowed development application identifies given hopefully, importance considering both systems.