Selecting Insulating Materials for Building Envelope: A Life Cycle Approach

This paper aims at assessing the embodied energy and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) of two building envelopes, designed for a floors semi-detached house located in Central Italy. The analysis is performed by applying Life Cycle Assessment methodology, following from cradle-to-gate approach. Fixtures (windows doors), external internal opaque walls, roof (including interstorey floors) make envelopes. Their stratigraphy allows achieving thermal transmittance values established Italian Decree on performance buildings. examined envelopes differ only insulation material: extruded expanded polystyrene (XPS) or cellulose fibers. results shows that envelope using fibers has better than XPS: it reducing GHGs about 13% 9.3%, respectively. A dominance to identify components responsible higher impacts contribution insulating material impacts. study part research “Analysis technologies efficiency buildings life cycle perspective” funded Three-year Research Plan within National Electricity System 2019-2021.