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Project

To bio or not to bio: Characterisics and usability of insulation materials with low enviromental impact (P0403290AT0)

High time for the next step. Buildings have a major impact on our environment and consume masses of energy. Not only is there energy consumption for heating and cooling, but there is also a large amount of embedded energy in the materials used. The environmental impact of the primary energy for heating and cooling is decreasing and the environmental impact of the materials used is becoming more and more important. A great potential in dealing responsibly with our climate therefore lies in the reduction of the environmental impact of building materials and, in particular, insulation materials. Fewer heat losses are due, among other things, to thicker insulation packages. There is a growing awareness from the sector of building with a smaller environmental impact. Nowadays, the end user also chooses more consciously for materials with a low impact. This research project focuses on insulation materials with a low environmental impact. Bio-based materials from renewable raw materials in many cases have a more favourable environmental impact than petroleum-based counterparts. Knowledge and insights from the recently rolled out tool TOTEM (3/2018) allow to evaluate and optimize environmental performance. Today, however, knowledge about bio-based insulation materials is fragmented, which hampers trade-offs with known insulation materials. On the other hand, implementation guidance on its practical application is lacking. There is a lack of clarity on characteristics, performance, implementation methods, etc. Despite the existence of good examples, the construction sector lacks the necessary knowledge and confidence to start working with these materials. The objective of this application is to increase the knowledge about bio-based insulation materials, to situate the materials in relation to known alternatives, to develop hands-on output, thus removing barriers and giving the construction sector more confidence to start working with these materials. The target group of this project consists mainly of non-R&D intensive SMEs: architects, building developers and engineering firms, contractors, distributors and producers of (bio-based) insulation materials. The broad target group is estimated at 25.000 companies, the effective reach of the results 2 years after the end of the project is estimated at 400 companies (real target group). Concretely, this project aims at increasing and disseminating knowledge about bio-based insulation materials:- In addition to the building physics and energy characteristics, environmental impact, cost price, ease of installation, etc. of classic and bio-based insulation materials in an objective way to enable a more informed assessment; - Formulating implementation guidelines on the use and application of bio-based materials, with a view to excluding damage cases.- Translating the accumulated knowledge to the broad construction sector in an easily accessible way. By including the environmental impact in this integrated approach, this application contributes to the social challenge of sustainable materials management. The results provide insight into the environmental impact of construction solutions, further raising awareness and encouraging the construction sector to opt for low-impact solutions. Producers are stimulated towards product improvement and innovation.
Date:1 May 2020 →  31 Jul 2022
Keywords:Sustainable building, sustainable renovation
Disciplines:Sustainable buildings and cities
Project type:Collaboration project
Results:Results can be consulted on milieubewustisoleren.be