scholarly journals A CASE STUDY OF THE INCREASE OF CARBON DIOXIDE DUE TO THE APPLICATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY REGULATIONS IN SERBIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Nikolić Topalović ◽  
Milenko Stanković
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Energy Class ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Reference Object ◽  
Insulation Materials ◽  
Embodied Carbon

In order to demonstrate the environmental impact of the increased flow of thermal insulation materials and facade joinery with improved thermal characteristics, the analysis of the carbon footprint for two scenarios for the needs of the research was done as a consequence of the new regulations on the energy efficiency of the facilities. For each of the analyzed scenarios, a project and an overview of works on the basis of which quantities of construction materials, activities and processes that participate in the construction of the analyzed scenarios were calculated (S1 and S2), were made. The reference object (S1) is designed without thermal insulation layers, the energy class „G“, and the scenario (S2) is designed in the energy class „C“, which according to the new regulations is a condition for the construction of new facilities. The study uses the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), a methodology that is the basis for Carbon Lifecycle Analysis (LCACO2), or calculation of the carbon footprint of the facility. Construction carbon calculator, Environmental Protection Agency UK, is used to calculate the carbon footprint, and for the calculation of operational energy, the URSA Construction Physics 2 program. The study showed that the embodied carbon for the scenario (S1) is 138,40 tonnes CO2 e, with less impact on the environment. The higher values of the embodied carbon have a scenario (S2) of 148,20 tonnes CO2 e. The carbon imprint from the phase of construction, or less impact on the environment, has a scenario (S1). However, after ten years of using the facility, the scenario (S1) due to the larger carbon footprint from the operational phase becomes a scenario with a higher environmental impact, with a total carbon footprint of 186,16 tonnes CO2 e, and the scenario (S2) after ten years of use of the facility has a total carbon footprint of 163,86 tonnes CO2 e. The scenario (S1) and (S2) achieve the same values of the total carbon footprint after 3,05 years of use of the facility and (S2) has since then become a better choice from the aspect of the environment. The research has shown that the embodied carbon is neglected in the calculation of the environmental impact of the facility, as well as the average when the benefits can be expected from the application of measures for energy-efficient buildings. The research also points to the need for low-carbon thermal insulation materials to bridge the gap between the demand for the extinguishing of buildings on the one hand and the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change.

scholarly journals The Ecological Footprint of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines: Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7425
Author(s):  
Peter Kurzweil ◽  
Alfred Müller ◽  
Steffen Wahler
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Ecological Footprint ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Road Transportation ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Cooling Technology ◽  
Chain Organization ◽  
Last Mile Delivery

Compared to the medical, economic and social implications of COVID-19 vaccinations, little attention has been paid to the ecological balance to date. This study is an attempt to estimate the environmental impact of two mRNA vaccines in terms of CO2 equivalents with respect to their different freezing strategies and supply chain organization. Although it is impossible to accurately calculate the actual environmental impact of the new biochemical synthesis technology, it becomes apparent that transport accounts for up to 99% of the total carbon footprint. The emissions for air freight, road transportation and last-mile delivery are nearly as 19 times the emissions generated from ultra-deep freeze technologies, the production of dry ice, glass and medical polymers for packaging. The carbon footprint of a single mRNA vaccine dose injected into a patient is about 0.01 to 0.2 kg CO2 equivalents, depending on the cooling technology and the logistic routes to the vaccination sites in Germany.

Ensuring energy efficiency of refrigeration piping

2021 ◽  
pp. 45-52
Author(s):  
G.I. Petrov ◽  
V.N. Kornienko ◽  
A.G. Donetskikh
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Thermal Characteristics ◽  
Operational Reliability ◽  
Insulating Materials ◽  
Insulation Materials ◽  
Synthetic Rubber ◽  
Materials Used

Improving energy efficiency and energy saving in refrigeration technology depends largely on the use of modern thermal insulation materials in the thermal insulation structures of refrigeration pipelines. The article presents a comparative analysis of the thermal characteristics and operational properties of heat-insulating materials used in refrigeration. The features of RUFLEX thermal insulation materials based on foamed synthetic rubber produced from domestic raw materials and their compliance with the requirements of energy efficiency, durability, operational reliability and safety are considered.

Sustainable energy solutions for thermal load in buildings - Role of heat pumps, solar thermal, and hydrogen-based cogeneration systems

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Praveen Cheekatamarla ◽  
Vishaldeep Sharma ◽  
Bo Shen
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Heat Pumps ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Coefficient Of Performance ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Economic and population growth is leading to increased energy demand across all sectors – buildings, transportation, and industry. Adoption of new energy consumers such as electric vehicles could further increase this growth. Sensible utilization of clean renewable energy resources is necessary to sustain this growth. Thermal needs in a building pose a significant challenge to the energy infrastructure. Supporting the current and future building thermal energy needs to offset the total electric demand while lowering the carbon footprint and enhancing the grid flexibility is presented in this study. Performance assessment of heat pumps, renewable energy, non-fossil fuel-based cogeneration systems, and their hybrid configurations was conducted. The impact of design configuration, coefficient of performance (COP), electric grid's primary energy efficiency on the key attributes of total carbon footprint, life cycle costs, operational energy savings, and site-specific primary energy efficiency are analyzed and discussed in detail.

scholarly journals Comparison of the Applied Measures on the Simulated Scenarios for the Sustainable Building Construction through Carbon Footprint Emissions—Case Study of Building Construction in Serbia

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4688
Author(s):  
Marina Nikolić Topalović ◽  
Milenko Stanković ◽  
Goran Ćirović ◽  
Dragan Pamučar
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Embodied Carbon ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Impact

Research was conducted to indicate the impact of the increased flow of thermal insulation materials on the environment due to the implementation of the new regulations on energy efficiency of buildings. The regulations on energy efficiency of buildings in Serbia came into force on 30 September 2012 for all new buildings as well as for buildings in the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction. For that purpose, the carbon footprint was analyzed in three scenarios (BS, S1 and S2) for which the quantities of construction materials and processes were calculated. The life cycle analysis (LCA), which is the basis for analyzing the carbon life cycle (LCACO2), was used in this study. Carbon Calculator was used for measuring carbon footprint, and URSA program to calculate the operational energy. This study was done in two phases. In Phase 1, the embodied carbon was measured to evaluate short-term effects of the implementation of the new regulations. Phase 2 included the first 10 years of building exploitation to evaluate the long-term effects of the new regulations. The analysis was done for the period of 10 years, further adjustments to the regulations regarding energy efficiency of the buildings in Serbia are expected in accordance with EU directives. The study shows that, in the short-run, Scenario BS has the lowest embodied carbon. In the long-run, after 3.66 years, Scenario S2 becomes a better option regarding the impact on the environment. The study reveals the necessity to include embodied carbon together with the whole life carbon to estimation the impact of a building on the environment.

scholarly journals ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF VARIOUS THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS

2021 ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Asgat M. Gazizov ◽  
Aidar A. Zairov ◽  
Regina R. Yangirova ◽  
Marsel R. Timerov
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Environmental Impact Assessment ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Insulation Materials

Comparative Analysis of the Use of Thermal Insulation Materials Depending on Climatic Conditions and Comfort Microclimate Supply Systems

2022 ◽  
Vol 906 ◽  
pp. 99-106
Author(s):  
Siranush Egnatosyan ◽  
David Hakobyan ◽  
Spartak Sargsyan
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Insulation Material ◽  
Insulation Layer ◽  
Transfer Resistance ◽  
Insulation Materials ◽  
Wide Range

The use of thermal insulation materials to reduce the heating and cooling demand of the building in order to provide energy efficiency is the main solution. But there is a wide range of these products on the market and, therefore, the choice and application of these materials is a rather difficult task, since many factors must be taken into account, such as environmental safety, cost, durability, climatic conditions, application technology, etc. Basically, comfort microclimate systems are designed based on normative standards, where the thickness of the thermal insulation material is selected depending on the required heat transfer resistance. These values are calculated taking into account climate conditions, that is the duration of the heating period, as well as taking into account sanitary and hygienic requirements. This article discusses the thermal performance of building materials, and also provides a comparative analysis of the use of thermal insulation materials depending on climatic factors and on the system providing comfort microclimate. Based on the calculations by mathematical modeling and optimization, it is advisable to choose the thickness of the thermal insulation, taking into account the capital and operating costs of the comfort microclimate systems. Comparing the optimization data with the normative one, the energy efficiency of the building increases by 50-70% when applying the optimal thickness of the thermal insulation layer, and when the thermal insulation layer is increased, the thermal performance of the enclosing structures has improved by 30%, which contributes to energy saving.

scholarly journals Recycling Thermal Insulation Materials: A Case Study on More Circular Management of Expanded Polystyrene and Stonewool in Switzerland and Research Agenda

Resources ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Valeria Superti ◽  
Tim V. Forman ◽  
Cynthia Houmani
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Expanded Polystyrene ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Insulation Materials

The limits to linear models of production based on material extraction, manufacture, use, and disposal are becoming increasingly apparent across the global economy. The Circular Economy (CE) describes an alternative to this problematic “take-make-waste” linear model that is concerned with resource efficiency and waste minimization. The construction and demolition sector represents an important focus for a CE transition due to its significant environmental impact. The use of thermal insulation to reduce energy demand associated with heating and cooling in buildings is vital for reducing the sector’s high environmental impact; however, there are significant challenges to recycling thermal insulation materials (IM). This study examines these challenges in the context of Switzerland and evaluates the potential for more circular management of expanded polystyrene and stonewool IM. The research provides an original analysis of the Swiss IM value chain in the context of the CE agenda based on a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and a workshop. Research gaps are highlighted based on scientific literature. The roles and agency of actors involved in the Swiss IM value chain are examined. Enablers of and barriers to wider IM recycling as reported by workshop participants are outlined. Interventions for tackling the current challenges faced for the recycling of thermal IM are suggested. Finally, an agenda for future research is proposed. Throughout the discussion, the importance of the involvement, commitment, and collaboration of stakeholders across the entire IM value chain for an effective and expedient transition to a CE is highlighted.

scholarly journals Transparent insulation materials market in Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-387
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Radziszewska-Zielina ◽  
Filip Kuraj
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Positive Perception ◽  
Heat Gain ◽  
Insulation Materials ◽  
Insulation Systems ◽  
Materials Used

This paper presents the European market of transparent insulation materials as viewed by manufacturers. The objective of the study was to analyse the application of transparent insulation materials in the construction sector across Europe, determine the popularity of various technologies and materials used to manufacture them, the competition among transparent insulation manufacturers, investment in the development of new transparent insulation technologies, and trends in demand for transparent insulation in Europe. The analysis was performed on the basis of a survey of manufacturers. The use of transparent insulation is associated with high cost, yet the potential return on investment in the form of savings over the course of a building’s life-cycle convinces many potential developers to apply these materials. Based on the results of the survey, it can be concluded that European companies follow the increase in energy-efficiency and the transparent insulation market is prosperous, yet differs from country to country. It was observed that the positive perception of indirect heat gain transparent insulation systems was the most prevalent in Germany. The paper also explores the situation on the author’s domestic market – the Polish transparent thermal insulation market.

RETROFITTING FOR IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY: THE EMBODIED ENERGY RELEVANCE FOR BUILDINGS' THERMAL INSULATION

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Sara Abd Alla ◽  
Vincenzo Bianco ◽  
Federico Scarpa ◽  
Luca A. Tagliafico
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Embodied Energy ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Insulation Materials ◽  
Energy Impact ◽  
The City

Abstract Envelope insulation is a well-known strategy to improve buildings' energy efficiency. This paper considers two archetypes of an apartment block typology largely diffused in the Italian building stock and evaluates the energy savings resulting from the application of three insulation materials: polyurethane foam, rock wool and resin bonded fibre-board. The energy requirements for winter heating and summer cooling are assessed with EnergyPlus and then compared to the embodied energy of the insulation materials. Hence, the energy and carbon paybacks are calculated, and a cost analysis is proposed to provide an insight on the market impact for the retrofit materials' choice. The apartment block model is analyzed in three main cities (Rome, Milan, Palermo) allowing to assess the climatic conditions impact in terms of minimization of primary energy consumption and environmental emissions. Simulations showed that the thermal insulation has a higher impact on winter heating and slightly affects the summer cooling requirement. In Milan, the refurbishment gains relevance as the energy and carbon payback periods are shorter than those of the city of Palermo characterized by a warmer weather. Considering the embodied energy impact, this method allows to estimate the maximum potential for energy savings in existing buildings and provides an estimation of achievable results in short-medium period.

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