Energy Conservation in Canadian Buildings through Eco-Friendly Advanced Thermal Insulation

Objectives

To identify advanced thermal insulation materials that are renewable, energy efficient, biodegradable and indigenous, and to develop a selection guideline for advanced thermal insulation materials targeted at Canadian end users.

Background

Effective application of advanced thermal insulation in building construction can significantly reduce energy use, building material consumption, green house gas emission and criteria air contaminants. A cradle-to-grave analysis of the energy consumption of thermal insulation materials and their impact on the environment will identify and help end-users to select an insulation material that is more thermally efficient for application in buildings and also minimizes environmental impacts. Such materials are also more likely to be adopted by industry.

Statement of Work

• Identify advanced thermal insulation materials, characterize their physical, chemical and thermal properties, and select candidate materials for further assessment.
• Undertake a cradle-to-grave energy consumption analysis of the selected materials.
• Assess the thermal performance of building components constructed with these materials.
• Synthesize these results to demonstrate the impact of advanced thermal insulation materials on energy conservation in Canadian buildings.

Expected Outcomes

• An interim report on innovative advanced thermal insulation materials.
• An interim report outlining the design, construction, installation, instrumentation details and thermal performance of building components constructed with such materials.
• Thermal performance analysis of building components constructed with these materials.
• A guideline to help Canadian end-users select eco-friendly thermal insulation materials.

Partners

Natural Resources Canada ecoENERGY Technology Initiative. Other partners are being sought.

Start/Expected Completion Dates

This project began in 2008 and will be completed in 2012.

Publications

Thermal insulation research for sustainable construction
Mukhopadhyaya, P.
Construction Innovation, 14 (1)
pp. 3. 2009-03-01
[Full citation / Référence complète]

National Research Council study tracks insulation energy costs
Kenter, P.
Daily Commercial News,
2009-05-29
[Full citation / Référence complète]

Related Information

Institutes:

• NRC Institute for Research in Construction