Abstract
In order to obtain a zero emission building, it is necessary to consider the emissions throughout the whole life cycle, since emissions are not only related to the use/operation of the building, but also other processes such as production of materials, transportation, construction and disposal.
This work presents a case study of a building in Trondheim, Norway, where the effect of changing the insulation thickness of a wall is evaluated regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CO2-equivalents) during the life cycle. The main conclusions from this case study are:
• The energy sources and the corresponding emission factors are of great importance when the optimum insulation thickness is determined on basis of GHG-emissions during the life cycle.
• Increased insulation thickness is always beneficial as long as the emission factor for the energy supply to the building is above 0.200 kg CO2 eq/kWh.
• There is an optimum insulation thickness between 0.050 m and 0.500 m when the emission factor for the energy supply to the building is below 0.100 kg CO2 eq/kWh. The specific optimum insulation thickness depends upon the combination of emission factors.
This work presents a case study of a building in Trondheim, Norway, where the effect of changing the insulation thickness of a wall is evaluated regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CO2-equivalents) during the life cycle. The main conclusions from this case study are:
• The energy sources and the corresponding emission factors are of great importance when the optimum insulation thickness is determined on basis of GHG-emissions during the life cycle.
• Increased insulation thickness is always beneficial as long as the emission factor for the energy supply to the building is above 0.200 kg CO2 eq/kWh.
• There is an optimum insulation thickness between 0.050 m and 0.500 m when the emission factor for the energy supply to the building is below 0.100 kg CO2 eq/kWh. The specific optimum insulation thickness depends upon the combination of emission factors.