Written by Bartosz Michalowsk and Jacek Michalak on the occasion of the "First UK & Ireland Drymix Mortar Meeting" conference in April 2024.
Abstract:
The External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) is widely utilized in European countries to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings. This study employs the life cycle assessment (LCA) method to analyze the environmental impact of producing ETICS with expanded polystyrene (EPS) or mineral wool (MW). Data from the 2017 real production were obtained from five manufacturing plants in Poland, covering modules from A1 to A3 (cradle-to-gate) based on the EN 15804 standard. The assessment includes indicators for 1 m2 ETICS with different thicknesses of thermal insulation materials. Results reveal that, across all environmental indicators, MW systems exhibit a more negative environmental impact compared to equivalent systems with EPS. Additionally, a comparative analysis spanning 2012 to 2017 illustrates a significant reduction in the overall negative environmental impact of the entire ETICS, showcasing improvements in key indicators such as GWP, and others over this five-year period. The research underlines the importance of considering not only immediate environmental impacts but also the long-term sustainability and performance of ETICS. By providing essential data for current and future assessments, the study aligns with the principles of sustainable development, encouraging a holistic approach to building energy efficiency.
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