EPS Insulation and Heat Pumps in Building Design
Building insulation and heat-pump systems can be considered together when designing or renovating a building. EUMEPS provides information on EPS insulation applications in the context of building thermal performance and European energy policy.
The Role of Heat Pumps in Heating Systems
Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generating it through combustion. Their performance depends on the technology, building, climate, system design and operating conditions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) identifies heat pumps as a technology that can support the decarbonisation of heating, subject to the energy source and the conditions in which they are installed and operated.
The robust growth in the heat pump market is largely fuelled by heightened policy initiatives and technical advancements. In Europe, the surge in heat pump installations is evident with Germany and Sweden experiencing record increases. This growth trajectory is further supported by significant policy frameworks like the EU Green Deal and REPowerEU, which aim to enhance the deployment rates of heat pumps as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and boost renewable energy use.
Building Thermal Performance and EPS Insulation
EPS insulation can contribute to the thermal performance of a building when correctly specified and installed as part of a complete building system. The contribution of insulation to heat transfer, thermal bridging, energy use and indoor conditions depends on the building design, installation, climate, operation and energy source.
The building envelope, heating system and heat-pump sizing should be assessed together. A well-designed and correctly installed insulation system can be one of the factors considered when selecting and operating a heat-pump system.
Studies on insulation and heat pumps should be linked directly, with their scope, building type, assumptions and methodology made available to readers.
Optimising Energy Systems With EPS Insulation and Heat Pumps
The combination of EPS insulation and heat pumps can be considered as part of an integrated approach to building design and renovation. When correctly specified and installed, insulation can contribute to the thermal performance of the building envelope, while a heat-pump system can be selected and sized according to the building’s heating and cooling requirements. The resulting energy demand, indoor temperatures and operating profile depend on the complete building design, installation quality, climate, occupancy, controls and energy source.
EPS insulation can help limit heat transfer through the building envelope where it is incorporated into an appropriate construction system. This can be one of several factors considered when assessing the heating output required to maintain specified indoor conditions. Thermal mass, ventilation, solar protection, airtightness and user behaviour also influence the building’s energy-demand profile and any potential effect on demand during peak periods.
At energy-system level, the interaction between insulation and heat pumps must be assessed according to the specific building and network context. The potential impact on peak loads, system output and grid operation varies according to the building fabric, heat-pump technology, controls, climate conditions and electricity mix. The 2023 FIW München study, “Thermal Insulation & Heat Pumps – Why the Two Belong Together”, should be linked directly where it is used to support statements about these interactions.
An Integrated Approach to Building Design
EPS insulation and heat-pump technology can be considered together in new-build and renovation projects where their technical characteristics meet the requirements of the application. The appropriate solution should be based on an assessment of the complete building system, including the building envelope, heating system, installation conditions and applicable regulatory requirements.
This approach reflects EUMEPS’s commitment to evidence-based dialogue on building performance, insulation and heating systems. Stakeholders in the construction and energy sectors can use documented product data, building assessments and relevant studies to inform decisions on renovation and new-build projects.
EUMEPS supports policy discussions on building performance, energy systems and the regulatory framework affecting insulation applications. Environmental and climate-related outcomes should be assessed for the specific building, product and use scenario concerned.