Analysis and typology of the most commonly used thermal insulation materials in the construction industry

Abstract

A decisive factor in the energy efficiency of a building is undoubtedly the quality of the design and manufacture of the facade or envelope. The insulation of the façade is one of the components with the greatest impact on energy efficiency. As part of the concern for the environment, natural insulation is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for any country. When choosing natural insulating materials, it is common that in addition to thermal criteria, environmental criteria must also be taken into account (13, 15, 27). The main objective of insulation is to reduce energy consumption, but what about the energy balance of insulation? The building must be seen as a whole that relates effective materials and efficient construction techniques. The construction of low-energy buildings is an objective that guarantees environmental protection. Thanks to the use of new technologies, buildings could be perfectly healthy for the environment. These innovations, born from the awareness of the different ecological constraints, have led to an evolution of design, which has developed innovative and technological strategies capable of making the building energy efficient. A building with optimum energy performance is a structure that guarantees its inhabitants excellent comfort conditions, such as thermo-hygrometric, acoustic and lighting conditions, by means of appropriate technical solutions. 64 Gastón Sanglier Contreras et al.