COMPARATIVE LCA STUDY OF THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The purpose of the study is a systematic comparative life cycle analysis (LCA) of the most common thermal insulation materials in the context of residential and industrial construction in Ukraine and the EU countries. The LCA methodology was applied in accordance with ISO 14040/44 standards (including a "cradle-to-grave" assessment with a functional unit, for example, 1 m² of wall with a certain heat transfer resistance). The materials considered were: mineral wool (stone, glass), expanded polystyrene (EPS, XPS), polyurethane foam (PUR/PIR), cellulose insulation, aerogels and other bio- or recycled insulation materials (wood fibers, flax, etc.). The methodology involves comparing environmental indicators (in particular, GWP - global warming potential, ADP - mineral depletion potential, ODP - ozone depletion potential) based on data from literary sources and EPD. The results show that natural and recycled insulation materials (cellulose, wood or hemp fibers) usually have the lowest GWP and CED values due to the use of renewable resources and carbon sequestration, although additives (boron compounds) can increase ADP. Plastic foams (EPS, XPS, PUR) demonstrate the highest environmental impacts (especially GWP and energy consumption) due to petroleum raw materials and energy-intensive production. Mineral wool is an intermediate option: among all insulation materials, it consumes the least primary energy for production, and its emissions are moderate. Aerogels, despite their unique thermal insulation properties, require significant energy resources and chemical precursors during production, which leads to very high GWP and ADP values. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive generalization of current LCA studies of insulation materials, including promising materials and the specifics of Ukrainian conditions. Theoretical significance – combining engineering analysis with environmental criteria, forming systematic recommendations for the selection of insulation materials. Practical significance – helping engineers and politicians assess the joint energy and environmental consequences of using different insulation solutions in construction, in particular during reconstruction and reconstruction in Ukraine (taking into account recycling and circular economy).