Livscykelanalys för en yttervägg med hampaisolering jämfört med träfiber och stenull

Sammanfattning

This study examines the environmental impact of three insulation materials for wall construction: hemp insulation, wood fiber insulation, and mineral wool. Given that the construction and real estate sector in Sweden contributes significantly to the country's greenhouse gas emissions, the study aims to investigate whether the choice of hemp as an insulation material can help reduce these emissions. The technical basis of the study involves comparing an exterior wall with hemp insulation to corresponding walls with wood fiber and mineral wool insulation, with the aim of determining which material is most sustainable from an LCA environmental perspective. The study uses Attributional LCA (ALCA) and data from EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) and One Click LCA to analyze the entire life cycle of each material. The analysis includes production, use, and waste management. The results show that both hemp and wood fiber have significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to mineral wool. Hemp insulation and wood fiber insulation have almost equivalent environmental impacts, while mineral wool generates higher greenhouse gas emissions. Hemp insulation: 81 tons CO2e, 11 kg CO2e/m2/year Wood fiber insulation: 81 tons CO2e, 10 kg CO2e/m2/year Mineral wool: 104 tons CO2e, 13 kg CO2e/m2/year Hemp insulation and wood fiber insulation are more environmentally friendly alternatives compared to mineral wool. The difference between hemp and wood fiber is marginal, indicating that both materials are sustainable choices from an environmental perspective. Further studies and an economic analysis are required to draw a more definitive conclusion. This study clearly shows that hemp insulation is a significantly better climatesmart alternative compared to mineral wool. However, since this study omits economic aspects, further research is needed to validate the economic feasibility.