CHOISIS - Characterization of innovative and sustainable insulating materials

At the end of the CHOISIS project, the following scientific, technical, social, and economic impacts are expected:

a) Scientific impacts

The adoption of new advanced materials in building components requires new performance metrics in order to enable a direct comparison with currently used materials, thus facilitating a performance-oriented design choice. This implies the development of tailored measurement procedures for various advanced materials, taking their specific characteristics and thermo-physical properties into account. The new laboratory characterization procedures developed as part of the project will be more accurate, reliable, and specifically designed for building envelope applications. The scientific impact will also concern theoretical aspects, with advancements in knowledge regarding the simulation of multi-layered walls under dynamic conditions; a new set of laboratory data on building components will support the development and robust validation of simplified calculation procedures.

The scientific impact of the project will be enhanced nationally through connections with the main scientific associations in the sector (ATI; AIA; AICARR), and internationally through the publication of articles in scientific journals and participation in international conferences.

b) Technical impacts

The definition of new key performance indicators (KPIs) and new measurement procedures will help support the development of new technological solutions optimized for the energy efficiency of building envelopes. The possibility to choose from a wide range of advanced materials will help professionals select the best technological solution and adapt it to various Italian climates and building uses.

Furthermore, the project will contribute to the optimization and improvement of current building envelope systems, which will benefit from laboratory results and the definition of new KPIs.

The results of the project will be provided to standardization bodies, given the participation of some Research Unit members in UNI and ISO technical committees.

Another important technical impact stems from the LCA approach, which will guide the design of the investigated materials/components by focusing on energy, environmental, and economic benefits; this approach will help minimize economic and environmental costs throughout the lifecycle of materials and components.

c) Economic impact

The construction sector is strategic in terms of investment, as it is characterized by a multiplier effect that recent data estimate ranges from 1.9 to 2.9 in European Union countries. The adoption of new materials and solutions will increase the potential for retrofitting, even for buildings where traditional retrofit solutions are not feasible (technological constraints, limited insulation space, etc.). This will create new job opportunities and broader market penetration opportunities, whose benefits will not only be for material manufacturers but also for all other stakeholders in the construction sector.

Another positive economic impact of using advanced materials for internal wall insulation is saving significant surface area in interior spaces due to the thinner thickness. This results in a greater usable area and greater economic advantage deriving from renting the space or selling the building.

The overall approach of the project aims to provide public decision-makers (government and local public entities) with an updated and comprehensive decision-making framework, in order to more rationally allocate resources in building retrofit interventions, taking into account various aspects and alternative retrofit options (thermal performance, environmental impact, costs).

The project contributes to circular economy and eco-design strategies since some of the sustainable materials to be studied use fewer natural resources and are recycled; this can lead to the improvement of the green building market.

d) Social impacts

The project aims to provide a tailored solution for the renovation and new design of Italian building assets.

Social and environmental issues such as public health, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, unemployment, local economies, and energy poverty can benefit from the project results.

Energy poverty, for example, can be reduced thanks to the implementation of advanced materials that will reduce retrofit costs, making retrofit solutions suitable even for low-income owners.

The project will improve public health thanks to new materials that will enhance indoor comfort, daylight, and acoustics. This may lead to improved physical health and productivity, considering that we spend 90% of our lives inside a building.