A low-carbon optimization design method for building roof insulation using comprehensive economic analysis model and evaluation index

The building industry plays an important role in economic and social development, but it is also a major source of carbon emissions. However, to date, there is no mature design theory for low-carbon buildings. In this paper, a low-carbon optimization design method is presented for roof insulation using carbon emissions assessment method, comprehensive economic analysis model, and evaluation index. The traditional economic analysis model is extended to cope with carbon emissions of insulation, and a new comprehensive economic analysis model is developed to evaluate economic performances of insulation. Moreover, a balanced index consisting of a carbon reduction factor and an additional economic inputs factor is proposed to assess carbon reduction of insulation. The validation results show that carbon emission cost can apparently improve economic perfor-mances of insulation. The economic benefits of insulation increase gradually with an increase in the service life. The ranking of balanced indexes of insulation in the low-temperature granary roof concerned is recycled EPS > recycled XPS > non-recycled EPS > non-recycled XPS > recycled RW > recycled PU > non-recycled RW > non -recycled PU. The low-carbon optimization design method presented can provide a useful tool in the low-carbon design of roof insulation in real buildings conveniently.

Automated summary

The building industry is important for economic and social development but contributes significantly to carbon emissions. However, there is currently no mature design theory for low-carbon buildings. This paper presents a low-carbon optimization design method for roof insulation using a carbon emissions assessment method, comprehensive economic analysis model, and evaluation index. The method includes an extended economic analysis model to consider insulation carbon emissions, a new comprehensive economic analysis model to evaluate economic performances, and a balanced index to assess carbon reduction. The results validate that carbon emission cost improves economic performances and that insulation's economic benefits increase with the service life. The proposed method can be a convenient tool for low-carbon roof insulation design in real buildings.