Energy, environmental and economic optimization of thermal insulation solutions by means of an integrated decision support system

A new decision support system for the integrated assessment of thermal insulation solutions with emphasis on recycling potential is presented in this paper. The suggested system comprises three main assessment factors: primary energy consumption, the environmental impact and the financial cost; each and every factor is analytically assessed during the four distinct stages of a thermal insulation solution's life cycle. The calculation of the aforementioned factors takes place using analytical algorithms, formulated in such a way that have led to the development of the integrated, holistic decision-making support tool, namely ib3at. Using ib3at it becomes feasible to optimize the end-of-life management of thermal insulation solutions, but also to select, during the design phase of a new building, the optimal thermal insulation solution for each building element. The ib3at is applied for common thermal insulation practices, used widely in new constructions as well as in the renovation of existing buildings. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.