Comparative Assessment of Insulation Materials for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Building Retrofit
Article
Narayanan, V. V., Hashemi, A., Elsharkawy, H., Newport, D. and Basaly, L. G. 2024. Comparative Assessment of Insulation Materials for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Building Retrofit. Environmental Science and Sustainable Development. 9 (2), pp. 1-14. https://doi.org/10.21625/essd.v9i2.1071
Authors | Narayanan, V. V., Hashemi, A., Elsharkawy, H., Newport, D. and Basaly, L. G. |
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Abstract | This paper evaluates the impacts of different insulation materials on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and occupant health with a focus on the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. The main aim is to identify options that minimize exposure rates while improving IAQ and energy in retrofitted buildings. A comprehensive literature review was conducted synthesizing scholarly articles, guidelines from international organizations, and information on pollutants, IAQ standards, and retrofit strategies. The findings show high emission rates for some insulation materials that could negatively affect health. Hemp insulation in contrast was identified as a promising solution exhibiting low VOC emissions compared to other insulation materials. As sustainable construction practices advance, hemp insulation emerges as a viable retrofit strategy for social housing by synergistically addressing performance gaps related to energy conservation, air quality, and thermal comfort. The synthesis of evidence from this paper suggests that, from environmental and public health perspectives, certain insulation materials are preferable for improving IAQ and reducing the risk of exposure to indoor air pollutants in retrofitted buildings. |
Journal | Environmental Science and Sustainable Development |
Journal citation | 9 (2), pp. 1-14 |
ISSN | 2357-0849 |
2357-0857 | |
Year | 2024 |
Publisher | IEREK Press |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Anyone |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.21625/essd.v9i2.1071 |
Publication dates | |
Online | 01 Jul 2024 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 27 Jun 2024 |
Deposited | 15 Jul 2024 |
Copyright holder | © 2024, The Author |
https://repository.uel.ac.uk/item/8y012
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Comparative+Assessment+of+Insulation+Materials+for+Improving+Indoor+Air+Quality+in+Building+Retrofit.pdf | ||
License: CC BY 4.0 | ||
File access level: Anyone |
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