Koch, Alexa

Diploma Thesis:
1987

Topic:
Analysis and comparison of natural insulation materials for energy-efficient buildings

Editor:
Alexa Koch

University Professor Responsible:
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Katharina Kleinschrot

Supervisor:
University Supervisor: Dipl.-Ing. Johanna Schober

Editing Period:
11.04.2024 until 15.08.2024

Abstract:
This thesis examines the potentials and challenges of natural insulation materials in the context of energy-efficient construction, with a particular focus on external wall insulation. In view of the urgency of climate policy goals, materials such as wood fibre, cellulose, hemp, jute, flax, sheep's wool and straw are analysed in terms of their technical, ecological and economic properties and compared with conventional insulation materials. The study shows that natural insulation materials are a promising alternative due to their sustainability and environmental compatibility and are also technically and economically competitive in many cases. Jute fibre mats, wood fibre insulation mats and wood fibre and cellulose blown-in insulation were particularly convincing. Nevertheless, there are barriers such as higher investment costs, limited fire protection classes and a lack of standards. Proposed solutions include regulatory adjustments, technical innovations and government funding programmes. Through targeted measures, natural insulation materials could play a central role in the sustainable construction industry of the future.