International Energy Agency publishes reports on super-insulating materials in buildings

The results of the project looking into the benefits and challenges of super insulating materials initiated by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in the framework of its Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme (EBC) are now available.

The IEA-EBC Annex 65 Project started back in 2013 and was managed by the CSTB (the French Building Research Institute). The goal of this research work was to investigate long-term benefits and risks of newly developed super insulating materials and systems and to provide guidelines for their optimal design and use.

The project focused on two super insulating materials: Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) and advanced-porous materials, such as porous silica and aerogel. Partners from countries around the world, including VIPA International’s members, actively contributed to this research.

The work was divided into four sub-tasks:
1. State of the Art on Materials & Components – Case Studies led by Ulrich Heinemann, ZAE Bayern
2. Characterization of materials & components – Laboratory Scale led by Andreas Holm, FIW Munich
3. Practical Applications – Retrofitting at the Building Scale – Field scale led by Bijan Adl-Zarrabi, Chalmers University
4. Sustainability – LCC, LCA, EE – Risk & Benefit led by Holger Wallbaum, Chalmers University

The final reports describe in detail the great potential of VIPs to save space in building construction and renovation while increasing the thermal resistance of walls and decreasing the risk of fire. They are a useful tool for architects and building professionals who want to gain a better understanding of super insulating technologies.