Even though energy efficiency is crucial in the building sector, commercial and residential buildings are liable for 40% of Europe’s total energy consumption as well as 33% of its CO₂ emissions. A well-insulated building is the key to high energy efficiency. In addition, good insulation can increase a building’s longevity.
Insulation thickness, technical window placements, and materials are some of the main factors to consider when planning an energy efficient building. Demand and competition has made it necessary for manufacturers to invest in research and development to keep up with market demands.
Benefits of R&D
Advantages of R&D insulation materials using innovative technology are to
- Obtain global success
- Boost business objectives and vision
- Be innovative and thrive
- Better outcomes for investors
- Economic growth
- Reduction in tax bills
New insulation systems need to support the whole building performance. If they don’t then there is a need to adjust the new product, so that it integrates perfectly with the existing building needs. This needs technical development as well as enhanced knowledge about design, production processes, installation, overall performance analysis, etc.
While modifying the conventional insulation product using different materials, the structures critical details are optimized too.
Main drivers of R&D in insulation
- Shortness of natural resources
- Technology development and new materials
- Sustainable targets
- Indoor climate
- Consumer needs
- Requirement for quality assurance
The vision for the future is to create high quality systems, process, and products applicable for designing zero-energy buildings offering a good and healthy indoor environment.
Need for high energy efficient building structures is the main driver for developing innovative insulation system and products. Simultaneously, stakeholders see that legalities also create obstacles for development and marketing of new products.
Many new technologies are being discovered, but still traditional insulation systems and materials are used because they are well-established. Moreover, the construction sector is slow in adapting new solutions. Total energy efficiency performance of a building depends on building physics, indoor conditions, and proper insulation systems. Therefore, it is necessary to apply a holistic approach like blending suitable existing materials with new ones.
Leading companies invest in research and development because offering cost-efficient and well performing insulation products has the potential to give you a substantial advantage over the competition.
Future R&D priority areas
- Highly insulating windows
- Building envelope material
- Air sealing technologies
- Dynamic windows & window films
- Visible light redirection
- Highly insulating roofs
To obtain R&D goals for above technologies focus needs to be given to improving performance and reducing installation costs, so that the market can easily adopt these technologies.
For end users, investing in an appropriate insulation process and system is crucial to saving on utility bills and improving the indoor climate. Insulation material manufacturers must recognize that having an R&D facility to test their products gives them a competitive edge in pricing and sales.
