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On the Retrofit of Existing Buildings with Aerogel Panels: Energy, Environmental and Economic Issues

Author

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  • Paola Marrone

    (Department of Architecture, Roma TRE University, via Madonna dei Monti 40, 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Francesco Asdrubali

    (Department of Engineering, Roma TRE University, via Vito Volterra 62, 00146 Rome, Italy)

  • Daniela Venanzi

    (Department of Economics, Roma TRE University, via Silvio D’Amico 77, 00145 Rome, Italy)

  • Federico Orsini

    (Department of Architecture, Roma TRE University, via Madonna dei Monti 40, 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Luca Evangelisti

    (Department of Engineering, Roma TRE University, via Vito Volterra 62, 00146 Rome, Italy)

  • Claudia Guattari

    (Department of Engineering, Roma TRE University, via Vito Volterra 62, 00146 Rome, Italy)

  • Roberto De Lieto Vollaro

    (Department of Engineering, Roma TRE University, via Vito Volterra 62, 00146 Rome, Italy)

  • Lucia Fontana

    (Department of Architecture, Roma TRE University, via Madonna dei Monti 40, 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Gianluca Grazieschi

    (Department of Engineering, Roma TRE University, via Vito Volterra 62, 00146 Rome, Italy)

  • Paolo Matteucci

    (Department of Economics, Roma TRE University, via Silvio D’Amico 77, 00145 Rome, Italy)

  • Marta Roncone

    (Department of Engineering, Roma TRE University, via Vito Volterra 62, 00146 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Among the super insulating materials, aerogel has interesting properties: very low thermal conductivity and density, resistance to high temperatures and transparency. It is a rather expensive material, but incentives in the field can improve its economic attractiveness. Starting from this, the thermal behavior of a test building entirely insulated with aerogel panels was investigated through an extended experimental campaign. A dynamic simulation model of a case study building was generated to better comprehend the energy savings obtained through aerogel in terms of energy demand over a whole year. The investigation was completed by computing the carbon and energy payback times of various retrofit strategies through a life cycle assessment approach, as well as by a cost-benefit analysis through a probabilistic financial framework. Compared to conventional insulation materials, aerogel is characterized by a higher energy and carbon payback time, but it guarantees better environmental performance in the whole life cycle. From an economic-financial perspective, the aerogel retrofit is the best in the current tax incentive scenario. However, due to its higher lump-sum investment, aerogel’s net present value is very sensitive to tax deductions, and it is riskier than the best comparable materials in less favorable tax scenarios.

Suggested Citation

  • Paola Marrone & Francesco Asdrubali & Daniela Venanzi & Federico Orsini & Luca Evangelisti & Claudia Guattari & Roberto De Lieto Vollaro & Lucia Fontana & Gianluca Grazieschi & Paolo Matteucci & Marta, 2021. "On the Retrofit of Existing Buildings with Aerogel Panels: Energy, Environmental and Economic Issues," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-22, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:5:p:1276-:d:505903
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    References listed on IDEAS

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