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Spent Coffee Grounds-Based Thermoplaster System to Improve Heritage Building Energy Efficiency: A Case Study in Madonie Park in Sicily

Author

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  • Luisa Lombardo

    (Department of Architecture, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Bld. 8-14, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Tiziana Campisi

    (Department of Architecture, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Bld. 8-14, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Manfredi Saeli

    (Department of Architecture, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Bld. 8-14, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

Abstract

This study reports on the application of an innovative plastering system that reuses organic waste, namely spent coffee grounds (SCG), to improve energy efficiency in historical buildings according to the European Green Deal. The case study was conducted in the village of Polizzi Generosa, selected from 21 small villages located in the extensive UNESCO Geopark of Madonie Park in Sicily. Over time, traditional plasters used in Madonie buildings have shown durability issues due to thermal and hygrometric stresses caused by significant temperature fluctuations in the area. Moreover, much of the considered architectural heritage lacks energy efficiency. Given the global increase in coffee production and the need for more sustainable waste management systems, this investigation proposes an ecological method to reuse SCG in plaster formulation, thereby enhancing the circular economy. To achieve this, many thermoplaster formulations were developed, and the best-performing one, considering both material and aesthetic compatibility with historical buildings, was selected for a real-world application. Additionally, virtual modeling and energy simulations were conducted to test the energy performance of a traditional building in Polizzi Generosa using SCG-based thermoplaster in comparison to traditional lime mortar and commercial alternatives. The real-world application demonstrated the technical feasibility of the process, and the energy simulations showed an improved building masonry energy performance of 0.788 W/m 2 K and an 11% improvement compared to traditional plaster. Results clearly indicate that SCG can be successfully reused to produce eco-friendly bio composite plasters, providing a more sustainable housing option. This approach offers a durable and cost-effective alternative for housing solutions that meet regulatory requirements for energy efficiency, serving as a smart, highly sustainable, and long-lasting choice for the construction sector. Finally, this result supports the research goal of transforming the 21 municipalities of Madonie into smart and green villages, with the “Smart Coffee-House” exemplifying intelligent rehabilitation processes of existing heritage buildings.

Suggested Citation

  • Luisa Lombardo & Tiziana Campisi & Manfredi Saeli, 2024. "Spent Coffee Grounds-Based Thermoplaster System to Improve Heritage Building Energy Efficiency: A Case Study in Madonie Park in Sicily," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:15:p:6625-:d:1448950
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Theo Lynn & Pierangelo Rosati & Antonia Egli & Stelios Krinidis & Komninos Angelakoglou & Vasileios Sougkakis & Dimitrios Tzovaras & Mohamad Kassem & David Greenwood & Omar Doukari, 2021. "RINNO: Towards an Open Renovation Platform for Integrated Design and Delivery of Deep Renovation Projects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-21, May.
    2. Manganelli, Simone & Piras, Francesco & Agnoletti, Mauro, 2020. "Covid-19 and rural landscape: the case of Italy," Working Paper Series 2478, European Central Bank.
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