Analysis and classification of conventional and innovative insulation materials: towards a circular economy approach

In the field of circular and Green Economy, thermal and acoustic insulation in buildings is an essential requirement for an increasingly efficient architecture. In case of built heritage regeneration and refurbishment, as well as in new constructions, the choice of an insulating material should not be related only to the thermal transmittance value but, to guarantee a complete and exhaustive design result, to the achievement of all the qualitative and technical requirements, and to a complete material and functional characteristics assessment as well. The sustainability of their entire life cycle and the parameters of the Green Economy are also considered. The study (part of a broader research aimed at identifying innovative products) systematically analyses the products characteristics of the main families of insulating materials (organic-natural, organic-synthetic, inorganic-natural, inorganic-synthetic, including the last generation of insulations too). In particular, for each insulating material, the research investigates the diffusion and use level in the Italian market, as well as their environmental sustainability (biodegradability, recyclability and renewability), providing an overview of the aspects of Life Cycle Assessment and eco-balance. The systematization of these processes aims to promote, considering the same performance level, the choice of insulating materials with reduced environmental impact (regardless of its nature, if natural or synthetic), highlighting the variability of this parameter in relation to the use context, and aiming at an integrated and objective design of thermal and acoustic insulation.