Green buildings model: Impact of rigid polyurethane foam on indoor environment and sustainable development in energy sector. Issue 3 (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alsuhaibani, Amnah Mohammed; Refat, Moamen S.; Qaisrani, Saeed Ahmad; Jamil, Farhad; Abbas, Zoobia; Zehra, Anum; Baluch, Khaqan; Kim, Jung-Gyu; Mubeen, Muhammad
• Is Part Of: Heliyon. Volume 9:Issue 3(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Polymers -- Polyurethane -- Polyol -- Isocyanate -- Energy -- Sustainable environment; Research -- Periodicals; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Natural history -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Periodicals; 507.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14451
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-8440

Abstract

Abstract: The construction and building industry in the modern world heavily relies on advanced techniques and materials such as polymers. However, with the world's population alarmingly increasing, contributing to the greenhouse effect, and severe weather conditions amplifying, it has become crucial to reduce the heat effects in both new and old buildings. To achieve this, 50–70% more energy is necessary, which highlights the importance of energy-efficient construction practices and materials. Consequently, a comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Polyurethane in indoor environments and energy conservation. Current study was performed due to an innovative application of insulation materials as to reduce the heat and energy costs in construction works. Thermal conductivity at mean temperature 35 °C was found 0.0272 (W/m K) with maximum in burnt clay brick (1.43 W/m K) by using hotplate apparatus. Specific heat was also found less 0.85 (KJ/Kg K) at density 32 kg/m 3 while results were at par in reinforcement cement concrete and burnt clay brick 0.91, 0.91 (KJ/Kg K) respectively. Similarly, heat transmittance values of different roof sections by using polyurethane insulation showing satisfaction the ECBC in Buildings deviating standard U-value 1.20% to 0.418 (W/m 2 K) with its excellent performance. Polyurethane treatments have been found to exert a significant impact on the computation of thermal resistance and overall heat transfer coefficients. In contrast, non-insulated treatments yielded inconclusive results with little to no significance. This highlights the importance of insulation materials in energy-efficient construction practices. Energy consumption in winter and summer also has shown the significant impact by using polyurethane application with cumulative saving of 60–62% electricity. Economic Benefit of polyurethane in RCC and Conventional buildings describes positive and highly significant impact in present study. Application of polyurethane in new and old buildings ultimate enhanced the better quality of life and living standards from people of applied countries and is strongly recommended for future prospects and endeavors as Eco-friendly and energy efficient for sustainable development.