In-situ measurements of hemp-lime insulation materials for energy efficiency improvement

Reduction of the CO₂ emissions in the atmosphere is one of the goals set forth by the European Union, hence various directives have been adopted, such as the European directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency, i.e. ensuring from 2019 the construction of the near-zero energy buildings (nZEB). The construction segment plays a very important part in solving the current global problem of the greenhouse gas emissions and related processes of global warming, because in certain countries (i.e. in Latvia) it represents more than a half of the total energy consumption. Hence the necessity to elaborate means on how to boost the energy efficiency of the buildings meanwhile not rising pressure on the CO₂ emissions released by the industry of construction materials and their transportation. Hemp-lime concrete is one of the materials that can be used to increase the energy efficiency, it is a new thermal insulation material produced from the local raw materials, and in its production cycle more CO₂ is absorbed than produced. This research aims at determining the thermal insulation properties of this material in field conditions and comparing them with results from the laboratory measurements to analyse performance of such materials in the temperate continental climate zone of Europe. Measurements have been recorded on a specifically designed portable measurement equipment with sensors for the temperature, humidity and heat flux. The obtained results present a positive correspondence with the laboratory measurements, thus proving high potential for use of these materials to increase the energy efficiency of buildings.