The Boundaries of Scientific Innovation in the EU Green Deal Context

Thermal insulation materials used in civil engineering have been developing throughout time. One of the latest thermal insulation used in construction sites with gained popularity is EPS aggregate and mineral binder-based composite. Waste recycling potential, low cost, and ease of installation have brought popularity to the material. This research investigates such material which is formulated by EPS aggregates and pure Portland cement binder thus making EPS aggregate concrete (EAC). Many contractors use such untested and uncertified EAC material due to the low cost of the raw materials. In this research, EAC was taken directly from the construction site. Material physical and mechanical properties are evaluated and compared to commercial counterparts. The drying of the material was investigated, following the practice in the construction sites where upper covering layers are built according to the time schedule ignoring material drying process. Results were compared with commercial EAC. Results indicate that rapid construction schedule with layer-to-layer covering of wet EAC results in dramatically slow drying of such composites, which is one of the main problems for safe use in civil engineering. EAC density from 113 to 169 kg/m3 was measured with an average compressive strength of 49 kPa. The thermal conductivity of the tested EAC was from 0.050 to 0.055 W/(mK).

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Case Study of EPS Aggregate Insulation Material Used in Construction Sites

Bumanis,

Bajare

2024

“…As the Green Deal policy highlights the pivotal role of research and innovation in driving environmental changes to combat climate change [16], novel technological solutions constitute a crucial element in achieving energy-efficient building envelopes. Achieving energy savings and minimizing environmental impact can be significantly facilitated by the building facade, which is a crucial element of construction [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Revolutionizing the Building Envelope: A Comprehensive Scientific Review of Innovative Technologies for Reduced Emissions

Narbuts,

Vanaga

2023

This paper reviews innovative building envelope technologies that can improve total building energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The building envelope has a significant impact on energy and thermal performance, making various technologies like phase change materials, aerogel, and active and adaptive systems essential for enhancing the building envelope’s energy efficiency. Phase change materials reduce energy consumption by lowering peak heating and cooling loads, improving thermal comfort. Paraffin wax is considered the most dependable phase change material for building envelopes, as it can decrease energy consumption for heating and cooling. Study shows that active PCM thermal energy storage system can reduce room temperature by 6.8 °C in summer. Aerogel, in comparison, is recognized for its exceptional insulation capabilities and low density that minimize heat transfer and boost thermal insulation in buildings. Silica aerogel’s outstanding feature is its capacity to offer thermal performance that surpasses traditional insulation materials by 2–4 times, thereby delivering substantial energy savings of up to 35 %. Active and adaptive systems, such as smart windows and kinetic facades, enable real-time control of building envelope performance, improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Smart windows can lead to annual energy savings up to 35.9 kWh/m2 compared to traditional windows, and kinetic facades can reduce cooling loads for buildings up to 21 %. The review assesses various adaptive facade solutions for their suitability in diverse climate zones, versatility in application and energy efficiency. Despite the existence of some limitations and challenges, such as high costs and insufficient understanding of their long-term performance, the continuous development and deployment of these technologies can still yield a significant contribution to improving building energy efficiency and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

“…Although it is established in European Union Directive 2008/98/ EK (European Parliament and Council, 2008) that production by-products are not classified as waste, but in establishments they are often considered as one and sent to waste streams or low-value streams, such as, production of biogas or solid fuels [7]. Development of a bioeconomy, based on skills on innovation and investment in knowledge, is inevitably required in turn to achieve a large part of set goals [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bioeconomy Towards Green Deal. Case Study of Citric Acid Production through Fuzzy Cognitive Maps

Bezrucko

Lauka

Laktuka

et al. 2022

The rapid consumption of resources, as well as the increase in the number of people, has raised awareness of the urgent need to change Europe’s existing methods and attitudes towards the consumption of biological resources in production, processing, storage, reuse and disposal. One of the key principles of the European Green Deal is to make the EU economy sustainable. Achieving this goal requires promoting resource efficiency through the transition to a clean circular economy, restoring biodiversity and, above all, reducing pollution in order to mitigate climate change. The aim of the research is to create and offer bioeconomy opportunities, by demonstrating, analysing, and describing possible solution with the help of various examples. In order to compare different production process methods, which helps to understand which of them best meets the set sustainability criteria, fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) modelling method was used. Alternatives to 16 bio-products are evaluated using the FCM (fuzzy cognitive maps) method using the Mental Modeller tool, according to four criteria – environmental, economic, social and technological aspects. Obtained results are reliable and objectively reflect the validity of the FCM method, and the use of this type of integrated analysis is appropriate to compare the various alternative production processes considered in the work.