Life Cycle Assessment af isoleringsmaterialer: Stenuld, EPS og hørfibre

Table of Contents

Preface3

Abstract4

1. Introduction5

2. Logical Framework7

2.1 Methodology7

2.2 MECO and LCA definitions8

2.2.1 Definition of the LCA used in this report9

3. Stone wool11

3.1 Introduction to stone wool11

3.2 Properties of mineral wool fibres11

3.2.1 Stone wool properties12

3.3 Process chain of stone wool insulation12

3.4 Functions15

3.5 System boundaries17

3.6 MECO scheme18

3.7 LCA22

3.7.1 Impact assessment23

3.7.2 Sensitivity analysis – disposal possibilities24

4. Expanded polystyrene25

4.1 Introduction25

4.2 Properties of polystyrene insulation25

4.3 Process chain of polystyrene insulation26

4.4 Functions28

4.5 System boundaries30

4.6 MECO scheme31

4.7 LCA35

4.7.1 Impact assessment35

4.7.2 Sensitivity analysis – disposal possibilities37

5. Flax fibres41

5.1 Introduction41

5.2 Properties of flax fibres41

5.3 Process chain of flax insulation43

5.4 Functions46

5.5 System boundaries47

5.6 MECO scheme49

5.7 LCA52

5.7.1 Impact assessment52

5.7.2 Sensitivity analysis – disposal possibilities53

6. Comparison57

6.1 Global warming potential58

6.2 Acidification58

6.3 Nutrient enrichment59

6.4 Photochemical ozone creation59

6.5 Non-hazardous solid waste59

6.6 Hazardous waste60

6.7 Total energy use60

7. Conclusion62

References64

Appendix70

Preface

This report has been written as part of the course ‘Holistic Design’ on the MSc programme ’Environmental and Resource Management’ at the University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg.

We would like to thank our supervisor Birgit Storm for her useful advice and comments.