Optimizing Insulation Material Selection in Conceptual Building Design: A Simulation-Based Study on Lifecycle Cost and Carbon Emissions

Abstract

Insulation materials play a crucial role in reducing a building’s energy demand and carbon emissions. To optimize building lifecycle costs and reduce carbon emissions, this study developed an energy consumption simulation method specifically for the conceptual design phase of buildings to assess the impact of insulation material selection. Through this method, the study obtained the energy performance of buildings and calculated the lifecycle cost and carbon emissions data. A comparative analysis of different design schemes and material choices was then conducted. The results indicate that a rational selection of insulation materials can significantly reduce related costs by 75% and carbon emissions by 81%. The significant variations in cost and carbon emissions among different conceptual design styles further emphasize the importance of using simulation methods in the early stages of building design to optimize both cost and carbon emissions.