Contributions of Lightweight Aggregate and Concrete Products to Building Energy Optimization Across Climate Zones

Optimization of resource allocation and reducing environmental footprints are vital to mitigating climate change concerns. Production of construction materials and energy consumption of buildings during operation significantly contribute to these critical elements. This paper addresses the contribution of lightweight aggregate, concrete, and concrete masonry units containing rotary-kiln expanded lightweight aggregates to optimizing energy use during the lifecycle of buildings. Thermal insulation of lightweight aggregates and their products is the key factor in reducing heating and cooling demands. Such benefits have a direct impact on reducing resource use and an indirect impact on reducing ambient temperature as a means to limit the effects of climate change. Mitigating thermal energy also has broader impacts on environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and thermal comfort. Assessing these contributions employs a lifecycle analysis of environmental footprints throughout the production, construction, use, and decommissioning stages. Investigated applications include a wholesome approach to the exterior envelope of ordinary buildings, such as lightweight aggregate and concrete as insulating roofing materials and concrete masonry units for exterior walls. Discussions involve the efficiency of thermally insulated lightweight materials in various climate zones per building code requirements. Hence, the outcome of this study facilitates the decision-making for employing lightweight materials as building components to mitigate challenges in natural resources, environmental footprints, the energy sector, and the economy.

کلیدواژه ها:

Lightweight Aggregate ، Concrete ، Concrete Masonry ، Building ، Energy ، Climate ، Environment ، Lifecycle Analysis