Green buildings model: Impact of rigid polyurethane foam on indoor environment and sustainable development in energy sector

Abstract

The construction and building industry in the modern world heavily relies on advanced techniques and materials such as polymers. However, with the world's population alarmingly increasing, contributing to the greenhouse effect, and severe weather conditions amplifying, it has become crucial to reduce the heat effects in both new and old buildings. To achieve this, 50-70% more energy is necessary, which highlights the importance of energy-efficient construction practices and materials. Consequently, a comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Polyurethane in indoor environments and energy conservation. Current study was performed due to an innovative application of insulation materials as to reduce the heat and energy costs in construction works. Thermal conductivity at mean temperature 35 °C was found 0.0272 (W/m K) with maximum in burnt clay brick (1.43 W/m K) by using hotplate apparatus. Specific heat was also found less 0.85 (KJ/Kg K) at density 32 kg/m³ while results were at par in reinforcement cement concrete and burnt clay brick 0.91, 0.91 (KJ/Kg K) respectively. Similarly, heat transmittance values of different roof sections by using polyurethane insulation showing satisfaction the ECBC in Buildings deviating standard U-value 1.20% to 0.418 (W/m² K) with its excellent performance. Polyurethane treatments have been found to exert a significant impact on the computation of thermal resistance and overall heat transfer coefficients. In contrast, non-insulated treatments yielded inconclusive results with little to no significance. This highlights the importance of insulation materials in energy-efficient construction practices. Energy consumption in winter and summer also has shown the significant impact by using polyurethane application with cumulative saving of 60-62% electricity. Economic Benefit of polyurethane in RCC and Conventional buildings describes positive and highly significant impact in present study. Application of polyurethane in new and old buildings ultimate enhanced the better quality of life and living standards from people of applied countries and is strongly recommended for future prospects and endeavors as Eco-friendly and energy efficient for sustainable development.

Keywords: Energy; Isocyanate; Polymers; Polyol; Polyurethane; Sustainable environment.

Fig. 1

Pakistan anomalies annual mean temperature (from 1961 to 2016). Where the black line indicated the 7 years stirring average while the black dotted line showed trend over the periods. (Source: Pakistan Meteorological Department 2020) [21].

Fig. 2

Annual temperature Map showing maximum, minimum and mean temperature during 2020 in Pakistan. (Source: Pakistan Meteorological Department 2020) [21].

Fig. 3

Maximum and minimum Ufactor and R Values during 24 h use buildings [29].

Fig. 4

U-Vales identification chart [30].

Fig. 5

(a) Application of foam polyurethane (b) Yellow color stunt of polyurethane at CUI-Vehari building on an area of 25000 ft².

Fig. 6

(a) Concrete Thickness (mm) vs polyurethane layers observations; (b) Field experiment with preparation of materials on an area of 25000 ft² at COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus.