A method for determining optimum insulation thickness: Combined economic and environmental method

Abstract

In this study, an alternative and new method to determine optimum insulation thickness is presented. This method combines economic and environmental effects, and is called as Combined Economic and Environment Method (CEEM). Analyses were carried out for outside walls for Bilecik, Turkey and rockwool and glasswool were chosen as insulation materials. The presented method was compared with economic and environmental approaches. The optimum insulation thicknesses of three different methods were calculated. Optimum points were determined as 0.176 m (CEEM), 0.133 m (economic approach) and 0.227 m (environmental approach) for the rockwool and 0.185 m (CEEM), 0.140 m (economic approach) and 0.467 m (environmental approach) for the glasswool. In addition, annual cost savings and energy savings were also determined.