A performance based method for selection of thermal insulation material: Social housing case

Aim: This study proposes an approach based on a multiple criteria decision-making method for the selection of thermal insulation material in the design of high performance social housing. Method: The proposed approach has been studied on a common social housing archetype in Turkey. Independent variables were determined as thermal insulation material type and thickness, glazing type and window to wall ratio (WWR) and parametric analysis method was used to investigate the performance of the archetype with alternative scenarios. Secondly, decision making criteria such as energy, cost, and environmental (embodied energy and carbon emissions) performances for a high performance building, were listed and calculated for each alternative. Energy and cost performance analysis of the archetype was conducted through the Energy Plus dynamic building energy simulation tool, where the environmental performances were calculated through values obtained from the literature. Finally, results were evaluated through the proposed Weighted Sum Method (WSM) as a multiple criteria decision making approach to determine the best alternatives for the studied archetype. Results: Results indicate that, when the environmental criteria are considered through the proposed methodology, the highest energy efficient case moves to lower positions with its overall WSM score. On the other hand, the best alternative of the WSM becomes significant with its low life cycle cost. Conclusion: The results indicate that proper decision making on the selection of thermal insulation materials for buildings, with different environmental and economic attributes, ensures higher performances for buildings.