Thermal insulation panels fabricated using recycled cardboard for energy efficiency in buildings: retrofit performance evaluation in hot climate

The study examines the potential of using passive design strategies from locally sourced, environmentally friendly materials to improve building energy efficiency in hot climates. Thermal insulation panels fabricated using recycled cardboard aggregates and biodegradable binders (cornstarch, lime and clay) were assessed for their impact on energy consumption by retrofitting an existing building in Dubai. Weather data and building energy consumption were monitored onsite. Three insulation panels composites of varying thickness were incorporated into base model of existing building and assessed for their energy consumption across various months, seasons and on representative dates using OpenStudio integrated with EnergyPlus. The energy consumption of existing building was validated against recorded data. The 100 mm thick cardboard-cornstarch panel was found to be most effective reducing HVAC energy consumption by 19.71% during peak summer season and 10.3% annually. An economic analysis calculated the material cost, energy cost and payback period associated with the fabricated panels.