Energy and Sustainable Renovation of Building Stock in Europe: The Environmental Benefits of Biobased Insulation Materials.

For over thirty years, insulation materials have played a vital role in architectural design, driven by evolving energy regulations and stricter thermal insulation standards. In 2018, the European EPB regulations were updated, urging member states to enhance renovation efforts and improve the energy efficiency of building stocks by 2050. Wallonia, like other European regions, has a diverse and energy-intensive residential building stock, which requires significant energy renovation. Consequently, the demand for insulation materials is expected to rise sharply. It is therefore essential that this demand aligns with regional goals for ecological and circular transition.
The choice of insulation material and its implementation during the renovation process, particularly for existing buildings has become crucial. It can negatively affect a building's architectural quality, durability, and future adaptability. Furthermore, it significantly impacts the environmental balance of renovation projects, contributing to resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and waste production.
In this context, this study investigates the benefits of biobased insulation materials from technical, construction, and environmental perspectives. Through a multidisciplinary and comparative approach, it highlights the role of these "balanced materials" in the transition toward carbon neutrality and a circular economy. The study first refines the definition of "biobased" materials and compiles an inventory of around twenty biobased insulation products available in Europe. The selected materials are then analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively in terms of their environmental and technical performance. Finally, they are compared to four traditional insulation materials, focusing on environmental and circular aspects.
The contribution will first outline the methodology, then provide an overview of the materials inventory, indicators used for comparative analysis, and key findings. It will conclude by discussing the potential role of biobased insulation materials in improving energy efficiency and supporting eco-friendly building transitions.