Decarbonizing Through Building Thermal Insulation - Coconut Fiber Impact

Abstract

One of the major global issues threatening the survival of mankind is the effects of global warming exacerbated by the increasing production of carbon dioxide emissions. The global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration has increased by 50 per cent since pre-industrial times, rising from 277 ppm in 1750 to 416 ppm in June 2023. In the US, this end-use sector accounted for more than 36% of CO2 emissions from the combustion of fossil fuel in 2020 for meeting energy demands related to heating and cooling. In Trinidad and Tobago, the electricity usage by the residential and commercial sector accounts for 40% of the power generated of which more than 50% is used for air-conditioning. This research investigates the potential reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide using coconut fibre as a building thermal insulation via its carbon sequestration properties. Thermal conductivity measurements were conducted in accordance with ASTM C-518-04, standard test method for steady-state thermal transmission properties by means of the heat flow meter apparatus. Coconut Fiber test specimens, 254 mm square, and of thickness, 25.4, 38 and 50.4 mm, respectively, were made. Experiments were conducted at mean test temperatures of 15.6oC and 21.8oC, for the density range 40kg/m3 to 90 kg/m3.  For presently used building thermal insulation the environmental payback period shows that insulation materials are environmentally efficient, if they are used for between seven to ten years. This time is required to achieve an equivalent carbon environmental neutrality between production carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) and saved CO2e. Research on coconut fiber indicates that it meets the criteria for use as building thermal insulation. The analysis for coconut fiber batt insulation shows carbon sequestration and with building insulation application will continue to decrease the carbon footprint through energy savings. Coconut palm as a monoculture crop provides 51.14 t/hectare per year of above ground carbon stock. This translates to 188.6 Tons of CO2e per hectare.  The results indicate that at the installation stage for a 1 m2 area, fiberglass insulation batt has +5 kg CO2e compared to carbon sequestration of 16.1 and 18.6 kg CO2e of coconut fiber insulation for RSI 2.29 and RSI 2.64, respectively.  In the case of Trinidad and Tobago, where building insulation is grossly inadequate, if any at all, effective insulation has the potential to reduce the electrical demand for cooling in the residential and commercial sector by 35 to 50%. This translates to 7 to 10 % reduction in the overall electrical demand which is in line with the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement where it was agreed to reduce the overall carbon emissions by 15% by 2030.