Comparative Life-Cycle Assessment Study of Kenaf Fiber-Based and Glass Fiber-Based Structural Insulation Panels

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Abstract
A significant proportion of energy is consumed in the building sector. A prodigious amount of this energy is utilized to provide proper temperature in buildings. One growing energy-efficient building technology which is used for wall, partitions and flooring is called structural insulated panel (SIP). SIPs have several advantages, such as good mechanical properties and relatively low cost. However, the OSB used in the conventional SIPs can cause serious environmental implications. In order to alleviate these implications and other shortcomings of OSB-based SIPs, one natural (kenaf) and one synthetic (glass) fiber are proposed to be used in a structural skin layer of SIPs. The environmental performance of kenaf fiber-based and glass fiber-based SIPs are then compared. The environmental impact analysis follows the life cycle assessment framework of ISO 14040-14043, including goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment and interpretation. Based on the 12 impact categories in the Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) set of impact categories, LCA results indicate that kenaf-based SIP has fewer negative environmental impacts in terms of all impact categories.

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