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Nowadays, sustainable construction is a key factor for reaching net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide all over the world. This goal is impossible to achieve by merely reducing the energy consumption of end-users. A more holistic approach should be taken, adopting sustainable industrial practices that use environmentally friendly materials on a large scale. This paper presents the analysis of the hydrothermal properties of hemp thermal insulation plates. We carried out extensive measurements and the analysis of the thermal conductivity coefficient, drying-out dynamics, and water absorption. The study was performed with experimental insulation samples based on the fiber obtained from hemp stems, prepared using different adhesive powders. The dimensions of the analyzed samples were 300 × 300 mm. The proposed samples are not yet available in mass production. Hemp does not flower in the Baltic region and was traditionally used for soil regeneration. Thus, using this raw material increases the added value of agricultural residues. Three series of hemp fiber samples with different substances and pressing modes were evaluated in the study. Each set of samples consisted of four plates with varying thicknesses and two different densities: 200 kg/m3 and 300 kg/m3. All samples exhibited a significant increase in moisture absorption and a strong correlation with the increase in thermal conductivity. The average thermal conductivity of the test samples ranged from 0.0544 to 0.0594 W/mK. The impact of the adhesive powder on the thermal conductivity was found to be extremely small. However, the values obtained were much higher than those for traditional thermal insulation materials, allowing to utilize the local agriculture residues and providing material for the construction of eco-friendly buildings.

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The most significant increase in construction volumes in Latvia was registered in the time period from 2005 to the middle of 2008. Many large suburban areas around Riga were landscaped for building single-family-type houses. People have been using these properties for 12–15 years, and now, the challenge for the inhabitants is to find the most efficient way to maintain a high level of living comfort. Deteriorating systems require investments, so it is in the interest of owners to ensure that the benefits of such investments are maximized and that energy consumption is as low as possible. In this study, the authors simulated various scenarios where HVAC system parameters were changed, and the thermal performance of building structures was improved. Annual energy consumption, indoor quality and thermal comfort were analyzed. The importance of this work is justified by the need to realize and define the energy efficiency levels of existing single-family houses and demonstrate the amount of investment required to move closer to established energy efficiency targets.

This paper is devoted to analysis of insulation materials quality and characteristics, method for the determination of thermal conductivity coefficient and the influence of various factors on the thermal conductivity coefficient. The paper summarizes the estimated process consumption of thermal energy. The research is defined experimental hemp fiber-sheaves insulation plates manufactured in Latvia further specified actual parameter and quality water absorption; thickness changes; drying process; thermal conductivity coefficient; thermal conductivity coefficient depending from moisture. Research is made using experimental hemp fiber-sheaves insulation pattern manufactured in Latvia – plates in size 300 x 300 mm. In research totally are used three hemp fiber-sheaves pattern series with different substance and extrusion modes. Each series consist from four plate with different thickness. As result of research is determined hemp fiber-sheaves insulation pattern Water absorption, dynamics of Drying process, Thickness changes, Thermal conductivity coefficient and Thermal conductivity coefficient depending from moisture.