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Review on the sustainability of phase-change materials used in buildings

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dc.contributor.author Aridi, R.
dc.contributor.author Yehya, A.
dc.date.accessioned 2023-08-09T08:36:36Z
dc.date.available 2023-08-09T08:36:36Z
dc.date.issued 2022
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/10938/24113
dc.description.abstract Phase-change materials have become a vital solution for saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. However, the production processes of phase-change materials affect their cost, impact societies, and may result in harmful emissions to the environment. In this study, we perform a review on the sustainability of phase-change materials considering performance, economic, environmental, and social aspects. While there is an extensive literature on the performance and efficiency of phase-change materials, there is limited consideration of social fairness and the environmental impact. So, we analyze the lifecycles of four different phase-change materials: a salt hydrate, a hydrocarbon, and two types of biobased materials. Our results show that hydrocarbon phase-change materials have the highest purchasing cost, the highest effect on the environment, and their production is associated with social risks related to safety and health. On the other hand, biobased (plant-based) materials are affordable, safe, provide new market opportunities for crops, and have minimal environmental harm if biofertilizers are used. The use of manurial fertilizers do not give biobased phase-change materials an advantage over other types. We also note that social fairness in production should be respected for sustainable phase-change materials solutions.
dc.language.iso en
dc.subject sustainable buildings
dc.subject life cycle assessment LCA
dc.subject phase change material PCM
dc.subject environmental cost indicator ECI
dc.subject social impact
dc.title Review on the sustainability of phase-change materials used in buildings
dc.type Article


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