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

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.