The construction industry increasingly seeks sustainable insulation solutions. This study evaluates the thermal performance of a novel bio-based material made from recycled cardboard and esparto fibers, compared to conventional hollow concrete blocks. The approach combines experimental characterization of material properties with dynamic thermal simulations of a residential building using DesignBuilder, under two contrasting Moroccan climates: hot (Marrakech) and cold (Ifrane). Results reveal a strong climate influence: cooling demand dominates in Marrakech (5,163.75 kWh annually), whereas heating demand is higher in Ifrane (6,772.45 kWh annually). These findings emphasize the importance of tailoring insulation strategies to local climatic conditions to improve energy efficiency.
Nouhi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.