Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
James Bigelow, Junior Kalil Davis, Junior David Breaux, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
James Bigelow, Kalil Davis, David Breaux
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Marwa M. El-Sayed
Abstract
Home Insulation for a Sustainable Future
James Bigelow, Kalil Davis, David Breaux
Home Innovation Research Labs reported that 71% of all insulation used by United States’ residential contractors is fiberglass based. This makes sense since fiberglass insulation is affordable, readily available, and easy to install. However, fiberglass has a negative impact on indoor air quality during construction; according to multiple reputable sources such as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), this can lead to skin, eye, and airway irritation. Additionally, the manufacturing process for fiberglass insulation produces greenhouse gasses that are harmful to the environment. Herein, a case study will be conducted on a residential building that is under construction in Volusia County, Florida. When the constraints are defined, the use of alternative materials will be explored. This exploration will be referenced to three major factors, economics, effectiveness, and environmental effect. Along with the three factors listed, the project will be guided by the three overlapping circles model of sustainability. Initially, a research phase will be conducted to report alternate options for the replacement of fiberglass insulation. Then decision matrices will be used to determine the best alternative to fiberglass insulation. Each decision matrix will provide different criteria for the alternative insulations; economy, environment, and effectiveness. The alternative insulation will be evaluated based on sales data, impacts on human health and safety, and residential energy consumption. Sales will be analyzed using business data analytics, including profit, production costs, and units sold. Human health and safety will be measured through air quality tests and assessing any acute or chronic health effects or necessary personal protective equipment. Energy consumption will be determined by monthly gas and electricity usage for heating and cooling the building. These assessments are meant to represent the three primary dimensions of sustainability; Society, Economy, and Environment. To ensure the efficient use of resources and to meet stakeholder needs, a stakeholder analysis will be conducted. This involves identifying all parties impacted by the project and evaluating their level of influence and interest in the project. To conclude, the aim of this study is to identify and evaluate sustainable options of insulating residential homes. Currently the results are unclear and more research is required to determine a solution.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Home Insulation for a Sustainable Future
Home Insulation for a Sustainable Future
James Bigelow, Kalil Davis, David Breaux
Home Innovation Research Labs reported that 71% of all insulation used by United States’ residential contractors is fiberglass based. This makes sense since fiberglass insulation is affordable, readily available, and easy to install. However, fiberglass has a negative impact on indoor air quality during construction; according to multiple reputable sources such as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), this can lead to skin, eye, and airway irritation. Additionally, the manufacturing process for fiberglass insulation produces greenhouse gasses that are harmful to the environment. Herein, a case study will be conducted on a residential building that is under construction in Volusia County, Florida. When the constraints are defined, the use of alternative materials will be explored. This exploration will be referenced to three major factors, economics, effectiveness, and environmental effect. Along with the three factors listed, the project will be guided by the three overlapping circles model of sustainability. Initially, a research phase will be conducted to report alternate options for the replacement of fiberglass insulation. Then decision matrices will be used to determine the best alternative to fiberglass insulation. Each decision matrix will provide different criteria for the alternative insulations; economy, environment, and effectiveness. The alternative insulation will be evaluated based on sales data, impacts on human health and safety, and residential energy consumption. Sales will be analyzed using business data analytics, including profit, production costs, and units sold. Human health and safety will be measured through air quality tests and assessing any acute or chronic health effects or necessary personal protective equipment. Energy consumption will be determined by monthly gas and electricity usage for heating and cooling the building. These assessments are meant to represent the three primary dimensions of sustainability; Society, Economy, and Environment. To ensure the efficient use of resources and to meet stakeholder needs, a stakeholder analysis will be conducted. This involves identifying all parties impacted by the project and evaluating their level of influence and interest in the project. To conclude, the aim of this study is to identify and evaluate sustainable options of insulating residential homes. Currently the results are unclear and more research is required to determine a solution.