Energy performance and Climate impact of different prefabricated façade system

Abstract: The objective of the degree project was to assess the average thermal transmittance and the climate impact of the façade. The studied prefabricated façade panels were the aluminium frame one, the insulated concrete sandwich and the wooden frame panel. The research approach consisted of five steps: the physical and thermal requirement of the panel was established; then the initial U-Value of each panel was calculated with a goal to have relatively comparable panels; the thermal bridges and average U-Value were assessed; at the same time Life Cycle Assessment for the designed façade from each system were evaluated; lastly, the comparative studies were conducted for alternative joints or structure in each system in both thermal performance and climate impact aspects. The results, while specific to the designed façade, provided some insight into the differences between the three materials. The wooden frame panel had the best performance, thermal wise, followed by the aluminium frame panel and insulated concrete sandwich panel. The Life Cycle Assessments suggested that the insulated concrete sandwich panel had the lowest Global Warming Potential, while the wooden frame façade system had a slightly higher value, and the aluminium frame system had the highest Global Warming Potential – tripled that of the concrete system. The main structure for the wooden frame and aluminium frame façade proved to be very influential to the Climate Impact of each.