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Research Article

A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Building Insulation Materials Complying with Korean Insulation and Fire Safety Standards

국내 단열·화재안전 기준을 만족하는 건축용 단열재의 전과정평가(LCA) 비교 연구

Chan-Hyeok Kang1
,
Bo-Kyung Jung2
,
Young-Cheol Kwon3*
강 찬혁1
,
정 보경2
,
권 영철3*
1Integrated Master’s and Doctoral Course, Department of Architectural Engineering, Graduate School, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, Korea
2Head, Innovation Group, EnergyX Inc, Goyang, Korea
3Professor, Department of Architecture, Halla University, Wonju, Korea
1광운대학교 일반대학원 건축공학과 석박통합과정
2에너지엑스㈜ 이노베이션그룹 대표
3한라대학교 건축학과 교수
*Corresponding Author
30 December 2025. pp. 440-452
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Abstract

This study evaluates the embodied carbon of insulation materials that comply with Korean reinforced insulation and fire safety standards. Glass wool, mineral wool, and phenolic foam were assessed using EPD-based GWP values and the minimum insulation thickness required for the Central Region 1 zone to identify environmentally preferable options. As regulations become more stringent, the role of insulation in reducing whole-life carbon has become increasingly important in design practice. This study therefore provides a detailed comparison of material-specific embodied carbon differences across exterior walls, roofs, and floor assemblies. In addition, the analysis considers how required thickness and density interact to influence embodied carbon outcomes across different building envelope conditions. The findings offer practical insight for architects and policymakers seeking to balance regulatory compliance with environmental performance. The results show that glass wool yields the lowest embodied carbon, while mineral wool shows the highest due to greater density and material use. Phenolic foam demonstrates mid-level emissions despite of reduced thickness from its low thermal conductivity. These findings indicate that meeting only insulation and fire regulations is insufficient, highlighting the need for LCA-based insulation selection to reduce embodied carbon and support more sustainable building practices.

Keywords
Life Cycle Assessment
Insulation Materials
Fire Safety Standards
Energy-Saving Design Standards for Buildings
Circular Economy
키워드
전과정평가
단열재
화재안전기준
건축물의 에너지절약설계기준
순환경제
References
1

Kang, C., Jung, B.K., Park, C.Y., Kwon, Y., Choi, C. (2025). A Study on the Development of Embodied Carbon Emission Calculation Model for the Automation of Building Life Cycle Assessment – Based on Open BIM –. Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea, 41(9), 283-292.

10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.9.283
2

Kang, C., Park, C., Park, S., Choi, C. (2024). A Study on the CAD-Based Quantity Automation Extraction Model for the Calculation of Embodied Carbon Emissions of Existing Buildings. Journal of Korean Institute of Architectural Sustainable Environment and Building Systems, 18(1), 49-60.

3

Ko, G.H., Choi, E.S., Kwon, Y.C. (2022). Development of High-Efficiency Hybrid Insulation for Reinforced Fire Safety Code in Korea. Journal of Architectural Institute of Korea, 38(7), 237-246.

4

Kwon, Y., Um, S. (2020). A Study on the Development of High-Efficiency Insulations for Reinforced Building Insulation and Fire Safety Code in Korea. Journal of KFMA, 15(2), 49-55.

5

Kwon, Y. (2021). Architectural Environment Design. Seoul: Hansol Academy, 150-158.

6

Kingspan Insulation Ltd. (2021). Environmental Product Declaration – Kooltherm Pipe Insulation. NBS Source / Kingspan EPD.

7

ROCKWOOL International A/S. (2020). Environmental Product Declaration – ROCKWOOL B-plate (Stone Wool Insulation). The International EPD® System.

8

Saint-Gobain ISOVER. (2021). Environmental Product Declaration – Formstykker λ34. The International EPD System.

9

Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). (2019). Regulations on the Guidelines on the Escape and Fire-Protection Structure of Buildings. Enforcement Ordinance of Building Code, No. 641.

10

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). (2023). Energy-Saving Design Standards (MLIT criteria 2023-104). Available at: https://www.law.go.kr [Accessed on 27/11/2025].

Information
  • Publisher :Korean Institute of Architectural Sustainable Environment and Building Systems
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국건축친환경설비학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of Korean Institute of Architectural Sustainable Environment and Building Systems
  • Journal Title(Ko) :한국건축친환경설비학회논문집
  • Volume : 19
  • No :6
  • Pages :440-452
  • Received Date : 2025-12-01
  • Revised Date : 2025-12-21
  • Accepted Date : 2025-12-23
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.22696/jkiaebs.20250038
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