- 30. July 2025
EASI ZERo applies sustainability strategies to assess bio-based building materials
EASI ZERo has released a report that provides a comprehensive framework for incorporating sustainability principles into the development of building materials in the project.
The report presents concrete approaches the project is utilizing to address the environmental challenges of energy renovation of buildings.
"With 80% of a product's environmental impact determined at the design phase, our focus on eco-design principles is essential for creating more sustainable building solutions," explains Marco Mori, Leitat, lead of the work package behind the report.
"Our goal is to create materials that not only perform well technically but also minimize environmental impact throughout their entire lifecycle – from raw material extraction to end-of-life management," adds Marco Mori.
Highlighting sustainability aspects of EZ0 materials
The report details three key sustainability strategies used to develop and assess construction materials: Eco-design incorporates environmental considerations from the earliest planning stages, circular economy principles ensure materials maintain their value through reuse and recycling, while lifecycle assessment (LCA) provides the analytical foundation to measure and optimize environmental impact throughout a material's life.
Demonstration on three bio-based insulation materials
The sustainability strategies have been applied to three insulation materials which are being developed within the project, demonstrating how such principles can be used in practice:
- Mycelium-Based Insulation Panels: Analysis of the mycelium-based panels reveals multiple sustainability achievements. The panels are 100% natural and biodegradable, and require minimal energy to produce, since no machinery is used during production. The report details how standardized, modular dimensions enable easy installation and future reuse.
- Wood-Fiber Insulation Panels: The analysis identifies key improvements for traditional wood-fiber insulation, particularly in binding agents. Replacing conventional binders with bio-based alternatives shows significant potential for reducing environmental impact. The findings also highlight potential for reuse of the panels, if handled properly.
- Bio-based Spray Insulation Foam: Analysis reveals how eliminating toxic additives and incorporating recycled materials can transform conventional spray foam. The formulation incorporates recycled rigid polyurethane and reduces the number of components needed, while achieving effective insulation properties. Careful material selection and simplified formulations can create more environmentally responsible spray foam solutions without compromising technical requirements.
Supporting Energy-Efficient Building Renovation
The report represents the first step in EASI ZERo's eco-design approach, which aims to contribute to the transformation of the building renovation sector in Europe. With current building renovation rates at only 1% and energy-efficient renovations at a mere 0.2% annually, the project's work is critical to accelerating the transition to more sustainable buildings.
"By developing these circular materials and strategies, we're not just creating better insulation products – we're helping to establish a new paradigm for construction that aligns with European climate goals” notes Arnaud Jay, CEA-Liten, EASI ZERo Project Coordinator.
Next Steps: Measuring Sustainability Impact
The project will continue its eco-design approach using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies to evaluate the sustainability of EASI ZERo products. This assessment, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 (The complete LCA will be submitted by the end of the project, while a simplified assessment has already been delivered at the end of 2024), will provide valuable feedback on the environmental performance of the materials and guide further refinements.