Optimizing insulation thickness of external walls in cold region of Morocco based on life cycle cost analysis

Abstract One of the effective ways to reduce energy consumption of buildings is the use of thermal insulation. This study focuses on the optimization of thermal insulation thickness of typical building’s wall in the cold regions of Morocco based on life cycle cost analysis and national technical and economic data. It demonstrates the profitability of the thermal insulation of building’s wall in these regions for expanded polystyrene, polyurethane and cork using degree-days method. The optimum insulation thickness varies significantly as a function of the selected insulation material, the source of energy and its pricing. The maximum recorded optimum thickness is 16.8 cm and the minimum is 3.4 cm.