AMBER Research

Energy and hygrothermal analysis of CLT buildings in North America

Perform energy (OpenStudio) and hygrothermal (WUFI) simulation to simulate buildings and building envelopes in different locations around the Northwest and Northeast and compare performance using two different insulation materials: XPS and mineral wool considering.

Energy results show no differences between these two insulation products, but hygrothermal analysis shows the benefits of stone wool that allow faster drying of CLT assemblies for most situations. Energy parametric analysis shows that both cooling and heating energy use can be decreased up to 67% (cooling) and 16% (heating) when CLT is combined with natural ventilation, infiltration, increased wall and roof insulation, thermostat setpoints, and exterior shading measures.

Collaborator: ROCKWOOL

Annual (a) electric cooling, and (b) gas heating energy use in Austin

Annual (a) electric cooling, and (b) natural gas heating energy use in Boston