Noveryna Dwika Reztrie, Dewi Larasati, Lily Tambunan

TOWARD LOW-CARBON TROPICAL BUILDINGS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF BIO-BASED WASTE MATERIALS FOR THERMAL INSULATION

Introduction

Toward low-carbon tropical buildings: a systematic review of bio-based waste materials for thermal insulation. Systematic review of bio-based waste (POFA, eggshell powder) for thermal insulation in low-carbon tropical buildings. Identifies experimental gaps, urging integrated lab-simulations.

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to analyze experimental approaches used to evaluate the thermal insulation performance of bio-based wall materials derived from agro-industrial waste, with a specific focus on Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) and eggshell powder, in the context of sustainable tropical building applications. Methodology and results: This study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) consisting of three primary stages: a comprehensive search across reputable databases (Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar), article selection based on predefined inclusion criteria, and thematic analysis of 78 eligible studies. The review focused on experimental methods for evaluating thermal performance, including thermal conductivity (Hot Disk, Guarded Hot Plate), specific heat capacity (DSC), surface reflectance (UV-VIS), and chemical-microstructural analyses (TGA, SEM-EDS, XRD). Findings indicate that POFA and eggshell powder exhibit thermal conductivity values between 0.12–0.25 W/m·K, attributed to microporous structures and high SiO₂ or CaCO₃ content. Nonetheless, the integration of these laboratory findings with building energy simulations and the consideration of tropical, specific variables, such as humidity and solar radiation, remains notably limited in existing literature. Conclusion, significance and impact study: This study identifies critical methodological gaps in current research on bio-based thermal insulation materials and underscores the need for a more integrated evaluation framework. Specifically, it recommends combining laboratory testing with building energy simulation to enhance the validity and applicability of findings. Such an approach is essential for advancing the reliable implementation of agro-industrial bio-waste materials, such as POFA and eggshell powder, in sustainable tropical architecture. The proposed integration not only strengthens the scientific foundation of material performance assessment but also contributes to more climate-responsive and low-carbon building design strategies in the Global South.

Review

This systematic literature review addresses a highly pertinent topic in sustainable construction: the utilization of bio-based waste materials, specifically Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) and eggshell powder, for thermal insulation in low-carbon tropical buildings. The study employs a rigorous three-stage SLR methodology, analyzing 78 eligible articles across major scientific databases. By focusing on experimental approaches for evaluating thermal performance—including thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and microstructural analyses—the review effectively synthesizes existing knowledge. The finding that POFA and eggshell powder exhibit promising thermal conductivity values (0.12–0.25 W/m·K) due to their inherent microporous structures and composition provides a valuable baseline for researchers and practitioners. Despite these insightful findings, the review critically highlights a significant methodological lacuna in the current body of literature. It underscores the "notably limited" integration of laboratory-derived material properties with building energy simulations, particularly concerning the unique environmental variables of tropical climates such as high humidity and intense solar radiation. This disconnect represents a crucial barrier to the practical implementation of these materials, as their performance in a controlled lab setting may not accurately reflect their efficacy and durability within a dynamic building envelope. The study effectively identifies this gap as a core challenge impeding progress in the field. The paper concludes with a compelling and actionable recommendation: the necessity of an integrated evaluation framework that combines robust laboratory testing with comprehensive building energy simulations. This proposed synergy is crucial for validating material performance under realistic tropical conditions and advancing the reliable deployment of agro-industrial bio-waste materials in sustainable architecture. By emphasizing this integrated approach, the review not only strengthens the scientific foundation for material assessment but also directly contributes to the development of more climate-responsive and low-carbon building design strategies essential for the Global South. This study serves as an important guide for future research, steering the field towards more holistic and applicable solutions.

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