Relationship between Lebanese Homeowners’ awareness of Climate Change and their Decision to use Thermal Insulation in their Homes

Abstract

Climate change is considered a major threat to the environment and society as a whole. Reducing building energy consumption through the use of thermal insulation is one way of combating climate change. This study examines the impact of climate change awareness on the pre-construction decision of Lebanese homeowners to use thermal insulation in their homes. A model building consisting of a typical 160 m2 single-family home is used and its thermal loads are calculated in two case: insulated and uninsulated case, in three different locations in Lebanon: Beirut, Chtaura, and Bcharre-Arz. The thermal loads were calculated using two methods: the degree-days empirical method, and the HAP software numerical method. The computations showed energy reduction ranging between 23% in the coastal region to 52% in high mountains when thermal insulation is used. The investment payback period ranged from 4.3 years in the coastal region to 1.5 years in the high mountains. A survey addressed to 100 respondents was used to understand how Lebanese homeowners’ decision to use thermal insulation was affected by knowledge of the obtained results. The survey results showed that climate change awareness has a high impact on this decision; however, the cost seems to play an important role in the owners’ final decision on whether or not to use thermal insulation. Spreading awareness about climate change and the payback periods of building thermal insulation will increase its use and reduce energy consumption.