Industry Experts’ Perspectives on the Difficulties and Opportunities of the Integration of Bio-Based Insulation Materials in the European Construction Sector

Abstract

This paper explores the current status of bio-based insulation materials (BbIMs) integration in Europe, through structured online questionnaires. with industry experts. The findings show that the main common difficulties are obtaining European Conformity (CE) marking, high costs, a skills gap, a lack of trained builders, and slow acceptance from industry decision-makers. On the other hand, the main common opportunities are the gradual improvement with certain supportive policies and incentives, the growing environmental awareness, thermal, acoustic, and environmental performance, long-term cost savings and value, and increasing educational initiatives, advertising, and awareness campaigns. The finding also emphasizes the critical role that users and buyers play in the adoption of these materials as a potential driver and barrier. The professionals suggest strengthening environmentally friendly standards, integrating natural materials into construction databases, leading by example, withdrawing subsidies for hazardous waste disposal, providing continuing education, workshops, collaboration among stakeholders, and referencing exemplary projects in France. Further insights on bio-based building materials integration in building information modeling (BIM) practices indicate that the rate of their integration is very low. This research contributes to the scientific literature on BbIMs, by highlighting the barriers to the widespread use of these materials in practice and promoting the drivers of their widespread use. Future research should address more insights from other uncovered countries and the countries with limited insight (The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Portugal) in the current study as well as End-users’ perceptions.