Balancing cost, thermal performance, and environmental impact: a study of masonry core materials in Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46421/enarc.v9i1.6903Keywords:
Structural masonry, Energy Efficiency, Environmental impacts, Thermal Performance, SustainabilityAbstract
This study compares two structural masonry systems – concrete block (system 1) and solid ceramic brick (system 2) – evaluating environmental impact, cost, and thermal performance in two buildings located in Curitiba, São Paulo, and Belém. For this purpose, national cost composition and CO₂ emissions databases were consulted, along with energy simulations assessed using Thermal Load and Degree-hour methods. The results showed that system 1 was up to 59.7% cheaper and had four times lower environmental impact than system 2. In terms of thermal performance, system 1 showed improvements ranging from 1.9% to 7.7%, depending on the scenario and method analyzed. Despite having the same size, the layout and distribution of openings significantly influenced the overall performance of the buildings. This study reinforces that choosing the right construction systems and proper architectural planning are essential for more sustainable buildings.
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