Thermal insulation — Definition and principles

Since the 2000s, the desire to limit the impact of human activity on the environment has led to the development of technical solutions aimed in particular at controlling energy consumption and reducing pollutant emissions.

One of the solutions implemented is to reduce heat loss through walls by means of thermal insulation. This solution can be applied both in the residential sector, to maintain occupant comfort while reducing the need for air conditioning (both heating and cooling), and in the industrial and transport sectors.

This article is part of a series of four dedicated to thermal insulation.

In this first article [BE9858] , we present the definition, objectives, regulatory framework, alternatives and main areas of application of thermal insulation.

The following articles [BE9859] , [BE9860] and [BE9861] describe insulating systems and materials in greater detail, the special case of high-temperature thermal insulation and the special case of low-temperature thermal insulation.