In the heart of Cairo’s new administrative capital, a groundbreaking study is challenging the status quo of residential construction, offering a breath of fresh air in the fight against energy inefficiency and carbon emissions. Eslam Moraekip, an architect and researcher from the Architecture Engineering Department at Badr University in Cairo (BUC), has been exploring the potential of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) cement sandwich panels to revolutionize building performance in hot, arid climates.
Moraekip’s study, published in the Journal of Engineering Sciences (JES), compares the energy performance of conventional concrete block walls with EPS cement sandwich panels in a typical residential villa. The results are striking. “We found that EPS cement sandwich panels can significantly enhance thermal performance, reducing yearly heat gains and losses through external walls by 81.06%,” Moraekip explains. This substantial improvement translates into a 15.41% decrease in HVAC energy consumption and a notable reduction in CO₂ emissions, from 45,413.18 kg to 38,414.73 kg annually.
The EPS cement sandwich panels used in the study feature a 200 mm-thick EPS cement mix mortar core with fiber cement boards facings, achieving a U-value of 0.189 W/m²K, compared to 1.371 W/m²K for conventional concrete block walls. This dramatic improvement in thermal insulation is a game-changer for the energy sector, particularly in regions heavily reliant on mechanical cooling systems.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As cities like Cairo grapple with rapid urbanization and the pressing need for sustainable development, innovative building materials like EPS cement sandwich panels offer a promising solution. “Integrating EPS cement sandwich panels in Egypt’s residential sector aligns with national energy strategies and global sustainability goals,” Moraekip asserts.
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial. For energy providers, the reduced demand for HVAC energy consumption means a more stable and efficient grid. For construction companies, the lightweight and easy-to-install nature of EPS cement sandwich panels presents new opportunities for innovation and cost savings. Moreover, as governments worldwide implement stricter building codes and energy efficiency standards, the demand for high-performance materials like EPS cement sandwich panels is set to soar.
This study, published in the Journal of Engineering Sciences (JES), known in English as the Journal of Engineering Sciences, serves as a catalyst for future developments in the field. As Moraekip’s research gains traction, it is poised to shape the future of residential construction, driving the energy sector towards a more sustainable and efficient horizon. The question now is not whether EPS cement sandwich panels will become mainstream, but how quickly the industry can adapt to this transformative technology.