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.

Bio-based insulation materials (BbIMs) represent a potential alternative to conventional insulations, with their characteristics that favor a negative-carbon built environment. However, their use may face challenges that could prevent them from being used on a large scale in certain countries. The current study aims to provide focused insights into the practical difficulties and market opportunities for the application of BbIMs in Europe through a systematic literature review (SLR). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used as the basis for the conduct and reporting of this review. A keyword search was performed in Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases to select peer-reviewed English-language articles. HubMeta web tool was used to organize the selection process. The quantitative visualization of the literature was made by the Bibliometrix R package V4.1.4. Data were manually extracted and clustered in an Excel sheet. The review included 28 studies that have revealed interrelated insights. Difficulties range from regulatory and policy limitations and variability in performance, such as microbial growth and inconsistency in the behavior of materials under different conditions, to cost barriers. However, there are promising opportunities, including policy incentives and material performance benefits such as improved energy efficiency and indoor air quality. This research contributes to the literature by providing focused insights into the practical difficulties and market opportunities for the application of BbIMs in Europe. Research gaps and future perspectives point to the need for more field validation experiments, exploration of alternative production processes, and expanding life cycle assessment scopes to optimize their integration and performance. Stakeholder perceptions were conducted with a small sample in some countries, so insights from stakeholders are needed to confirm or correct current findings.

When selecting building materials, health and wellbeing are aspects that are frequently neglected. It has been discovered that traditional materials are a source of hazardous emissions that have a negative impact on the health of individuals. On the other hand, Bio-based Building materials are increasingly being used instead of conventional materials as the construction sector aims to be more sustainable. However, these materials’ potential impacts on human health and wellbeing are also a source of worry. As a result, the purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive review of pertinent scientific research, with a focus on comparative studies that shed light on the effects of using bio-based building materials. Considering both positive and negative health effects, with a focus on indoor environment quality, indoor contaminants, and psychological health and well-being. The results highlight the need for more study and provide insightful information about how using bio-based building materials affects individuals’ health and well-being.

The use of bio-based insulations in buildings serves several purposes, including reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Considering the many factors that determine the decision to use these insulations, this paper aims to analyse the financial and carbon cost and carbon intensity impacts of different bio-based insulation materials. Through comparing the carbon intensity of the insulations after performing a Life-cycle assessment (A-C); Global warming potential (incl.+A2), followed by calculating the financial and carbon cost per functional unit. This comparison included insulations based on cellulose, wood fibre, wood wool, cork, straw, hemp, jute, sheep wool, reeds, cotton, paper wool, and prairie grass among others. The results show that cellulose had lower Carbon intensity impacts (0.38-23.95 kgCO₂e) and moderate financial and carbon cost (avg.19 €/m²) in most countries produced in. Whilst Wood wool presented the highest carbon intensity (10.40-111.60 kg CO₂e) in the countries where it was produced. The higher carbon intensity is mostly attributed to the use of inorganic fire retardants and binders. The need to balance the lowest carbon intensity of the options with relatively low financial cost means that cellulose is the most efficient alternative followed by wood fibre, and wood wool the least eff icient. A further comprehensive understanding of the environmental and economic impacts of different insulation materials helps stakeholders make sustainable decisions. Hence, it may lead to improved insulation performance to ensure diversity and competitiveness.