The use of thermal insulation materials for the achievement of energy efficient
buildings intended, in most cases, the fulfilment of the required heating and cooling needs of
the operational phase. The main goal of this paper is ‐ by using exploratory methodology, namely
literature review ‐ identify more sustainable insulating materials and, concomitantly, exposing
the paradoxical effect of other insulation materials with high Global Warming Potential (GWP)
highlighting the role of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Ecodesign and Environmental Product
Declaration (EPD) tools for the framing, comparison and selection of materials. As a main
conclusion, it is noticed the lack of environmental information from the producers which,
together with acquisition prices that do not internalize Life Cycle Costs (LCC), has led to the use
of insulation materials with high carbon footprint and to the "isolation paradox" as well.