Getting Ahead in a Tough Market

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n the current tough market conditions developers are looking to give their developments a competitive edge, and simultaneously meet ever increasing regulatory demands. One advantage can

be derived by achieving higher levels of energy efficiency, and improved sustainability as laid out in the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH). Introduced by the Government in 2007, the CSH sets new standards for the key elements of housing design and construction that affect the sustainability credentials of a new home. The Code demands higher standards of energy

efficiency than the Building Regulations. By assessing the performance, in nine specific categories, the Code measures the sustainability of a house design producing an overall rating for the house. The categories address energy consumption/CO2 emissions, water usage, waste, pollution and surface water runoff as well as the use of sustainable materials and maximising health, well-being, management and ecology. To ensure consistent improvements are made

in the environmental performance of new build homes, higher levels of the Code will become mandatory over the forthcoming years. The Code is being implemented through the planning process and is increasingly a feature of mainstream private development. Almost all planning authorities currently insist of Code Level 3 but many require higher levels of performance. By 2016 all new homes in the UK will be required to be net Zero Carbon.

SIPs and House Builders

SIP-based building systems are increasingly popular with house builders and developers. The composite panel structure is not only incredibly strong but also delivers a super insulated structure with low fuel bills for homeowners and a reliable build programme with known costs for the house builder. The fabric first approach to energy efficiency is particularly compelling when working with SIP building systems, and provides developers with an ideal opportunity to gain a competitive advantage by offering house buyers sustainable homes in line with the requirements of the Code,

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Paul Newman, Technical Director of Kingspan Potton, explains how the fast build times and strong sustainability credentials of SIPs (structural insulated panels) can help builders and developers get ahead in the housing industry through reducing household energy bills and offering a more environmentally friendly home.

but without extensive use of complicated, maintenance hungry bolt-on eco-baling. Key to achieving Code level 3 and beyond is maximising the thermal performance and air-tightness of the building fabric of a house. Timber building systems, such as SIPs, are an ideal method of creating air-tight, thermally efficient homes. SIP based building systems reliably deliver excellent results for air-leakage testing. Delivering a U-value of just 0.17 W/m2

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the energy efficiency building envelope delivered using SIPs reduces household fuel bills and can lower greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to traditional build methods.

Environmental Credentials

Although energy efficiency accounts for a

relatively large proportion of the credits (36.4% or 29 credits) required to reach Code Level 3, sustainability and the environmental performance of a house design also have significant roles to play. The insulating materials used within SIPs have zero ozone depletion potential and are CFC/HCFC-free. Additional credits are gathered as the insulants meet the requirements of the Code regarding global warming potential. Further Code credits are collected because SIP

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