INSULATION
Addressing the construction climate emergency
Tom Bovan of Armatherm looks at the carbon agenda in the light of 2020 and 2050 emissions targets, and how insulation advances are key to innovating in building envelopes to assist the sector towards its goals
n recent years there’s been huge amounts of pressure exerted on architects and specifiers to drastically improve the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings. Following the 2008 Climate Change Act, a target was set to reduce carbon emissions by 80 per cent compared to levels seen in 1990, all by 2050, with an initial reduction of at least 34 per cent seen by 2020.
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The building environment counts for 45 per cent of the total UK carbon emissions (27 per cent from domestic buildings and 18 per cent from non-domestic), making it a key area to target in the fight to reduce carbon levels.
As this need to reduce carbon emissions becomes more vital, it’s imperative for energy efficient solutions to be developed and incorporated within building structures. Revolutionary designs are now appearing on the market in a bid to light the way for more efficient structures to meet the upcoming regulations. Roof-to-wall parapet locations require structural framing for support, preventing continuous insulation from roof to facade. This creates a thermal bridge where temperatures can transfer, and subsequently, energy is lost. The inclusion of a thermal break under the parapet, connecting the facade and roof insulation, can improve the effective R-value by as much as 30 per cent. This can easily be done as part of a renovation project, or during the construction stages of a new build. Another key element assisting in the decline of carbon emissions over the years is incorporating effective, new methods of glazing and insulation within a structure, as ensuring less energy loss through windows and walls is a key way of keeping temperatures stable within a building. New double and triple glazing solutions have layers of pressured gas within the glass for added insulation. Incorporating insulation
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within the wall space can dramatically improve efficiency too, and as so much heat is lost out of a building’s roof, it’s essential these are properly insulated. Products on the market such as multifoil, have been developed specifically to improve efficiency with vapour control and space saving properties. It can also be made from up to 40 per cent recycled materials, and has a life expectancy of more than 50 years. When it comes to keeping heat within a building, cladding is often used to add an additional layer of insulation. It also offers structural support and protection from the outside elements. If the steel cladding framework is used to bridge the insulation envelope, it will conduct heat straight out of the building. Inserting a non-metallic thermal break to support cladding structures can eliminate this heat transfer, with the additional benefit of preventing condensation and temperature changes
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