Xtratherm
SUSTAINABILITY
T
he move towards Future Homes Standards and new Part L regulation compliance present challenges in developing solutions that meet these higher
requirements. The RIBA Climate Challenge 2030 has defined energy performances and embodied carbon targets as the UK construction industry’s answer to that.
Xtratherm’s recently published reports looks at meeting the Climate Challenge targets with traditional merchant materials available from stock to meet these stringent targets today. Its collaboration with builders merchants and other material manufacturers in understanding the definition of energy efficiency, good site practice and the use of Environmental Performance Certificates for products within LCAs is encouraging engagement on improving environmental credentials within the sector. For a builders’ merchant, the ever-increasing focus on sustainability can present a huge challenge, but also great opportunity. Shopping local is one of the most effective ways of cutting emissions and merchants are at the heart of their local communities. Xtratherm’s Technical Team has taken the lead on sustainability issues and is on hand to provide advice on product EPDs, calculations and guidance for regulatory compliance.
At Xtratherm, every aspect of the business operates with a sustainability first mindset as it continually adapts to deliver a sustainable future through the One Home Strategy and under our four pillars of Product, Place, People and Partnership. It is also actively working to make changes to the sustainability credentials of products.
Xtratherm’s ECO360 range delivers pioneering environmental improvements in the manufacturing, delivery and use of PIR insulation. More than a single product it a commitment to continually review and improve the sustainability credentials of our products. This is a bio-enhanced, halogen-free formulation and the range has more than 50% reduction in packaging with all plastic wrap replaced by biodegradable film. Future developments in product will see ever improving EPDs through product innovation. As it rebrands to Unilin Insulation, it will be working in partnership with designers, contractors and merchants to reduce material usage on-site in order to achieve ultimate thermal performance and minimise resultant embodied carbon.
The changes to Part L regulations provide a welcome improvement, clarifying the calculation
THE SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY
process through an updated SAP and achieving a level playing field for comparison between products. The significant change in terms of thermal efficiency is that a target U-Value of 0.18 W/m2K is now required when building new walls in extensions to existing dwellings and new or replacement of walls in existing dwellings. This will be a significant challenge for traditionally used insulation materials; typically stocked by merchants.
Xtratherm has worked with merchants to produce a Guide to Meeting 0.18W/m2K U-Values in Cavity Walls. This easy-to-read booklet sets out what products can be used to achieve compliance. The guidance also highlights the importance of choice of blocks and cavity widths to ensure targets are met.
Expert access
Access to such expertise is a vital resource for merchants in helping to guide their customers to the correct choice for their project. In insulation product terms, Xtratherm’s range of suitable products for a 0.18 W/m2K U-value means the quest for compliance need not sacrifice choice. With their CavityTherm, Thin R, Thin R Plus, Safe-R and Xtroliner ranges can all producing maximum U-Values of 0.18 W/m2K. Changes to Part L are the first step in the government’s move towards the Future Homes
November 2022 A supplement to builders merchants journal
Xtratherm is working with its partners to achieve performances beyond simple U-values.
Standard, which will see homes built from 2025 having to achieve 75-80% less carbon emissions than under previous regulations. Xtratherm’s approach has always been to innovate and develop a ‘fabric first’ mindset resulting in cleaner more energy efficient homes with lower fuel bills. Where Future Homes standards are concerned, Xtratherm believes the future begins now and is committed to helping its construction industry partners achieve Future Homes standards well ahead of schedule.
Future Homes
One such project is Project 80 – a development by Birmingham based housing association Midland Heart, which has seen Future Homes standards achieved 3 years ahead of target. Xtratherm worked closely with contractor Tricas on the delivery of insulation solutions that achieved 80% less carbon emissions than current building standards. This is believed to be the first project of its kind to achieve Future Homes standards.
Xtratherm’s commitment to partnering the industry on a Construct Zero agenda means it will continually seek out these ground- breaking projects in an effort to collectively reduce the impact the construction industry has on our environment n
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