Armatherm™ shares ways energy efficency can be improved within new builds in order to limit carbon emissions.
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Address: Hillam Rd, Bradford, BD2 1QN
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The UK Government recently published updates to Part L of building regulations under the Future Homes Standard, which is due to come into force in March 2027. These new rules mandate that all new homes be zero-carbon ready, producing at least 75% fewer emissions than the 2013 standard previously in place. This aligns with the global goal of reaching net zero by 2050, and marks a significant step forward in ensuring we meet the target. But what solutions will be specified in new construction to adhere to these stricter standards?
Paul Beech, International Sales Manager of Armatherm™ thermal bridging solutions, explains the ways we can improve energy efficiency of new buildings in order to limit carbon emissions.
The hidden impact of thermal bridging
There are various reasons for a building to lack in energy performance, however an often overlooked culprit, which can account for up to 30% heat loss from a building, is thermal bridging. Occurring wherever the building envelope is disrupted due to conductive materials meeting, it creates weak spots for heat to transfer easily from the inside out, and vice versa, causing internal temperatures to fluctuate. This then contributes to an overconsumption of energy in order to keep temperatures at a constant level. These bridges also create cold spots in the building’s structure, which when combined with the movement of heat, can cause condensation issues, creating a breeding ground for mould. Because of this, the actual structural integrity of the building is compromised if left unaddressed, leading to further problems and sometimes even demolition.
Designing out heat loss
With this in mind, thermal bridging is a problem that needs addressing in order to improve the energy efficiency of new buildings and help them meet the new requirements as set out by the Future Homes Standard. To do this, it is vital that thermal bridging is identified in initial drawings with effective future-proof solutions specified. For residential buildings, there are a number of applications in which thermal bridging can occur, with wall-to-foundation being one of them. This is because current building methods include concrete foundations paired with steel framework, which are both highly conductive creating this bridge for heat transfer.
To help reinforce the building envelope at this junction, Armatherm™ 500 can be installed between the steel framework and foundation slab to help isolate the movement of energy, reducing loss by up to 75%. Made from a polyurethane material, it is a load bearing solution that can improve the energy efficiency of the building, and therefore reduce carbon emissions. Armatherm™ 500 is a versatile thermal break that can be used in various applications, but as it can be manufactured in several densities, it can be produced specifically for project needs.
