Colorcoat-Online - Thermal Performance

Thermal Performance

Environmental concerns and the rising cost of fuel mean that there is an increased focus on the minimisation of energy use during the natural occupational life of a building. The thermal performance of the building envelope can make a significant contribution to reducing the overall building energy usage. Here we provide an overview of the measures used to assess the thermal efficiency of buildings in the context of the current Building Regulations for the conservation of fuel and power.

We also provide guidance on how to design and prove compliance to these. Designing details to maximise the thermal performance of the building envelope is explored in more depth in Detailing.

Climate change

Global climate change, the result of ‘greenhouse gas’ emissions, has become an ever more pressing concern for the planet over the last two decades. Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is emitted from all fossil fuels when they are burned, is one of the main contributors and the fingers point mainly at emissions from heating, lighting and cooling buildings. In Northern Europe, approximately half of all CO2 emissions come about that way.

The Building Regulations

In the UK, Government-stated, long-term targets for the reduction of CO2 are implemented through the Conservation of Fuel and Power Directive and through three relevant Building Regulation approved documents.

Fabric heat loss

Heat can escape through the building envelope by direct heat transfer through the walls, roof, floors and windows, both through the insulation itself and through direct paths of lower thermal resistance called thermal bridges.

Compliance with Building Regulations

Information relating to Part L Changes (2006), Including Air-tightness and Thermal bridging.

Future developments

The Building Regulations for conservation of fuel and power in England and Wales are being reviewed in 2005 and amended versions will come into force in 2006, with a further review scheduled for 2010. It is expected that regulations in the other regions of the UK, as well as in Ireland, will follow this in due course.