Whether or not you subscribe to the view that climate change is a manmade phenomenon, there is no question that greenhouse gases contribute to its acceleration. One of the greatest contributors to the production of CO2 is the burning of fossil fuels to create energy for heating, cooling or operating our buildings. Reducing the amount of carbon dioxide we produce by making our buildings more energy efficient is paramount in dealing with this issue.
In addition to their obvious use as a weather shield, the primary function of insulated panels is energy conservation. PIR insulated panels are designed using one of the highest performing and most efficient insulations materials that is readily available ; they are also capable of providing extremely high levels of air tightness. These attributes uniquely contribute to the energy efficiency of the building envelope with the potential to considerably cut CO2 emissions.
Read more in EPIC’s airtightness standards guide or explore EPIC’s ‘Sustainability FAQs’.
Does refurbishing buildings help achieve a more sustainable future?
Upgrading our existing building stock is an essential element of protecting the environment, and it also has the potential to create large numbers of jobs. Insulated panels are particularly well suited to refurbishment projects: whether over cladding or replacing existing elements. They are low weight, so have minimal impact on existing structures, and their effectiveness ensures a rapid simple payback on the original investment with immediate potential savings on energy bills. Learn more in ‘why is refurbishing our buildings key to addressing the climate crisis?’.
For private landlords, insulated panels have the potential to help meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Read more in ‘what are the benefits and challenges of improving MEES’.
What are display energy certificates for public buildings?
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and advisory reports are required for all public buildings with a useful floor space of over 250 m2. The crucial difference between DECs and the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) is that whereas an EPC is currently valid for up to ten years, a DEC is based on actual energy consumption and must be reviewed annually for buildings with a useful floor space of over 1000 m2. Public buildings ranging from council offices through to schools and hospitals have to undergo assessment and display the resulting certificate in a place clearly visible to the public.
One very effective way of achieving high and maintained levels of energy efficiency is to use the most efficient and lasting envelope constructions for the roofs and walls. Insulated panels have been proven to fully meet this requirement. With a life expectancy of at least thirty years or more, whether used in a new build or a refurbishment project, these systems can provide the long term excellent thermal performance and low air leakage rates that will play a vital role in attaining a good EPC rating, as well as reducing day to day running costs.