As urban populations across the globe continue to grow, the construction industry faces the challenge of building sustainable cities that can support this growth whilst meeting ambitious carbon reduction targets. Simon Storer of Insulation Manufacturers Association explains how insulation lies at the heart of the solution.
First line of defence
Across Europe, about 40% of the energy used is in buildings and up to 60% of that comes from heating and cooling, with much of that energy coming from the burning of fossil fuels. With buildings being the largest energy consumers in the developed world, the continued reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation is perpetuating global warming. However, readily available technologies, primarily enhanced insulation and renewable energy sources offer effective means to reduce energy consumption and emissions from this sector.
Installing high performing insulants such as polyisocyanurate (PIR) and polyurethane (PUR) into UK buildings, which are currently amongst the least energy efficient in Europe, is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy demand and cut CO2 in new builds and retrofits. PIR/PUR insulation helps to create a well-insulated building envelope, reducing the use of heating and cooling systems. This, in turn, lowers energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.
A ‘fabric first’ approach, focusing on high performance insulation, will create highly engineered buildings offering improved environmental benefits from the outset, as well as bringing enhanced comfort and wellbeing to building occupants. The comprehensive benefits of these buildings spanning environmental sustainability, structural longevity, and occupant wellbeing, will create market pressure that drives the construction industry to embrace these higher energy standards as the new normal.
The role of the contractor
For contractors, understanding and implementing proper insulation strategies is becoming increasingly critical on this sustainability journey. Firstly, building standards must demand higher performance criteria, including better overall building envelope performance. The better or lower the U-values in walls, floors and roofs, the less heat that is lost, resulting in enhanced thermal performance which in turn will help to deliver the standards required. Secondly, stakeholders are increasingly aware of what the building should achieve and are demanding solutions that deliver both environmental and economic returns. Thirdly, correct installation is vital to ensure high performing products such as PIR/PUR achieve their full thermal performance thereby increasing energy efficiency.
The devil is in the detail
Maximising the benefits of insulation in buildings requires accuracy on detailing. For example, by ensuring junctions are appropriately designed and constructed, can make a significant contribution to reducing heat loss. Responsible for up to 30% of a dwelling’s heat loss, thermal bridges occur at breaks in insulation at junctions and openings, causing heat loss which can affect internal temperature and an increased demand for heating. Whether on new build or retrofit, success hinges on rigorous quality control throughout both design and construction with good detailing at every junction and interface.
With little or no maintenance needed for the insulation, energy efficiency is built into the building fabric for the life of the building. By reducing the total energy envelope of a building, the size and capacity of any renewables can be reduced, which in turn will reduce capital and running costs. When energy demands are reduced to a low level, it is possible to service those demands in the most efficient way. What is important is not adding undue burdens in terms of the running costs of renewables.
Health and wellbeing
Well insulated buildings can also yield significant benefits for users and occupants as high thermal performance provides pleasant internal conditions during both the winter and summer months.
Other social benefits associated with better insulation is the reduction and potential elimination of fuel poverty. This issue is alleviated if a greater proportion of heat is retained more effectively in homes by incorporating superior fabric efficiencies. The provision of an enhanced building envelope results in a reduced overall fuel demand to achieve comfortable living conditions over the winter months compared to a building with poorer thermal performance.
A way forward
As urban populations continue to surge, the use of high-performance insulation materials like PIR and PUR becomes increasingly critical in both new build and retrofit. Beyond the immediate advantages of reduced carbon emissions and energy costs, insulation directly addresses pressing social challenges such as fuel poverty and occupant health, as outlined above. For cities to thrive in an era of climate change while supporting growing populations, the construction industry must prioritise this fundamental yet effective solution. Through careful attention to installation detail, rigorous quality control, and a fabric-first approach, insulation can play its part in creating resilient and sustainable urban environments benefiting future generations.
www.insulationmanufacturers.org.uk
