Insulation Blog

From an urban design perspective high density accommodation is particularly attractive because agglomeration means that the overall energy use is far less than it otherwise would be. This is certainly the case when it comes to heating systems.

In traditional dwelling houses each home has its own dedicated boiler that satisfies all of the heating and hot water demand. This method is also seen in many flats due to the flexibility of the approach.

Larger heating systems are, however, inherently more efficient than smaller ones, especially when the heating demand becomes large enough to make combined heat and power (CHP) systems viable. It often, therefore, makes sense therefore to pursue a single heating system for multiple dwellings.

You may have spent hours comparing the specifications of different boilers or air-conditioning units and weeks figuring out how to maximise your BREEAM score but is it possible that the true secrets to environmental sustainability lie outside a box ticking exercise?

Planning to go international with your building design? We look at what will changes to the latest BREEAM guides might mean for your sustainability ratings overseas.

It can be critical to the overall performance of a heating system but many consultants are unaware of exactly how pipe insulation works or how to maximise their energy saving potential.

Part L is restrictive and stifles innovation by forcing consultants into a “tick-box” mentality at the cost of intelligently designing for energy efficiency. Abolishing it entirely may be the best way forwards – that’s the conclusion of a blistering article from the technical director of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).

Pipe insulation is one of the most effective energy saving techniques available but it can only save energy when your heating system is in use. Ironically it’s the least well-designed heating systems that operate for longer periods and benefit more from bigger thicknesses of insulation.

Almost every modern building has a space heating system and even the best of these heating systems are energy intensive. Pipe insulation is one of the best available technologies for reducing this energy waste and reducing your Carbon footprint.

Biocides are chemicals and compounds designed to kill microbes but their misuse can create more potent and resilient strains of bacteria and mould, creating a long term health risk for us all.